Athens Fashion Collective’s fall fashion show last night was about much more than just clothing – it was about all things art.

The Athens Fasion Collective's fall show mixed music and modeling in order to be as ‘inclusive’ as possible. MICHAEL BARONE/Staff

The studio space was packed with artwork of all kinds, showcasing various artists using various media.

Among the artwork was jewelry sent from New York, sculptures and paintings from local artists and pieces made by fabric design majors from the University.

“We start connecting people and bring it all into this melting pot and create a platform in which we’re actually making something happen that matters,” said organizer Maggie Benoit.

To put on the show, Benoit teamed up with Community owner Sanni Baumgaertner to convey “an idea of sustainable fashion – using fashion as a tool to communicate something,” she said.

To communicate her message of collaboration and cooperation, the show was inclusive and interactive.

“If we come together … we’re more powerful and more impactful in what we can do as a whole,” Benoit said. “Then you start waking people up a little, making them feel their pulses.”

And waking people up is what they did.

As a metal ball swung over the drink table, “Interview with the Vampire” played on a projector in the corner and an umbrella hung from strings of lights on the ceiling, women, men and children wearing face paint walked down the makeshift runway.

The makeup was a cross between tribal and Queen Amidala, and the clothing was equally odd and eclectic.

A large patterned flower embellished a girl’s top, stripes of gold and pink made up another’s dress and one guy’s pants were made of bright orange and pink fabric.

But luckily, out of all fashion shows I’ve been to, these models were the least pretentious. They were strange and interactive, preferring to be more weird than sexy.

The music fit the atmosphere too, but it wasn’t something I’d listen to under normal circumstances.

While a girl screeched her violin and two others played a guitar and drum pad, a keyboardist projected faux-vocals into the microphone, yielding eccentric sounds.

The end of the show got even weirder.

I didn’t see it coming: suddenly two fire-twirlers appeared as the models danced about on the runway.

Grins and expressions of surprise came over the audience as the two captivated them with fire.

The fiery performance made for a strong end to an interesting and enjoyable night of fashion and art. I’m looking forward to the next.