Charity Event and Fashion Show
This past September I was asked to put together a fashion show for a charity event. Only in recent years have I come to understand and appreciate my culture a little better so I was ecstatic to coordinate the show and bring traditional hmong clothes onto the runway (or stage, as it happened to be). I’m going to give you an overview of the organization so bear with me for there will be some lovely pictures (no surprise there) and a video clip at the end! You can also go to Hmoob.com and look in their gallery section for more pictures from the fashion show.
The idea was to have these charity concerts in different cities around the US so it could hopefully reach out to more people. My older sister came up with the idea and organized the events; it consisted of a concert with some of our talented Hmong musicians, artists, speakers and performers. The goal of the events were to raise money and support, to charter buses for 300+ people to Washington DC to protest in awareness of the genocide in Laos. So earlier this year, my sister set the DC trip for the first weekend of October in which she was told there was going to be some press there with regards to a debate on the subject and so she began planning the series of events leading up to it. You can go directly to the site to learn more about the purpose of the organization: forthecause website
I was asked to be on the board for the organization but I don’t even think my sister has had it registered yet as a legal org. =/
My concern is this:
I’m also having issues with the fact that although it is an outstanding and worthwhile endeavor (I’m always for helping others) I have been told that I wouldn’t have any or much say in the organization other than to help out at the events as an event coordinator….now that would be fine and dandy if it were already a well established charity but it’s not. I only agreed to help out my sister because she is my sister and because she had a great vision to do good in the community and I applaud her for that and want to see it succeed but if the authenticity of the org is in question, then I as a member, would have a problem with that because I am not informed about the goings-on and intended donations until the public is. In any case, I hope these things will be resolved soon and I can give a more satisfactory recount of the organization, it’s purpose, and it’s contributions.
But enough jabbering, here is a video clip of the fashion show I coordinated. It was my very first time doing something like that so keep that in mind when you are picking me apart, some hard work went into it! ahah. I had always envisioned doing a grand fashion show and it was far from that but with the resources that I had to work with, it was more than I could have hoped for. I can’t thank the models, make-up artists, and crew enough for their partaking of the show.
PICTURE TIME,
September 7, 2007
Apart from coordinating the fashion show, I decided I would also design a Hmong inspired outfit as well to be worn for the show. I loved how it turned out; it was a custom made black tube top paired with a floor length skirt featuring vertical stripes to create the illusion of pleats and on the lower half draped with fringe to give it some flair, worn over that, was a vibrant green and blue sash with silver accents, tied at the back like a bow with a jeweled pin and a thin black apron trimmed with sequins. A traditional intricate silver neck piece (or Xauv in hmong) was used to finish the look. I had help sewing it together so that was a life saver because honestly, I can’t sew anything but buttons on. =/
Here are the models in their colorful outfits, they were all great sports and awesome to work with.
Here is a nice candid shot. I’m the one in black trying get every-one’s attention, I liked being boss! ahah. I wish I would have cracked the whip more and been firmer about perfecting their walk while on stage but most were probably a bit nervous and given that we only had a few hours to practice before the show started didn’t help but there was only a few snags in the show and no one fell on or off the stage so can’t complain much there…ah well, practice makes perfect.
The after party, I really liked how the make-up artists did the girl’s make-up. It was over-the-top and very creative…the geisha lips rocked, in person, looks a bit funny here though….like she ate one too many powdered donuts says the boyfriend. ahah.
alldoneup :: Nov.13.2007 :: Days of my life, Fashion ::
I’m glad that video didn’t get me tripping up the stairs at the end XD You did a wonderful job
Hey hotness! I really like this page you made. It’s very clean cut, organized and easy on the eye. I guess this is what you’ve been doing in your spare time while waiting for ty to get home huh? Well, it’s definitely well spent time=) The fashion show clip’s very well done. I might steal it in the near future for my myspace hehe. and that reminds me of the chicago cd i still have to find….. I have it somewhere, I promise to look for it once I get “settled.” I think it’s with Bee’s stack of cds so I promise to find it!!! I love that video because I was soooo thin….damn.
Ok well I’ll definitely stop by your website every now and then to check you up. Take care and I better see you soon!
Your love, my love, xoxoxo
Lee
Thanks Lori, I couldn’t have done it without your help and good looks!! whoot!
Thanks lee, I try I try! lol, the video was made for all the great participates so feel free to do whatever you like with it! Oh yeah, you better find the chicago cd, me and Ty have been thinking fondly of it…ahah, it’s the only copy woman! lol, you still look great, no worries, dork! I hope to find you lurking here often too! Miss and love you=)