Sisters on the Runway: Spring Fashion Show

Sisters on the Runway strut for a cause.

The Loft on Lackawanna Plaza opened its doors to the ninth annual Sisters on the Runway: Spring Fashion Show that, despite heavy showers, did not stop the spotlight. Nothing could falter the flawlessness of the girls and guys who raised awareness by rocking the runway.Involvement is key and over 50 members of Sisters on the Runway have been organizing and executing events all year long under the club’s co-presidents, seniors Lauren Glasse and Linda Meliani. The girls took the stage first and spoke of their two years of presidency, thanking those who made the event possible and their sorrow of it all coming to an end.

Sisters on the Runway then introduced Jean Kirch to take the stage. The Director of Development, Kirch spoke of the organization to which the events’ funds would benefit. Shelter Our Sisters is an organization dedicated to helping women and children who have been victims of domestic violence.

“It is a silent disease,” explained Kirch, who further explained the steps of abuse that should never get past number one and the emotional abuse that could last up to three years. The organization provides safety to those who not only have been mentally abused, but also have been a victim to physical abuse.

Both the co-presidents and Kirch mention a shocking statistic: “one in four women is a victim of abuse.” Family and friends must be aware of signs of abuse before step three occurs, the extreme circumstance of death. Shelter Our Sisters advocates safety and awareness, turning fear into strength and giving those victims a chance to regain hope for their future.

Sisters on the Runaway raised awareness as they showcased spring fashion that spoke of some of Montclair’s noted boutiques. Because it wouldn’t be fair to the fabulous fashion to name one in particular the list is complete: Wildly Smitten, Barbara Eclectic, Thread, Retrograde, South Moon Under, Dot Reeder, One Savvy Design, D’Moni, Speakeasy Vintage, Atelier, Culture Couture, Hip Chic and Heritaij. All stores provided outfits modeled by the students of MHS. It may have been humid, but hair and makeup raised conversation amongst the crowd thanks to Studio D, Mark Christopher Salon, Hair at Alicia’s and Esthetica Salon, who provided their touch of glam to the girls and guys.

Speaking in terms of Tyra Banks, these models were fierce, having been hand-selected by the co-presidents and a few trusting eyes. Of a large number of MHS students to try-out for the runway, 22 girls and four boys were selected to sport the spring styles. At the end of the runway they struck their best pose for Scott Kennedy of Studio042 Photography. These pictures will be sure to make some great Facebook profile pictures and with plenty of attitude it should come as no surprise if an agency spotted the stars.

These stars aligned, raising awareness for the stars of Shelter Our Sisters, the women and children who thrive even though they have been victims of abusive relationships. I had the pleasure of sitting next to Kirch who enlightened me. “There has been a rise in dating violence,” said Kirch. “There is no particular age to a victim, and so of course we think it is wonderful for students to be raising awareness.”

We all have the right to feel safe, a focus the shelter ensues. Photographer Kennedy stood until the very end to snap one last shot of each model, their final walk to empower women one strut at a time!

The committee also thanked donors in the Montclair community for their products and services:

• Studio042 Photography
• Studio042: Super Business Printer
• The Montclair Dispatch
• Montclair Mounties.com: A division of Studio042
• Heidi Daus Designs
• Terra Tea House
• 3Sixty Cycling Studio
• Bangz Salon
• Red Eye Café
• Uncle Momo’s Restaurant
• The Watchung Deli
• Watchung Booksellers
• Over the Moon
• Casa Pilate
• Jaipure Yoga
• Fleet Feet

  jean kirch, lauren glasse, Linda Meliani, montclair high school, shelter our sisters, sisters on the runway, spring fashion show