Domestic abuse will take a punch Thursday night thanks to a new organization's fashion show, which combines extravagant hair and makeup with a strong message.

Fashion 'n' Motion (FnM), a new campus organization, will host a "Masquerade Fashion Show" in the Grand Ballroom of the BPSC, where the sensitive topic of domestic abuse also will be addressed.

Ashley Small, Houston sophomore and co-director, said the fashion show highlights domestic abuse from every angle and encourages change.

"So many women and, surprisingly, men are involved in domestic abuse whether verbal, or physical. So we decided to incorporate fashion with such a touchy topic to promote awareness," Small said, adding the event theme is "revealing the true you," which plays off of the "Masquerade" concept.

The event features an audience runway competition, where students can showcase their best runway walks for prizes. The models are SFA students who are trained and transformed by Dallas senior and co-director Rafael Marsail, who is responsible for overseeing makeup and hair for the event.

There are actors who depict real life-like scenes to provoke thought in the minds of students. The actors will encourage audience members to analyze their lives for similar situations, of which they may be unaware.

"It's not a game when someone is putting their hands on you, or yelling at you. We want to bring it to the forefront and promote change," Small said.

FnM has produced campus favorites such as the annual Project Red Fashion Show (HIV Awareness) and Think Green Fashion Show (Earth Conservation). Due to the expected popularity of the event, students are highly encouraged to arrive early as in previous years has had only standing room.

The organization will reserve runway seats for the first 40 students who RSVP to fnmsociety@gmail.com.

For up-to-date information about the event, search "FnM Society" at www.facebook.com, or contact the Office of Multicultural Affairs (MCC) at (936) 468-1073.

Posted by Debra Worley - email

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) - Wilma Magazine is hosting a holiday fashion show to benefit Habitat for Humanity's Women Build.

Nine local celebrities will model holiday clothing, including vintage wear, business-to-evening attire, and formal wear.

WECT's Frances Weller is among the models, which also features Wilmington's First Lady, Renee Saffo.

There will be a silent auction of outfits from local shops that will go towards the Habitat for Humanity.

The fashion show is Thursday evening at the Coastline Conference and Expo Center from 6:00 - 9:00.

Wilma is a local women's magazine that covers topics like fashion, fitness, and business in the Cape Fear region.  Click here to read an issue online.

©2009 WECT. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Posted By FIONA ISAACSON , EXAMINER STAFF WRITER

Posted 12 hours ago

The chairwoman of this year's Festival of Trees Fashion Show couldn't hide her enthusiasm yesterday.

"It's the best ever ... We have put a phenomenal amount into this show," said Lynda Ferguson.

"You couldn't possibly go to this fashion show and not find something for you."

The show, happening Sunday at Royal Gardens, will feature 13 local stores: Tabi, Addition Elle, Angela Mark, Cahill Furs, Cottage Toys, Gentry, Glow Maternity, Hellwinkies, Nelson's Boots, Please Mum, Plush/Flavour, TElle and Tango.

Thirty-seven people will model a wide range of fashions -- western, casual, high-end and "middle of the road" -- for children and adults, including plus sizes, Ferguson said.

"There will also be 19 very prominent good looking well-dressed men that are going to be our servers," she said. They'll be dressed in tuxedos or formal kilts.

Many doctors are involved this year as models, servers and stage ushers, Ferguson said.

New to the show this year is maternity wear, and expectant mothers Marsha Wood and Jenny Pink will be modeling.

The Festival of Trees has raised more than $4.6 million over the past 19 years. The money supports Hospice Peterborough, Peterborough Regional Health Centre and the Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (formerly the St. Joseph's Care Foundation).

This year's Festival of Trees main event is Nov. 24 to 29 at the Memorial Centre.

NOTES:Tickets may sell quickly, but any remaining tickets will be available at the door,Lynda Fergusonsaid.