A dual venture into the world of fashion and dance; a show in which student designs were featured alongside clothes from local retailers and where dance numbers ranged from ballet and jazz to hip-hop and break dancing. This was Infusion.

This past Friday, unique clothing styles and solid dance routines were showcased at Western’s annual Infusion Fashion Show.

A nice new addition this year was the “rhythm of life” dance competition. However, if the organizers want to keep the dance competition in next year’s show, they should eliminate some of the Infusion dance scenes to prevent the show from dragging.

The fashion was based on the concept of “beauty of,” with clothes from Le Chateau, Nina Ricci, Over the Edge, Mixed Images, Laura, Balletts, Bikini Village, CG Design, Archies, and student designers.

The commercial clothes were not revolutionary, but were indicative of current trends. Gold, earth tones, black and turquoise, sequins and bead details were featured on the women. Many pieces meshed into the boho-chic trend: loose fitting and often paired with woven belts, ruffles and flirty touches. Unfortunately, the men’s clothing was somewhat plain in comparison.

Models donned white masks at times, adding spice and high fashion to the night. There was also a sexy punk edge: spikes, female mohawks and faux-hawks.

However, a few scenes could easily have been cut, including the CG Designs and Archies casual wear, and the inexplicable “guys with open shirts” segment.

Student design was the show’s highlight. Exotic Secrets by Nhi Nguyen and Roya Poorsasan, second-year Fanshawe College design students, had an intriguing burlesque theme. Tulle, satin, lace, ribbons, and feather textures overlapped. Burlesque was in the thigh-highs, gloves, and garters.

Marie Glass and Daja Graham presented “Eras Renovated.” The first piece was unflattering — a French maid meets pirate meets burlesque look. But their ’20s inspired black satin sack dress with tassels layered over a red skirt and the ’40s/’50s black Grecian gown with white details and a long train oozed femininity.

Dawn Frowley, Candice DiMarco, and Shannon Curran presented “’80s chic,” which consisted of structured and loose cotton pieces in purples, whites, and turquoises using jean and fur.

Yet it was Western third-year biology student Samantha Trelle — paying homage to haute couture — who was the evening’s standout. She played with military and Victorian elements: high collars, buttons from belly-button to chin, large trains, mini-skirts, bare backs and lace. A red satin mermaid dress hugging curves screamed glamour. It was fashion for the art of it.

As a whole the show was impressive, but Infusion tried to pack too much into one evening. However, last year’s transition, technical, and dance woes were considerably tightened. Student designs were fantastic, while the dancers showed great versatility. If the show had been trimmed, its stronger elements would have truly shined.