Local fashion show to raise money for children

Shanin Simmons, senior fashion merchandising student, will host the Dressed to Give fashion show tomorrow night to show off spring trends while raising money for children.

“I wanted to find a way to give back to the community and start something that will jumpstart the Shanin Janea Project before I graduate,” said Simmons.

Simmons said she is starting the Shanin Janea Project as a way to bring people together through events while giving back to the community in return.

“I felt that creating a fashion show would be the perfect way to get some experience with my major while being a service to the Greenville community,” said Simmons.

While fashion shows are fun and great way to find out what is in style, there is a lot more behind the outfits and how they are put together.

“There is so much more to this fashion show,” said Simmons. “It is about putting differences aside and coming together to help those in need.”

The fashion show is donating all of its proceeds to the Ronald McDonald House to help families with sick or injured children.

“I wanted to give proceeds to this foundation to help those who are truly in need,” said Simmons.

As a senior college student, setting up a fashion show by herself was no easy task for Simmons.

“As fun and exciting as it seems, it was stressful and crazy trying to plan the show,” said Simmons.

Simmons had to go through a couple of bumps in the road to get the fashion show all set and ready such as finding sponsors, models, and even a place.

“I remember holding auditions and was worried if I wasn’t going to have enough models,” said Simmons. “I originally had the event planned at Mendenhall, but I had to find a new location for the fashion show after I had everything set up.”

The Dressed to Give fashion show, which is being held at the Greenville Art Museum, will offer a less conventional yet unique set up on the runway according to Simmons.

Along with the custom runway, local artists from Pitt County will be performing and boutiques from around the area will be represented in the runway as well.

“What is interesting about the show is that there are people outside of Greenville coming in and performing after being on tour,” said Simmons.

The fashion show will feature artists, Flamingo$, Bill$Up, Kenny Ba$e and Aaron Rennel.

“It is also super exciting to see ECU alumni, who are also owners of some of boutiques in Greenville present their clothing at the show,” said Simmons. “I am looking forward to that.”

Participating stores will be Kohl’s, My Sister’s Closet, Truly Yours, and Laced Boutique and will also feature stylist from ECU’s merchandising program.

Simmons hopes the fashion show will jumpstart her message for the Shanin Janae Project.

“I want to empower and lift others by shedding light on the art and creativity in the community while also giving back to the community,” said Simmons. “Whether if I put together a food drive or put together a concert, I want to help people and hope this project will do just that.”

The event will begin at 4 p.m. pre-sale tickets are three dollars and tickets at the admission door will cost five dollars.Read more at:Black Prom Dresses | Blue Prom Dresses