by MIKE CHAIKEN
New England Fashion Week is taking style to battle once again for a worthy charity this Sunday.
“Runway for a Cause” will be held at the Maharaja Banquet Hall, 2333 Main St., Glastonbury on May 26. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. The fashion event will benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Joseph Wade, NEFW chief executive officer, said, “I chose this disease to donate to because one of my best friend suffers from it. Every day I see how she deals with pain and suffering. There are times she can’t do daily tasks as easily as we can. She also, at times, suffers… with flare ups. It’s important for all of us to be educated with important causes such as these. ”
“When we (the NEFW team of Kayla Nicole, chief operating officer; Sugeily Lopez, treasurer; and Eryka Williams, secretary) first decided to begin New England Fashion Week we discussed how we wanted to bring something more to fashion and the arts,” said Wade.
“Part of our mission is to give back and help others,” said Wade. “Along with fashion, we attempt to show all forms of art like dance, music and fine art.”
“We use the window of fashion in many ways to express ourselves, portray a message, even just to bring people closer together anyone who has something to share in this world,” said Wade. “Fashion gives you the chance to share your message to anyone from nearly any walk of life.
Designers expected on Sunday are 1151 from Atlanta; 4Bk from New York; masonscreations out of New Hampshire; kias Collection from Connecticut; Rebelle from Connecticut (created by Melissa McCulley who will also be modeling this show); M. Imbroglio; and Wade’s Society 21.
Wade said he prefers to support local designers to give them a leg up in the industry. “Name brands have already achieved success,” said Wade.
In addition to fashion, Studio 860 will perform a dance number; singers will be on hand, there will be live body painting by JJ the Artist; and DJ Richy Steele.
General admission on Sunday, May 26 is $20. VIP tickets are $45.
For more information, email NEFW17@gmail.com.
