A fashion show is an exciting event, but for one ETSU class all the strutting on the catwalk will be a more valuable experience for a worthy cause.
The Advertising and Promotion class, which studies the fashion industry, is putting on the show to benefit breast cancer awareness. The show will be held in downtown Johnson City at the Kings Center on Nov. 18.
This year’s theme for the show is “Paint it Pink,” a reference to the pink breast cancer awareness ribbon.
“All the class is putting on the show,” said ETSU student Katie Rutherford. It is an annual event, but the cause is especially personal this year. She said that breast cancer awareness is something many of her classmates hold close to their hearts. “A lot of people in the class have been affected by breast cancer,” she said. Several students have had family members die recently from the disease, she said.
The show will feature fashions from several local stores. Clothing on display will be from Wet Seal, Hot Topic, Maurice, Buckle and Gadzooks. Also featured in the show will be student designs from Rhinestone Razorblades.
Rutherford said that the students recruit friends to volunteer their services and model for the fashion show. “We just get people we know that will be good at it,” she said.
The fashion show is not only a good cause for breast cancer awareness but also gives the students in the class the experience of running and planning a show. This is important for students like Rutherford who would like to have a career in this field. “I would like to work in fashion,” she said.
Tickets for the show will cost $5 each. “We’ll take donations,” Rutherford said. She said that a donation is also acceptable and it is not necessary to buy a ticket.
“Everything we make will go to breast cancer awareness,” she said.
Rutherford said that the class plans to have at least 200 available seats for the fashion show. “We are going to try and fit more,” she said.