Models teamed up for a fashion event to benefit the Cono D’Alto Foundation and the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) recently. Along with the professionals were young women with Down syndrome, who walked the runway for the first time.
The first-time models learned about the fashion industry by meeting with designer Anya Cole, who talked with them about creating and manufacturing Hania, her luxury line of hand-knit garments and accessories, and helped them select their runway outfits. The models also had their hair and makeup done before the show.
Many volunteered their time, including Cole; the professional models; stylists from the Sam Brocato Salon; makeup artists; and more. On hand at the fashion show were Jon Colman, NDSS president; Pamela Sandonato, NDSS vice president of development; and Patricia A. Baker, NDSS program manager.
Christian Carlsen made available his specialty furnishings store, Kings Road Home, which is next to Brocata’s salon in Soho. Model Jessica White hosted the event, DJ Jus-Skee and DJ Price spun the music, and Moet Hennessey provided the alcohol.
Christian Carlsen made available his specialty furnishings store, Kings Road Home, which is next to Brocata’s salon in Soho. Model Jessica White hosted the event, DJ Jus-Skee and DJ Price spun the music, and Moet Hennessey provided the alcohol.
To me, the stars of this event were the first-time models: Annie Clancy, Megan Cloyes, Carson Goodwin, Lillian Graham, Catherine Madden, Natasha Morris, Courtney Muns, Lea Racano and Sara Wolff. They exhibited confidence and poise as they walked a floor-level runway set amidst the Kings Road Home furniture, while enthusiastic guests clapped and cheered them on.
Goodwin’s mother Betsy Goodwin co-founded NDSS in the late 1970s after finding a lack of resources for parents of children with Down syndrome when Carson was born. Nowadays, the society helps assist people with Down syndrome worldwide through its Affiliate Network.
“My Great Story,” a recent NDSS public awareness campaign which recognizes the 400,000 Americans with Down syndrome, includes “The Public Speaker,” a piece by Wolff, one of the DowneWithFashion models. In it, she writes the words "I can't" aren't part of her vocabulary.
Goodwin’s mother Betsy Goodwin co-founded NDSS in the late 1970s after finding a lack of resources for parents of children with Down syndrome when Carson was born. Nowadays, the society helps assist people with Down syndrome worldwide through its Affiliate Network.
“My Great Story,” a recent NDSS public awareness campaign which recognizes the 400,000 Americans with Down syndrome, includes “The Public Speaker,” a piece by Wolff, one of the DowneWithFashion models. In it, she writes the words "I can't" aren't part of her vocabulary.
Now, Wolff and the other young women in the DowneWithFashion show can add “fashion model” to their list of accomplishments, along with “role model.” For more information, follow the link to NDSS. Cono D’Alto Foundation is a new organization and does not yet have a Web site.
No comments:
Post a Comment