On April 5, fellow Cal publication {m}agandá magazine presented Invisible Runway, a political fashion show that narrates undocumented immigration stories from students, activists, and designers at UC Berkeley through art, fashion, music, and poetry. In addition to being an event of sartorial eye candy and catchy music spun out by DJ Justin Credible, it was an AB 540 scholarship fundraiser.

 

As quoted from the program, “Assembly Bill 540 is a state law that allows undocumented students to pay in-state tuition in California’s public universities, provided that they have attended at least three years of high school and graduated or obtained a GED; intend to pursue higher education or serve in the military; and plan to apply for legal residency.”

 

All of the proceeds from the show will benefit the {m}ulticulture Community AB 540 Fund, a new annual scholarship that will be offered to current and incoming AB 540 UC Berkeley students.

 

The fashion show was divided into three parts: Moment, Movement, and Migration. Each part told a different story about the designers’ experiences as undocumented students through the various designs that the elegant models wore as they sauntered down the runway. Here, each of the designers had a story to tell.

The three parts and their designers are listed below:

I. Moment

Designer: Jaymie Ngov

Inspiration: “Following DREAMS” by Krnsa

Quote: “This collection was inspired by Krsna Avila’s tribute to DREAMer Joaquin Luna who committed suicide in Novemeber 2011. Its use of darker pieces convey a sense of sadness but also strength to symbolize that support is all Joaquin needed to survive. The mixture of dark and bright colors as well as soft and hard silhouettes reflect the facets of his circumstance. Feeling low will always be tough but inner strength as well as strength from others can help someone overcome difficult times.”

 

Designer: {m}agandá magazine

Inspiration: “Identity Crisis” by Raphael

Quote: “Our collection draws its inspiration from the “ugly duckling” imagery evoked in the poem Identity Crisis. While there is a negativity associated with this metaphor, we also wanted to convey its duality: the despairing darkness coupled with the possibility of hope, lightness, and a future despite seemingly insurmountable odds.”

Designer: Jorelle Javier

Inspiration: “Secrets” by Catherine

Quote: “I was inspired by the challenge of having to hide one’s status as undocumented. It’s shocking to me that while we encounter so many people throughout our lives, there is often that part of them that is forced to be kept secret.”

Designer: Pilipino Association of Scientists, Architects & Engineers

Inspiration: “American Monster” by Mario

Quote: “Our collection, ‘Shining Star,’ focuses on bright, metallic, flowy ethereal looks to go with the outerspace and visible/invisible theme. The writer of our inspiration piece says that he is invisible, but in actuality he is not. The bold colors will show that he is already a star instead of trying to be like one. Golds, silvers, and blacks are the main colors in our palette.”

 

II. Movement

Designer: Xinaxtli

Inspiration: “Sin Fronteras”

Quote: “We didn’t cross the border, the border crossed us! Xinaxtli, the Seed That Grows, presents its recycled collection of shirts from our annual Indigenous People’s Night of Resistance. The design on the shirts echo the 500+ years of indigenous resistance on this continent. Ningun ser humano es ilegal! / No human being is illegal!”

Designer: Tishiana Mann

Inspiration: Works by Julio Salgado

Quote: “My collection was inspired by the political artwork of Julio Salgado, which are illustrations that include loud, bold colors and anti-oppressionist statements. I’ve interpreted those elements to represent self-love and profound love for others, which in my opinion, is the essential motivation behind shameless defiance and resistance to social and political injustices.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Designer: Jennifer Kung

Inspiration: Statements by Ju Hong

Quote: “My collection is inspired by Ju Hong’s acts of boldness in his ‘Statement by Ju Hong.’ My pieces embody this boldness through the structural and armor-like construction of each garment. Each piece also has an exaggerated shoulder and hipline to create a sense of determination, courage, and power in the collection.”

Designer: Pilipino American Alliance

Inspiration: Campaign for an American Dream Walker Lucas de Silva

Quote: “The Pilipino American Alliance is established upon four main pillars–social, cultural, academic, and political….The designs depict poignant parts of Lucas Da Silva’s story and life–from his youth and thirst for education, to the moment he realizes his status and education, to the moment he realizes his status and situation, and finally to the period where he realizes he still has a voice and agency when he joins movements in support of immigrants.”

 

Designer: Jessy Slim

Inspiration: “What Are You Afraid Of?” by Denisse

Quote: “Notions of departure, separation and fear empowered the concept. The pieces are symbolic of purity, humility and reality. The materials are organic and very raw, physicalizing the emotions and state of mind during hard times–fragile and almost putrid….In contrast, the vibrancy and innocence of a young soul is uplifted from a longing and broken heart through the use of light and plans/branches which represent life. The design is focused on juxtaposing materials with the use of synthetic abstract creations and contrasting ideals of creating clothing by using non-materialistic aspects while regarding the absence of humility and creativity in the basis of our daily life in the way we choose to dress.”

 

 

 

 

III. Migration

Designer: Pilipino Academic Student Services

Inspiration: “Immigration Amnesia” by Krnsa

Quote: “This collection highlights the stories and struggles of the past that have created a future of success. Sometimes these narratives are forgotten or not heard. We must never forget the brave fight our ancestors endured, and we must acknowledge all their efforts, their sacrifices, and their dreams. The struggle continues on with us. The future is in our hands. What world are we going to create?”

 

Designer: Romeo Ferrer

Inspiration: “Passage to a Strange Land” by Denisse

Quote: “This collection depicts the experience of a young girl and her family in the midst of deportation. Her dreams were tarnished by an oppressive government system and were left to deteriorate in her own tears. Bound by chairs and detained behind bars, I aim to liberate her experience and emotions through art.”

 

Designer: John Domingo

Inspiration: “Letter to Myself Before Leaving” by Ingrid

Quote: “Minute details in a garment–from the cuts that render the shape to the seams that bind the construction–are often invisible much like how memories of a goodbye can often be forgotten. This collection is a portrait of simple silhouettes and understated intentions in juxtaposition with fragile details beneath the fabric to challenge how well we pay attention to hidden details beneath the facade.”

Designer: Christine Fukushima

Inspiration: Campaign for an American Dream Walker Jonatan Martinez

Quote: “A few weeks before the show, Jonatan Martinez and a fellow CAD walker came to my Immigration and Citizenship legal studies lecture to speak to us about their experiences as undocumented immigrants, and I later encountered his incredibly touching story in written form on the CAD Walkers website. Scrawled across the walls of Eshleman across from Room 515 is the quote ‘You can’t have the American Dream without the American Nightmare.’ When Jonatan spoke to my class, that’s what kept running through my head.”

 

 

All photography credits go to Dominique Martinez.

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