Wholesome as Pie

Champagne, catfights, and coked-out models are the hallmark of any fashion show worth its money. Not so at Eleganza 2005. While you might have been able to find one or more of those things at the Kong after-party, participants say Eleganza was more about Red Bull, teamwork, and psyched-up models. Scandalous.

It might seem that grouping together 40 of Harvard’s biggest egos in their skivvies (or less, in some cases) would lead to some major drama. However, more ABC Family than E! Entertainment, the Eleganza crew was described in almost disgustingly wholesome terms by everyone involved.

“It’s like a family,” says Executive Producer Abdel Reid ’06, whose most memorable part of the backstage commotion was “definitely the Eleganza chant.”

As far as backstage partying is concerned, whatever drinking occurred was done stealthily. While there was plenty of Red Bull to go round, Vodka was not provided.

“We’re not allowed to have open containers of alcohol, due to licensing and insurance purposes,” says Executive Producer Tessa C. Petrich ’07. “However, I couldn’t tell you what they managed to sneak backstage…is that fair?”

Absent alcohol, backstage naturally still managed to be extremely hot. According to Petrich, many of the male models would do last minute push-ups and sit-ups between being rubbed down with lotion and strutting their stuff. Some female models had to suffer through the pains of having adhesive tape and fake rose petals stuck on to their breasts, but they were also, of course, having their breasts touched.

Unfortunately, like booze, cameras were not allowed backstage.