Students to show their fashion flair at St. Viator fundraiser
Trends driving next year's prom season will be among the highlights of the 18th annual fashion show on Nov. 7, sponsored by the St. Viator High School Parents' Club.
Student models will take to the runway during the choreographed show, wearing fall and winter casual wear, before nearly 60 seniors unveil the latest in prom fashions.
The luncheon and fashion show take place at the Stonegate Conference & Banquet Center, 2401 W. Higgins Road in Hoffman Estates. Doors open at 11 a.m. when guests may peruse nearly 100 raffle baskets and enjoy a performance by the St. Viator jazz band before the luncheon at 12:30 p.m. Tickets are $60 at saintviator.com.
Members of the Orchesis dance club will perform an original number, while members of the school's administration join in the fun and don furs midway through the parade of models.
St. Viator President the Rev. Robert M. Egan said the event “serves as a great reminder that we truly are a community.”
Students in the show had fittings at participating stores where they learned about the latest trends.
At A L'Amour in Barrington, seniors Marissa Mueller and Eileen Scully, both of Arlington Heights, Emily Leazer of Mount Prospect and Maggie Kern of Barrington tried on a variety of long formal gowns in some of the hottest styles and colors.
Kern settled on a black and white gown that featured a trumpet or mermaid style, with a tight fitted bodice, high hem in front and low hem in back.
“I love it,” said Kern, a member of the National Honor Society who participates in the school's Ambassador Club and LINK Leaders program. “It's fun for the runway, with a big train and lots of ruffles and sparkle.”
Last year's event raised $40,000, and Parents' Club members hope to match or exceed that amount this year. Recent expenses have included updating science and language labs, installation of SMART Board interactive whiteboards, and scholarships. Fashion show proceeds also helped to purchase a van to transport students to and from volunteer projects supported by Campus Ministry.