Fashion funds cancer research

Representing spring’s latest fashions, local boutiques and VCU designers played with bright, vibrant colors, metallic hues, bold shapes and patterns this Friday at the Doubletree Hotel to support cancer research.

The “Crossing the Line Charity Fashion Show” presented a “streets to the runway” theme and raised funds for the VCU Massey Cancer Center.

The fashion show was the brainchild of Brittany Burke, a fashion marketing major. The hardest part of planning the show, she said, was the launch.

Burke worried her lack of reputation would produce negative feedback. However, Burke found more businesses and designers willing to participate than she had anticipated.

“I saw people interested and . coming to the meetings,” Burke said. “That’s when I thought this (fashion show) could happen.”

The clothing lines from Rumors Boutique, Need Supply Co., Shabby Apple, Eurotrash, Three Bears Gift Shop and individual designers emphasized Richmond’s urban style Burke said.

The Assistant Director of Special Events for the Massey Cancer Center, Stephanie Jenks, credits Burke with the majority of planning, coordinating and publicity for the charity event.

“It’s really inspiring to see someone so young be so passionate,” Jenks said. “All we did was help her with the logistics of it.”

The Massey Cancer Center hosts about 60 events per year, but this was the first charity fashion show they did with VCU. The event allowed them to work closely with students.

“It’s been great for us because we are a part of the VCU system,” Jenks said. “It’s great to have the students recognize that something (like) Massey is a part of the university too.”

A silent auction began at 7 p.m. and the “Crossing the Line Charity Fashion Show” began at 9 p.m., when the clothing lines from local businesses were featured along with the designs of Maxime Connor, Ashley Darby, Kiera Ogden and April Townes.

Ogden presented a men’s outfit to support Burke’s cause.

“It should be about using your designs to better everything,” Ogden said. “It’s not about making people look good for other people, it’s about making (them) feel good for themselves.”

As the music pulsed, approximately 100 people took their seats around the runway of the charity fashion show. As the show came to a close, Burke and Jenks said they thought it was a good turnout.

“It took me a while to get past how much money we had and how many people would attend the show,” Burke said. “It was really this past week, when I realized that this isn’t just about raising money.”

The estimated amount of money raised for the Massey Cancer Center totaled $1,000 after expenses. The funds will go directly to research at the Massey Cancer Center.

The street wear was used in an effort to support a cause close to Burke.

“This is something that needs to be addressed because there are so many people that are affected by this in one way or another,” Burke said.