Positive body image is about to hit the UW in the most fashionable way possible.

In recognition of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (Feb. 24 - March 1), the ASUW's Arts and Entertainment group, in conjunction with the Student Health Consortium, will host a campus-wide fashion show with the intention of promoting healthy body image.

This week, the two groups will hold auditions for models interested in participating in the show.

Lauren Sterling, the student director of the Student Health Consortium, and Tara Miller, the director of Arts and Entertainment and a fashion model herself, hope to attract models of all body types, races and genders to this show.

"The point of the fashion show is to build confidence. We're looking to showcase the natural beauty and talent that is found at the UW. We want any person who is confident with who they are to participate. There aren't any requirements beyond that," Sterling said.

According to Sterling, this positive body image fashion show was originally developed because these two seemingly opposite groups were randomly paired together at the ASUW orientation.

Miller had wanted to do a campus-wide fashion show for some time.

"I had been thinking of doing a fashion show to promote healthy bodyimage awareness for about a year, but hadn't had a chance to put it together until now," she said.

During the show, only clothing companies that promote a healthy body image and a variety of sizing will be featured. Also, models will have the opportunity to model a style of clothing that they feel comfortable wearing, including lingerie and swimwear.

"Just like the people we'd like to model, we'd like the types of clothing we showcase to be diverse. We're looking at getting samples from vintage, sports, outdoor and boutique clothing stores," Sterling said.

Sterling and Miller also emphasized that even if people do not want to participate in the fashion show as models, they are more than welcome to participate through other venues. They are looking to showcase student designers, makeup artists, hairstylists, local DJs and related individuals.

Although the show is still in the planning stages, Miller hopes to attract a well-known keynote speaker to help raise significant awareness to the life-threatening issues of negative self body image and eating disorders. Tyra Banks, Project Runway's Tim Gunn, Queen Latifah and Hairspray's Nikki Blonsky are among those being considered. Although potentially costly, a prominent keynote speaker would help attract necessary media attention and corporate sponsorship to the event, she said.

"Ultimately, the fashion show will leave attendees with a feeling of pride and empowerment. We want to show people that they are beautiful how they are and give them ideas on how to maintain a healthy, positive lifestyle," Miller said.

[Reach reporter Chris Heide at news@thedaily.washington.edu.]

Tryouts for models will be held this Thursday from 1:30 - 5 p.m. in HUB 304K and Friday from noon - 4:30 p.m. in HUB 304G. Models will be asked to fill out a short form and demonstrate their best "walk." No previous experience is required. Those who have any questions or are interested in participating should directly contact Lauren Sterling at asuwshc@u.washington.edu. If they cannot make the audition, models can also tryout online by posting a video of their walk at http://www.youtube.com/group/uwfashionshow.