The recent Hope’s Bazaar Fashion show highlighted the remarkable talent of FCCLA students and raised funds for Future Hope and Healing Center, which is dedicated to supporting domestic violence victims. Attendees were treated to an afternoon of fashion, inspiration, and a shared commitment to making a difference in the lives of those in need.

“The best part of the show was being with my friends, and supporting a good cause,” junior and student model Birgitta Mendez said. “Not only were we having fun, but it was going toward a good cause.”

Most students and adults had never walked in a fashion show or modeled. However, one student in particular has experience. He once modeled for Calvin Klein and walked in last year’s FCCLA fashion show.

“When walking, I feel very confident,” sophomore student model Josh Click said. “What I wear makes me confident, especially when it’s more elevated, I feel good.”

In preparation for the show, FCCLA students had a field trip to Hope’s Bazaar and picked their outfits. The event helps students show their true, authentic self, and also maybe show a side of themselves they don’t get to show most of the time.

“I loved seeing everyone’s confidence in the air that day,” junior model TJ Bradford said. “Everyone was in their outfits, and I got to see a different side of everyone that you usually don’t get to see at school. Also, I got to show everyone a side of me that sometimes I do show at school but not to the next level.”

The students were given three themes to dress for. The first theme was “casual,” the second was “business” and the third was “Night out.”

“Hardest part of prepping was putting on the first outfit,” Click said. “The jacket weighed like 15 pounds—felt like I was cooking in it. The zipper kept not working, and the boots were so tight. It was a hassle to put on and take off.”

What went into their outfit planning is their current favorite fashion trends, from 2000s flowy tops, to baggy jeans, to big statement jewelry.

“I like how people are going bigger with everything: bigger shoes, jewelry, hair,” Bradford said. “It’s a huge contrast from small, dainty stuff. It allows and opens it up for more people to do whatever. My favorite fashion trends are creative and can be done in different ways.”