Oak Park Fashion Club styles for a good cause
By Sophia Fischer sfischer@theacorn.com

CHIC CLOTHING- Members of Oak Park High School's Fashion Club meet to plan their Nordstrom fashion show on April 25.

Fashion and philanthropy will be in the spotlight during the Oak Park High School Fashion Club's Project Runway at 7 p.m. Fri., April 25 at Nordstrom Topanga.

Oak Park students will model the latest spring trends with all proceeds benefiting breast cancer research. The evening includes a reception and raffle, and a breast cancer survivor will speak.

The fashion show will be held on the store's garage roof, a setting that club president BreeLayne Ring describes as "amazing, industrial, hip and trendy." After the show guests can shop for items from the show.

"The event urges the whole community's support and participation in hope of finding a cure for breast cancer," BreeLayne said.

Besides modeling, Oak Park students will also style the show which will feature women's and teen's fashions from the store's TBD, BP and Savvy departments.

"There will be a variety of looks to take you from daytime to nighttime and everything in between," said Andrea Govier, store marketing coordinator.

Club members approached Nordstrom in early March. Vitamin Water and Marquis Platinum were also obtained as sponsors.

Nordstrom officials were impressed with the club's detailed proposal. Although Nordstrom supports a number of benefits, this is the first time the store has participated in a high school event.

"The proposal was so allinclusive. They had really thought through the entire program," Govier said. "It's pretty inspiring seeing those girls at such a young age do something like this."

Sophomore club member Evelyn Herrera credits BreeLayne with the idea.

"BreeLayne is such a passionate and involved young lady who puts her all into everything for the club," Evelyn said. "We could never have done this without her."

BreeLayne established the club in August to share her love of fashion with others. The group numbers 50 students who meet weekly. Their activities include making blankets and scarves to donate to American troops through Soldier's Angels as well as recycling special occasion dresses for disadvantaged girls.

Fashion has long been BreeLayne's passion.

"My dream has always been to one day become a successful designer and have my own line of clothing," BreeLayne said. "I also am very involved in the community and love helping others who are in need."

The club's dedication is clear, said Laura Ellis, club advisor and an Oak Park High teacher.

"I am so proud of these girls for coming together and organizing this event," Ellis said. "This cause i s especially close to my heart because my mother is a breast cancer survivor. It seems that everyone has someone close to them who is either affected directly or indirectly by this disease."

Fashion show admission is $5 per person. VIP packages are avilable for purchase that include ropedoff tables with seating during the runway show, goodie bags, special refreshments and parking.

Packages cost $25 per person, $35 for two guests or $45 for three or more.

For tickets and additional information, send an e-mail to ophsfashionclub@yahoo.com.