Students revitalizing fashion with a little love

Every year, Fanshawe's firstand second-year Fashion Merchandising students work together to put on a unique fashion show, giving old clothes a new life. This year's Revamped Fashion Show: Re-duce, Re-use, Re-love will feature clothes donated by Goodwill that first-year Fashion Merchandising students will transform into fashion-forward garments. Second-year students will be behind the scenes running the show.

"This fundraising event brings together Fanshawe College Fashion Merchandising students with the help of Goodwill and My Sisters' Place to create sensational fashion by re-styling used clothing and giving it a new and exciting edge. It is empowering for the Merchandising students to help the women at My Sisters' Place by giving them a hand up rather than a hand out," said Fashion Merchandising Professor Wendy Sperry.

My Sisters' Place is a unique program in the community that offers practical and emotional support to marginalized women who suffer from mental health issues, extreme poverty, homelessness, substance use or violence and abuse. Corey Allison, Fund Development and Communications Manager at My Sisters' Place, said these Fanshawe students are very inspirational and supportive, especially in regards to the Micro Enterprise operation, a jewellery production and retail business organized by My Sisters' Place. "We can't thank (the students) enough for their continued support and interest in what we are doing," said Allison.

One second-year Fashion Merchandising student said the students enjoy the opportunity to work with My Sisters' Place, "In short, the women of My Sisters' Place inspire the students as much as the students have inspired them."

The fashion show will be judged by Allison along with James Draper, Marketing Associate Manager for Goodwill Industries, and Sue Glass, who is known for her three London stores, Frilly Lizard, Commander Salamander and Lolita.

Re-vamped takes place at the London Music Hall at 185 Queens Ave. on November 16 at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 and are available at the Biz Booth or in M3010.