Graduates from senior schools across Bermuda will take to the runway this week in a fashion production inspired by the events that shaped the year they were born.

Created by Chauntee Thompson, the All Grads Rhythm & Fashion Show draws inspiration from the defining headlines of 2008 — Barack Obama’s election as US president, the global financial crisis, Hurricane Ike and the rapid rise of smartphone technology.

About 35 students will model their own clothing in the production after responding to an open call on social media. Bermuda entertainers Mr Fotogenik and Shauntae Todd will serve as MCs.

“My fashion shows are very different. The students don’t just walk down the runway. We come up with different formations; we go to the rhythm of the music. It’s almost like looking at a dance routine, but they’re modelling,” Ms Thompson said.

“And then I also have a live DJ that’s going to be playing at the beginning of the show and right at the end of the show, just to keep the vibe and the energy exciting throughout the entire show.”

Her idea was to give graduates an opportunity to express themselves while connecting with students from other schools.

She began organising fashion shows for CedarBridge Academy students in 2015 while teaching there. Although she wanted to expand the concept to include senior students from other high schools, Ms Thompson said she did not feel comfortable doing so until she moved to Francis Patton Primary School.

“Children from all the schools always expressed interest. I think it’s also a great way to bring everyone together — they can network, they can make connections with people from other schools,” she said.

About 40 students initially signed up. Most continued through rehearsals and will take part in the final production this week, representing The Berkeley Institute, CedarBridge Academy, Warwick Academy, Somersfield Academy, Mount Saint Agnes Academy and several home schools.

“I don’t really do auditions. I don’t want to pick and choose. I think that anyone that wants to be a part of it should be able to be a part of it,” Ms Thompson said.

“I know this is a really difficult time for them because they’re trying to graduate, but we still managed to have more than 30 students take part in the show.”

One of the most rewarding parts of the process was watching the 17 and 18-year-olds work together, and contribute ideas of their own.

“They were able to put together one of the scenes themselves, which I was so proud of them for,” she said. “A lot of them didn’t even know each other from the beginning so to watch them collaborate and come up with a scene on their own was just beautiful.”

Video projections tied to the major events of 2008 will accompany the performances throughout the show.

“For the hurricane scene we’re going to show a little bit of what that looked like. Then for the Olympics in Beijing we’re going to show a little clip of that. We’re going to show a little clip of Obama becoming president, and we have, for the financial crisis, what that looked like as well,” Ms Thompson said.

The students wear white for the opening scene — inspired by the emergence of smartphone technology in 2008. For the finale, they reinterpret their school uniforms in their own style.

“We’re encouraging them not to really purchase any clothes,” she said. “We want to show them they do have things [they can wear onstage] in their closet and how they could utilise and wear what they already have.”

Music ties it all together. Ms Thompson said she didn’t want popular songs. Her idea was a soundtrack that felt distinct and unexpected.

“I didn’t want it to be music that everyone was super familiar with,” she said. “I think a lot of people will be Shazaming throughout the show because a lot of the beats are very unique.”

Her sister, Channice Thompson, a fashion designer, helped with the music and the runway looks.

“Me and my sister pretty much worked hand in hand,” Ms Thompson said.

Friends, along with their parents, Gladstone and Zina Thompson, also helped to support the production behind the scenes.

“This is the first one. It’s been a lot of work, and I feel like every year will feel easier,” Ms Thompson said.

• The All Grads Rhythm & Fashion Show takes place on Friday at 7pm at the Earl Cameron Theatre. Performances continue on Saturday and Sunday at 3pm. Tickets are available through ptix.bm.Follow @allgrads on Instagram