KINGSTON, R.I. — March 30, 2000 — The University of Rhode Island Fashion Merchandising Society promises an eye-opening evening when it presents Insomnia, Wednesday, April 5 at 7 p.m. This year’s fashion show, to be held at the Memorial Union Ballroom, “represents freedom of styleanything goes,” according to Kristen Baran, president of the society and a senior in URI’s Textiles, Fashion Merchandising and Design Department. Admission is $5 and $3 for students. Fifteen URI student-designers will present their own clothing lines, some of which have been made from patterns, while others have been created from the students own designs. Thirty students will model a total of 81 garments. Baran said the students purchase their own fabrics, thread and patterns, if patterns are used. Baran who is from Freehold, N.J., will be one of the students showing a clothing line, called Mystique. “I actually started my clothes last semester, so I’ve been working on them about six months. We’ve all been working on the entire show since mid-September. “We’ll be presenting sleep wear, career wear, sportswear, club wear and eveningwear,” Baran said. “There will be a wedding scene.” Each designer has selected music to match his or her clothing line presentations. “We’ve also worked hard to improve the decorations and the set this year,” Baran said. “The Ballroom is going to feature a nighttime scene to go with the whole Insomnia theme.” Baran said organizing the show has helped her prepare for a career in fashion marketing or fashion public relations. “You get to know all the behind the scenes steps needed to put on a show. We had a good turnout last year, but I think we will do even better this year. Baran said she has enjoyed the preparations, but the best part is the show itself. “It’s seeing how all your hard work has come together. Being out on the stage just gives you a high; you have that energy that lasts all night and for a couple of days.” -xxx- For Further Information: Kristen Baran 401-783-6536, Dave Lavallee 401-874-2116