The Wake

On Saturday, March 26th, I was part of “Katwalk,” an interestingly exotic name for what was simply an elegant representation of Korean culture. “Katwalk” was billed as an evening of Korean food and fashion – a chance for a relatively small sized student group to extend their own delight in culture to others.

The night began and ended at the Weisman museum. I arrived at 5:15, late as usual. Euna, Vice President of KISO and Katwalk informal model-finder, rushed to greet me at the door. Immediately, she shoved layers and layers of willowy silk into my arms. “Put this on, there’s a changing room in the back.”

I made my way through the high-ceilinged banquet room, stepping gingerly around tables and chairs with what seemed to be miles and miles of Korean dress. I kicked two students out of what turned out to be a conference room and began my attempt at dressing in traditional Korean royalty silks. Not an easy thing. Tangled and defeated, I emerged ten minutes later and looked helplessly at a group of Korean students. Two of them rushed to my aid and after a flurry of tying, tucking, and wrapping I was actually appropriately adorned with layers of Korean fashion. Silks of maroon and green, not fitted, but flowing and graceful. It was apparent that the gown was meant for royalty – and a slight slice of tingling vanity gave way to a sense of sacrilege. These clothes were not meant for a bumbling, casual 21-year-old student. They seemed to belong on the body of an imperial majesty. But I was there not to feel awkward and out of place, but instead to help this group of students communicate their heritage.

After an hour or so of waiting, attendees arrived. A sort of Korean punk band played, one of the members wearing delightful pink hair. Dinner came next, a brightly flavorful assortment of Korean fare whose countless flavors left the palate pleased.

The show followed. It was fast, with only ten models, but had the intended effect. Guests were visually enticed and educated. The dress was varied in color and form from model to model, but each piece was magnificent and singularly exceptional. The students that worked to produce the show seemed relieved upon its final moments, but there also existed a satisfaction in a job well done – Korean culture imparted upon those who would otherwise be unaware of its exquisite layers. A short, sweet, different and delightful Saturday night.