If the shoe fits, buy it used and in white

Header image for Interrobang article CREDIT: STEPHANIE LAI
Melanie Rintjema adds finishing touches to the garment she will present at the Blanc fashion show.

The Fashion Merchandising students at Fanshawe College have been working hard for the past 11 weeks to make their upcoming fashion show and fundraiser a success.

Second-year students have been working for 12 weeks in six committees for their event planning class to organize every aspect of the event.

The show is called Blanc – white in French. The theme is a classic French, whimsical ideal.

All of the garments in the show will be white to follow the theme and decor of the event. The first year students have been working hard making all of the garments that will be modelled in the show.

They were supplied with clothing from Goodwill Industries, and they have improved on them to make new garments with the French flavour.

Taylor Steeb, a first year student and her partner are happy with their work.

“I’m really pleased with the outcome of the garment [my partner] and I have made,” she said. “It was a lot of hard work and sewing, but we managed to do a great job and we are very proud.”

The clothing includes everything from pantsuits to dresses, and there are also some men’s garments as well. The models walking in the show are from Anita Norris Models, and they have been working with the first year students to get the garments fitting properly and shown at their best.

All of the proceeds from the show go to Paws United, a dog rescue organization. The organization takes in stray and abused dogs, provides them with medical care and finds them homes.

They cover all of the expenses before adoption, including vet costs, and foster homes. There will be three puppies and four dogs from the Paws United program in the fashion show walking with the models.

Bradie Butler, a second year student who is working on press for the event, says the goal of the show is to raise as funds for a good cause.

“We want to raise as much money as possible,” Butler said. “Any money we raise is more than Paws United had before.”

The students have been publicizing the event through advertising and promotion. There are posters, photo-shoots with the London Free Press and press release kits that have gone to over 15 locations, including CTV2 and London Radio.  

This show is an annual event that provides a great learning experience for all the students involved, and is an important part of the Fashion Merchandising program at the college.

“Each committee learned the importance of teamwork, and how to communicate with different companies to put on a fashion show,” Butler said. “We learned how much work goes into putting on a fashion show for charity.”  

The show takes place November 20 at The Highland Country Club in London. The venue can accommodate 200 and the students hope to fill those spots. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. after cocktails and appetizers.

“Guests attending the event should expect a classy, beautiful, informative and touching experience,” Butler said. “They will see the greatness that Paws United has done for the animals as well as how you can take clothing from Goodwill and make it beautiful.”  

Tickets can be bought for $25 at the Biz Booth or the office of M3010.