TC Wallace Foundation Love is Red Fashion Event

To kick off DC Fashion Week I volunteered back stage at the Love is Red Youth Rocking the Runway event. Of course, I am a lover of all things colorful, sparkly and high-heeled- but what really caught my attention was the reason BEHIND this particular fashion show.



With one of the youth models and also a fellow Pageant girl!

TC Wallace Foundation and sponsors set out on a mission to use fashion as a tool to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS in young adults. As a health educator I naturally wanted to lend a hand to this one-of-a-kind event. The overall theme of the show was beautifully underscored by all of the cute little teen models strutting about.



The show was hosted by Sunni and the City of WPGC radio

VIP guests enjoyed a reception beforehand, complete with music by WPGC and free makeovers by the Glam Squad. There was no shortage of press, which made me especially excited to see such an interest in raising awareness of the worldwide epidemic that is HIV/AIDS. The main event itself was creative to say the least, infused with a well known spoken word artist, Messiah, who recited two very moving pieces about the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the African-American community. Aspiring R&B singer Seva closed out the show by covering inspirational ballads, a pop groove and then belting out an original tune. As a special treat to the young runway-ers, there was video presentation by singing sensation Mya announcing the Mr. and Miss Love is Red winners. These two young models raised the most money for charity in the weeks leading up to the show. It was a breath of fresh air to see an event that had a mainstream appeal and also a greater, underlying cause. Crowns off to the TC Wallace Foundation on a job well done!

Special guest runway appearance by Mrs. DC America

<3 Amina Lillie