There is always the fear that walking into a local boutique will subject you to terrible smock dresses or the scent of mothballs. However, there is a way to avoid having to deal with stores you don’t like, and the solution takes place this weekend.
UA BRAG, the Black Retail Action Group, is showcasing local Tucson vendors at their second annual fundraising fashion show: The Bold & The Beautiful. Some of these vendors include: Lollipop Culture (they have distressed high-waisted vintage jean shorts), Haute Chocolate (a local designer), French Kind, Buffalo Exchange and many more.
The purpose of the fashion show is to raise enough money so that the members can attend an annual scholarship and awards gala next month in New York City. BRAG is a group that provides internships, scholarships and networking opportunities to minorities who wish to become immersed in the fashion industry.
“It is a national organization that was founded in 1970, in order to provide people of color with opportunities within the retail community,” treasurer Jessica Simpson said. “The University of Arizona chapter was founded by Shakayla Byrd and was the first one on the west coast about two years ago. Most of the chapters are located in the north or south eastern parts of the US,” Simpson said.
“The UA fashion show started when we founded the chapter,” president, Diera Gooden said. “We knew we didn’t have many funds to attend the networking events in New York. We all collectively decided that a fashion show was a perfectly applicable way to start a fundraiser and we noticed how profitable it was after our first show.”
Gooden said she is most excited to “see all the people and faces that come to support BRAG and our efforts to attend a scholarship event,” noting the importance of remembering it is not just a fashion show, but a way to help the students be involved in opportunities that could lead to a greater future.
The second annual fashion show will be held in the Student Union Memorial Center in the Grand Ball Room, this Sunday at 6 p.m. For those interested in attending, pre-sale tickets are $10, or $12 at the door. If you plan on purchasing a pre-sale ticket please contact the treasurer of the club, Jessica Simpson at uabrag.treasurer@gmail.com.
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