A ‘wear’ness Day raises fire recovery funds
The Village Quad pulsated to a beat of a band whose skittish sound and vocals compared to Blondie, and played as shopper’s muttled through various fashion vendors. Saddleback’s Special Events 147 class hosted their first annual Fashion Awearness Day, Nov. 29.
Awearness Day featured 15 to 20 vendors such as Elemental Awareness, SophiePearl, Joey’s Boutique, Black Flamingo, Luv 2 Lounge, Johnathan R. Make-Overs, and other various student vendors.
“The class produced and created [the event],” said fashion instructor Diane McGroarty. “Normally we just have the fashion show in spring, but now we are always going to have an event in the fall. I will see what they want to come up with and leave it up to them.”
Students preparing for the event were each given an assigned activity to be in charge of.
“In the beginning it was skeptical. We went from the base up designing the event,” said Amanda Martin, 20, marketing. “We did advertisements for it and then the culinary department wanted to get involved, so I’m just happy that we got to plan this.”
There were many goals for the event, including bringing awareness of the fashion department on campus, environmental issues, and people in need.
“We are raising money for the fire victims in San Diego,” said Martin all vendors are donating 50 20 percent of profits for these victims.” said Martin.
One of the events biggest supporters came from local high school students who were given a tour of the fashion department as well as information of what the college has to offer.
“We want people to know there are creative outlets and support for local vendors. We are also fundraising scholarships for fashion majors,” Martin said. “There is a great program here and then you can transfer and get a four year degree.”
Todd Larson, Elemental Awareness director, ran a career tour for the Saddleback fashion department that landed him a booth for the event.
“We are selling things super cheap and proceeds go to charity,” said Larson. “It’s a good day, good band, warm weather, and good turnout.”
Student designer, Sara Stanlee, 24, fashion, sold unique decoupage vintage purses for a reasonable price.
“I always loved magazines and art,” Stanlee said. “I started off decoupaging shoes and then it went to bags. It has been a hobby for about one and a half years. I would like to give them to Nikki and Paris Hilton.”
Stanlee professed that she loves the fashion department and labels Draping and Illustration her two favorite classes.
Joey Degitz of “Joey’s Boutique” in San Clemente carries specialty jeans, Vintage shirts, accessories, and a variety of brand names such as Coach, BeBe, and Free People offered in Mens, Womens, and Children’s styles.
“I have always loved fashion and I have been a director for Bath and Body Works and Victoria Secrets for ten years,” Degitz said. “I wanted to create things that make people feel good about themselves.”
The event also featured an open house from the fashion department, music from three different bands, and complimentary dishes from the Culinary Arts department at Saddleback College.