UW-Whitewater students were nervous, yet excited, to see if they had what it takes to model for Sevyn Fashion Modeling Troupe, a student-run modeling organization here on campus. Students lined up and waited with bated breath to be called in one-by-one to the Kachel Center, inside the Center of the Arts, to show off their runway walks to the judges.
“I was a little nervous going in, but once I heard my song come on, I just knew what to do,” said student Josh Jenkins after his audition at the casting call. Jenkins joined Sevyn because he wanted the opportunity to network so that he could pursue his career in modeling and acting.
Student Kamrin Hutt is new to the world of modeling, so he came to the casting looking for a way to introduce himself to the field. Being an athlete, the part that drew him in was the physicality of modeling. Hutt said he was interested in “embracing the natural aspects of our everyday lives–which is our bodies.”
“I’m going to give it my all,” said student Ty Brandmeier at the casting call. Brandmeier
joined the organization last school year but had to leave due to personal commitments. However, he is happy to be back and he is “grateful for the opportunity.”
Student Lindsey Jones described the perks of modeling as “being able to build that confidence that a lot of people don’t naturally have.” She expressed how modeling presents a space for personal growth and furthering the relationship with one’s self.
A total of 12 students got the chance to show off their runway walk for Sevyn’s casting call Friday, Feb. 9 in the Kachel Center. Some of those students, along with students from the previous casting call, will be taken into consideration for the upcoming spring fashion show in April and miscellaneous photoshoot opportunities.
Sevyn is a fairly new organization that was established in 2022. Tori Carter, president of the organization, explained that their goal is to create opportunities for students to engage in the fashion world through fashion shows, photography, sewing, and more.
So far they have hosted four fashion shows, each with clothing that was designed and curated by the organization’s members. They have also gone on trips; most recently, they journeyed to Chicago for the city’s fashion week in October and saw two fashion shows hosted by “America’s Next Top Model” alumni ShaRaun.
Besides fashion shows, Sevyn loves to do photoshoots. Their next one is going to be a Black History Month shoot that will utilize black student models to create images that embrace black culture.
Also upcoming is their collaboration with TIFU Cultural Ensemble. The event will be a dance class on Feb. 13 from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Kachel Center.
On Valentine’s Day, Sevyn will be setting up a backdrop in the University Center from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and taking Polaroid photos of couples–or singles and friends. The event will also be a bake sale for those who need a last-minute gift for their significant other. Polaroid pictures will be $5 each and bake sale items will be $3 each.
To keep up with Sevyn, follow their Instagram here.
