Students sporting Louis Vuitton, khakis and everything in between will be walking down this year’s Benefit Fashion Show runway on March 2 at 7 p.m. in the Large Gym.
This year, the organizers have opted to donate to the “Color a Classroom With Love” foundation — a charity that helps victims of October’s Paradise Fire.
“We originally chose the Alzheimer’s Foundation, but after (activities director Matt) Torrens told us of a teacher in Paradise who was holding classes in a warehouse, and who had relations to SHS, we definitely felt like the Color a Classroom With Love foundation was the right choice to make,” head senior commissioner Ines Picard said. “We also knew that as soon as the fire was extinguished, people would stop providing relief, so we wanted to be that additional source of support for them.”
Preparation for Benefit started in October with signups for all interested students — models and theme heads included. In January, models turned in contracts, and now, throughout February, commissioners have been hard at work finalizing fittings at various places, including Banana Republic, Hollister, Tuxedo Wearhouse and several local stores.
The benefit commision, including Picard, consists of seniors Isabelle Rieken, Michelle Vu, Karen Chow, Janelle Jin, and junior Jeffrey Xu. Benefit is advised by Spanish teacher Stephany Marks.
Nearly 170 models have signed up across 11 themes, including Fun in the Sun, California Winter, Outdoors, Rock n Roll, Cultural, Country Club, BoHo, Bromance, First Date, Girls’ Night Out, Prom and design your own.
Compared to last year, the design your own category has grown from three to nine people.
“Design your own is a theme that’s only one year old where independent designers sew their own clothes,” Picard said. “I’m personally really excited to see what kind of unique designs they bring out.”
Prior to the show, there will also be silent auction.
According to Picard, the hardest part of running the Fashion Show is keeping momentum after a series of negative responses.
“As a commission, we’re contacting maybe 10 stores a day, and a lot of them are saying no due to their large corporation status,” Picard said. “For those that do respond, a lot of them end up dropping out, or simply respond once and then forget about us.”
Still, with a lot of persistence and hard work, Picard and the rest of the Benefit commision believe they’ve set up the event for success.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing it all come together as a commision,” Picard said. “Right now, it’s just a lot of spreadsheets and emails, but once the stage is set up, the lights are on, and the models start walking — we’ll all finally feel accomplished.”
General admission tickets cost has been slated at $25, while students and staff will pay $15. VIP seating is priced at $45. Those who purchase VIP tickets will have exclusive front row seating, as well as several treats and offers. Tickets can be purchased on the school’s online store or from the Activities Office.
