Get Involved in Your Community Through Your Creativity!

The best way to show off your creativity is to display it within your community for a cause! In 2015 I was honored to have participated in the YWCA Red Dress Fashion Show hosted by the American Heart Association. I went to a vocational high school where half of our curriculum was based on "shops" and hands-on career paths. I was in Fashion Design and every year my teacher was able to pick one Junior and one Senior to participate in this wonderful event. Another girl and I were chosen to design, construct, and model our creations at the show.

Before I get too much into it, I want to explain what the American Heart Association is. This organization consistently raises awareness and collects donations to prevent heart disease and stroke. They provide public health education. The fashion show is an event where designers present their creations to support women's heart health.

I wanted to create a dress that was simple, yet still represented the cause. I created a simple light red dress and my main attraction on the dress was presented on the back. A simple open heart back was the perfect piece on my dress at the show. I received multiple compliments on my dress including questions on whether or not it was for sale (sadly it was not).

Getting involved in a community project is the perfect way to promote your name and put your creativity to good use. Of course when I was constructing my dress, I was overwhelmed with stress and constantly hitting obstacles (especially with the invisible zipper!- UGH). However, I conquered every one of them and was proud with the ending outcome. All of the women that participated in this event looked amazing and were extremely supportive of me and the other girls dress from school. They were amazed that we created our dresses because the rest of the women wore designer dresses.

Another way that I became involved with my school community was by hosting our annual fashion show! For two years in a row I was honored to represent my school and display all of the wonderful creations that the students in fashion design had created throughout the entire year. Our fashion design program was unique because other vocational schools around our area did not have a fashion design program.

Our fashion show was a great way to show the students parents and the general public what we have learned. It is amazing to see the progression between freshman and senior year student work. I loved how the fashion show always consisted of all grade levels. We figured that if we were going to create such a massive event we should at least involve the entire department.

Altogether becoming more involved in your community allows you to show off your creativity and promote your name. Fashion is a very competitive industry and you NEED to be involved in it (especially local events!). Do something!! Even if it is something as small as making pillowcase dresses for children at homeless shelters. Being able to sew or draw is an amazing ability and you don't want your talents to be wasted! I highly encourage all my readers to at least test my theory of becoming involved! Let me know what you think!?

Sincerely Yours, Ciel.

#Highlights #CommunityService #Creativity