Fashion fundraiser struts its stuff
December 9, 2005
Lauren Thompson
The unassuming Trinity Western University cafeteria was transformed last Thursday into a fashion fundraising extravaganza. TWUSA and the Student Business Association (SBA) teamed up with Mexx clothing and Mystique Hair Salon to present “Successes in Style,” a fashion show dedicated not only to the latest styles, but also to supporting the upcoming TWU Hurricane Katrina relief effort in February.
The concept for the stylish display originated while TWUSA Business Representative Brandon Ware and student Noah Buck were searching for event ideas that would be a fun and practical experience for business students. The result was a fashion show, complete with a runway, bright lights, and chic models, meant to expose business students to trendy styles and to help prepare them for the business environment. Before long, the show became much more.
“It didn’t take long to figure out that we could do something additional with this and raise money for students that are close to us. We could make a difference,” explained Ware, who is also the Executive Vice President of the SBA. Organizers asked for a $2 admission donation, allowing the fashion show to become a fundraiser for the Spring Break Hurricane Katrina relief team.
The night began with a display of the latest professional styles modeled by TWU students. Fashions ranged from traditional pin-striped suits to classy skirts and blazers with modern twists. These looks were meant to “expose business students to new ways to diversify their wardrobe for the business world,” said Ware.
Next, there was a brief intermission showing a slideshow of pictures taken during the first New Orleans relief trip over reading break. The display presented an ironic contrast to the more material focus of the show, the utter devastation of Hurricane Katrina standing out against the backdrop of the latest fashion “must-haves.”
After the short interlude, the models returned to the catwalk to display semi-casual styles, dressed in the hippest jeans, sweaters, shrugs, and blazers. As a light and entertaining finale, the models hit the runway one last time in casual white tops and bare feet, each one presenting their designer wear with some unique posing and strutting.
Overall, the night was a success in style, raising awareness not only of the latest professional trends, but also of an invaluable service that spreads hope to many who desperately need it.
Now you go...
Got something to say?