On Monday, University of Memphis students gathered in front of the University Center looking for their chance to show their love for fashion.
BET marketing intern and senior communications major Milton Howery III and two members of his Street Team, Cordy Washington and Cherika Burditt, promoted BET's "Rip the Runway" on campus on Monday, taking pictures of fans and passing out prizes.
The photos of The U of M students taken Monday will be submitted to BET's headquarters in Washington, D.C. so BET employees can see their fans, said Howery, who last semester received one of 30 national marketing internships with BET.
"Also," said Washington, "some will be posted on Facebook so everyone can look and try to find their picture."
"Rip the Runway" is BET's annual fashion show that features models, musicians and celebrity hosts. This year's hosts included Victoria's Secret model Selita Ebanks and actor and Calvin Klein model Mehcad Brooks.
Howery said BET selected the Memphis area and The U of M as places to advertise and reach out to fans because Memphis has a large audience of people who "love" BET.
He added that "Rip the Runway" is more than just entertainment.
"It encourages people to rock the show," he said. "Fashion is your appearance; it's how people perceive you, so it's important to make sure you look your best at all times."
The program, which aired on BET at 9 p.m. Monday, featured performers Keri Hilson, New Boyz, Lloyd, Melanie Fiona, Fabolous, Wiz Khalifa and Miguel and 29 models showing off the clothes of seven designers. The models were chosen during auditions held across the nation last year.
Freshman education major Marqueshia Bowles said she isn't a fan of fashion, but she enjoys watching "Rip the Runway" each year.
"I like seeing the different clothes, designs and styles for the year," she said.
Sophomore journalism major Destini Johnson said she watched "Rip the Runway" this year to see the musical performances, male models and the new lines coming out.
"I enjoy the styles that everyone comes out with because no one is the same," she said. "And I like the vintage styles, the unique styles that make everyone different from anything else we all wear."
