Lift For life Academy student fashion show raises funds and state of mind

“We are going to do anything to help a student be successful, ” a voice said in the background of a video that gave insight to the day-to-day experiences for students at Lift For life Academy. While waiting for the fun to begin for the 6th annual Celebrating Success Fashion Show Fundraiser on Saturday afternoon at the Ritz-Carlton, the audience presented a fashion celebration of their own as some of the city’s most stylish guests worked the room in looks that ranged from cutting-edge to haute couture. “Isn’t she just favorite? ” one guest asked another. “I wish I had the body to could accomplish such a big ruffle. I would just look frumpy and ridiculous. ” These were talking about Tania Beasley-Jolly of Saks 5th Road, who looked crisp and elegant in her white luncheon dress with a ruffle across the bosom and a slightly flared hemline.
 It was the common people watching that occurs at just about any stylish event, but Sunday’s celebrations were larger than the average fashion experience. Following a brief awards message privileged the Glik Family (John Mann Presidential Award), Doctor. and Mrs. Philip Needleman (Founders’ Award) and For Pete’s Welfare (Lift For life Academy Community Partner Award), it was on with the show. Keri Hilson’s “Pretty Girl Rock” blasted from the speakers as the ladies ready to give their full capacity struts. As mistress of ceremonies Christine Profit called their names, the student models walked out at a feverish pace with a combination of nerves and excitement.

 These high school girls, who ranged from 9th to 12th grade, just weren't only the models; these were the designers. The youngsters presented outfits – shorts, hoodies, prom robes, short cocktail dresses 2015, sun dresses, fun and flirty images with funky patterns – that could stand against plenty of outfits in accessories or shoe sales.

The fashion design department is headed by Elizabeth Wagner and Alexis Cook. The caliber of V Neck Short A Line Lace Up Corset Homecoming Cocktail Dress the students presented is evidence of the school’s commitment to providing them with an outlet to promote discipline and achieve a standard of excellence that they can affect their studies. The school is celebrating 15 years since Marshall Cohen’s vision for applying the principles of weight-lifting to brain building for students in underserved communities created the area’s first rent school. Case also marked the 5th loved-one's birthday of incorporating fashion into the course load via the culminating fundraiser. Their work was judged by local and national fashion industry heavy hitters – including New york Times Fashion Publisher Guy Trebay, Saint. Louis Journal Style Publisher Helene Sayad, Michael Drummond, a finalist on the hit show “Project Runway, ” and Jolly. Winners will replicate their designs to sell for the benefit of their school, but they all appeared to feel successful as the two few more looks wowed the combined crowd of fashionistas and contributor. A second video – and a student review, which came in the form of a speech written and performed by tenth grader Iyzebel Yisrael – required givers to dig deep as they conducted a silent auction and period of “social giving. ” Some $35, 000 was raised for the school. When you are declared winners, Nicole Wa, Kionna Collins and Cupresha Barnes will also get their first taste in fashion merchandising and production. Those who loved Washington’s cape, Collins’ hoodie and Barnes’ jeans will have a chance to have them customized by the students, with proceeds benefitting the school. Rewards reaped from the program stretch beyond the financial gains. “After making clothes, I find myself like I can do anything, ” Profit estimated 11th grader Katie Pichon as saying. “And at Lift For life Academy, I find myself like if you fall behind, you won’t get left behind. ”.