Southern Tier Fashion Life
Fashion Show Fundraiser Continues to Flourish While Bringing Awareness to a Worthy Cause
The 2023 Runway For A Cause Fashion Fundraiser is even bigger and better in its fourth year, featuring not one, but two, shows that highlight the creations of 12 local designers and a boutique on Saturday, Nov. 18 at The L in Horseheads.
“Two shows and it’s truly for the best reason – we have too many designers!” said Emmi Saufley, owner and creator of Runway For A Cause and its charity fashion show. “So we had to split it up.”
In addition to running the nonprofit, Runway For A Cause, Emmi is also the owner of Le Kim, Associates, LLC, and head designer of her women's wear line, as well as an international model who recently strutted the catwalks of Europe for Just BE.72. She said she feels blessed to be having such great experiences, and for the opportunity to bring exposure to the talented people involved in this year’s fashion show.
“The first show is a brunch and will feature women’s wear and children’s,” Emmi said. “That will happen at 1 p.m. and we’ll have some light refreshments and small hors d’oeuvres for attendees.”
The brunch show will feature fashions from FitWithNae by Janae Blackman, the10am by Lutho Mlunguza, Pool House Co. by Meg Kapral, Amarla Designs by Allison McGrath, Femme Forte by Jaimie Hand and Jaimie Roe, and children’s boutique Pip’s Squeak will be showing off the clothing they have available.
Emmi said she’s excited to have youngsters modeling in the first show, and that the experience provides them with access and exposure to the fashion industry, and all of the work that goes into producing a fashion show.
“We love that they have the opportunity to experience this, either for the first time or again,” she said.
Get details, and a flavor of the fashion show from this video, created by photographer and videographer Jordan Rector.
The second show begins at 6:30 p.m. and will feature eye-popping street wear and haute couture designs from Saucy X Jaimie Hand Designs by Josh Stroman and Jaimie Hand, Half Moon Clothing by Rashaad Nurse, Studio Gray by Hannah Garrett, designs by Ameila Rosenthal, Kent’s Kreations by Rory Kent – Collection: Fantasy Creatures, Angelixs Designs by Angie Smith.
“That will be our … men’s wear or unisex-wear, for anybody that’s into street vibe. Then going into that avant-garde with designs that are not something you’d probably wear on a daily basis. They’ll be something that you’ll really only ever see on the runway or at a super, super special, exquisite kind of event,” Emmi explained.
There will also be a DJ and live music for attendees to enjoy during and between shows.
“Our DJ this year is Josh Stone … and we’ll also have live music, too, for our VIP hours. Zack Hamilton and his musician partner, Simon, have been with us for the past three years now. They always play during our VIP hours, just killin’ on the keyboards,” Emmi says.
“We’re going to have a break between shows … attendees will have an opportunity to meet some of the designers and see some of the designs up close,” Emmi explained.
This year’s chosen charity is CASA of the Southern Tier, Inc. a nonprofit agency that recruits and trains community volunteers to be an advocate for the best interest of abused or neglected children in family court. CASA of the Southern Tier, Inc. serves Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben, and Yates counties.
There are still tickets available, though options for seating may be limited the closer show day gets. Visit Runway For A Cause for details, tickets and more.
