Graduating MATC students show off cosmetology talents with fantasy-themed showcase

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Graduating seniors at Milwaukee Area Technical College got to showcase their talents in cosmetology with fantasy themes Tuesday night, before an audience that included the college's new president.

From Alice in Wonderland to Cinderella, 19 students in the MATC advanced style class hosted, "The Edge, A Beauty Showcase" Tuesday evening at the downtown campus.

"We really wanted to tap into their creativity, so we said take it as far as you can go, because what we want is to not limit them behind the chair," said Megan Jackson, barber and cosmetology instructor at MATC.

It's theatrical hair, makeup and nails catching the attention of an audience that included MATC President Anthony Cruz, who took over in May.

"Here at the college, we're very proud of our students. So, we'll make sure that they're very successful," said Cruz.

The show serves as a final project. Graduates are now eligible to become state licensed cosmetologists.

"I really think I want to do hairstyles and stuff, so for brides and Quinceaneras," said Emily Hernandez, MATC graduate.

Emily Hernandez got to help design a Quinceanera with two others in her class.

"The Quinceanera is a part of our Hispanic culture and we really wanted to incorporate that into our final project, so it felt very fitting," said graduate Lucia Sanchez.

"It feels very magical, like I'm my own princess, and it was great, like, reliving the moment," said Sofia Sanchez, model for the show.

Cinderella had a few surprises on the runway too, including a tiny pumpkin and a little glass slipper. She's the creation of graduate Diamonique Moore.

"And then we kind of got the slipper here, as you can see, the glass slipper - I'm like totally into details," said Moore.

Cinderella's high hair, a little trick Moore says she learned with a separate project at MATC she called, "Apple of my Eye."

We asked, "Does it make you feel like Cinderella?"

"Yes. It make me feel so confident because I can walk around with this and it not fall - oh yea, too confident," said Danajah Moore, model for the show.

"To be highlighted and to have someone actually see my work, it just means a lot to me, because I did put a lot of hard work into it," said Moore.