As some of you know, I am now part of a group of incredibly talented women called the Artist Collaboration Group–all of us interested in making a difference in our local community. One of the events we organize and produce each year is an annual fashion show that supports one of our causes. This year our fashionable fundraiser, The Runway Show 2013–co-sponsored by Belk and Ralph Lauren–benefited Dress for Success and was followed by a jam-packed celebratory networking mixer with community philanthropists, business and creative leaders.
Dress for Success is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support, and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. They are an incredible organization that have helped more than half a million low income women around the world receive job assistance. The Runway Show 2013 followed a three month-long awareness campaign also created by Artist Collaboration Group, and promoted across Belk stores, raising awareness and funds for the Winston-Salem, NC chapter of Dress For Success.
Nearly 1000 people from across the southeast attended The Runway Show 2013 to show their support and–along with more than 200 volunteers, including stylists, models, community leaders, creative partners and executives from our premier co-sponsors–the event was overall a great success in using fashion and creativity to help improve the lives of disadvantaged women in the community.
I had a blast being this year’s main runway fashion photographer. All clothes and accessories in this year’s show generously came from Belk and features men’s and women’s fashion from Belk’s Spring 2013 collections. Our Lead Fashion Stylist, Hanna Garner, created more than 60 looks across 4 fashion themes on a cast of 20 amazing models.
Here are some highlights taken from my coverage.
Creative Director: Freida Bailey
Lead Fashion Stylist: Hanna Garner, assisted by Faye Harville
Makeup: Marissa Rhoades
Hair: Catherine Brockway