City College student Kayla Laguna sews together fashion and politics through 2020 A Year Without War’s upcoming fundraising event, Art Against Skepticism, which will take place at 8 p.m. Friday, April 15, at the Ayni Gallery.

Laguna, 20, majors in political science and philosophy. Having a love for fashion, Laguna aspired to incorporate a fashion show alongside the art pieces in the event.

“The idea was created by myself with the intention to use art to bring people together in terms of the message, which is global peace for a year,” said Laguna. “2020 A Year Without War was right on board with it.”

The event is free and open to the community. Anyone wishing to attend must RSVP on the event’s page on EventBrite. Emailed receipts must be printed and brought to the event, or shown on a smartphone for entry. The gallery can hold a maximum of 80 people, and tickets are expected to go quickly.

There are three segments within the event, which are fashion, art and poetry. Local DJs will be providing an array of music throughout the night.

The fashion show will include eight to 10 models, some who are students. Designers include those from the Los Angeles and the Santa Barbara areas. Local stores including Renaissance Fine Consignment and LF will be featuring outfits too.

“It’s kind of like a presentation style where instead of an actual runway show, the models come out wearing the clothes in kind of a performance art type of way,” said Jazmyne Cushenberry, creative director of the event. “So they will be interacting with the guests while in the clothes.”

Local businesses and individuals in the fashion community have generously donated items to the organization, which will be part of the event’s silent auction. Vendors and collaborators will be released as the event nears through the organization’s Facebook page.

“The main idea is centered on the fact that without war we have the ability to create art and express ourselves. I have always liked fashion because it’s expression,” said Laguna. “It was a way that I could assume many roles. I express myself politically sometimes even through fashion and how I dress.”

During the poetry portion, Sojourner Rolle, the current Santa Barbara poet laureate, will perform an original poem. In addition, she will be a part of the closing of the show.

Different mediums of art including photography, sculptures and paintings will be showcased through the night. There will be City College student artwork among local artists works. In addition, community artists will be selling crafts and artwork.

“This event is to help expand and promote our organization,” said event organizer Lilia DonJuan. “We will be able to show people a different perspective on art because everyone’s super different and expression is always a great thing.”