By Holly L.

Ever wanted to run your own fashion show? Students from Fordham University's Fashion for Philanthropy organization produce a fashion show every year to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Metro New York. Founded by a student who was a former "wish kid," FFP inspires and teaches college students about fashion.

Here at College Gloss, we're excited to be a media sponsor for FFP's fashion show this year. Find out how FFP directs their annual fashion show and how you can attend!


How the Show goes Down

Planning an entirely student-run fashion show takes hard work, effort and tons of planning and preparation. Preparations begin a year before the show and literally don't end until the house lights dim and the first model steps onto the stage. FFP fund raises throughout the year and holds various events in order to raise money to finance the show. The club relies on these self-generated funds in addition to donations from various well known companies in order to successfully plan and execute the annual fashion show, which is attended by 700 people from the tri-state area!
 


With New York City right at FFP's fingertips its club members canvas the city as well as the Internet, looking for companies to sponsor the show in a wide variety of ways. Companies have the option of lending FFP clothing or looks for the show, donating samples for VIP gift bags or gift baskets to be raffled/auctioned off at the show. This year FFP has already secured donations from CitySlips, Free People, Clarins, Hollywood Fashion Tape, Lily Pulitzer, Popchips!, Shoshanna, Tracy Reese and many more.

All styling, music, modeling and venue design are executed by Fordham University students. With such a large venue space, the design, decor and layout possibilities are endless. Club members discuss various options and on the day of the show transform the space into what has been planned months in advanced. FFP holds model auditions months before the show; all the models are Fordham University students and there is no height or weight requirement, so anyone can get involved.

In addition, the program and various advertisements for the show and its sponsors are all created by club members. Ultimately with the help of incredible sponsors, friends, family and club members Fashion for Philanthropy hosts a successful event that benefits a wonderful cause!


Want to Get Involved or Attend the Show?

In 2010, the Fashion for Philanthropy show raised more than $6,000 for the foundation and this year the goal is to raise $10,000.


This year’s show is scheduled for Friday April 1, 2011 at Fordham's Rose Hill Campus. If you'd like to learn how to get involved with Fashion for Philanthropy or want to learn more, please email fashionforphilanthropy@gmail.com or visit our blog. For more information on The Make-A-Wish Foundation® please visit 
www.metrony.wish.org.