One shoulder dresses with a cuff worn on the opposite arm. A "Mad Men" style retro dress with contemporary shoes. Ruffles everywhere. Those are some of the fashion trends we'll be seeing this summer and fall, and they were certainly on display at the sixth annual Breast Cancer Alliance Junior Committee Fashion Show, held on April 25 at Richards of Greenwich.

 

Models from Greenwich High School and Greenwich Academy ushered in spring as they swept down the store’s spiral staircase showcasing the latest designer fashions. The teens are all members of the Junior Committee which, through this event and others, raises funds to support breast cancer outreach services for underserved women. The Committee’s activities have raised over $130,000 for Alliance programs since the group began. The funds raised by the Committee have gone to support the breast cancer outreach program at the Hospital of Saint Raphael in New Haven.

 

Alliance President Margaret Sinclair introduced the show, saying "The Juniors are a talented, caring, energetic group of young men and women learning about philanthropy at a young age." Margaret's sentiments were echoed by Andrew Mitchell, who welcomed everyone to the store on behalf of the Mitchell family. "Whenever we can get young men and women involved in giving back, they develop a habit that lasts a lifetime," he remarked.

 

Alliance founder Lucy Day gave some perspective on the last 15 years by recalling her friend and fellow founder Mary Waterman, whose efforts started this organization. Lucy noted that Mary's legacy continues with all the Alliance events and the tradition of friends asking friends to help.

 

Emceeing the event for the fourth year was Avril Graham, Executive Fashion & Beauty Editor of Harper’s Bazaar. Interspersed with her charming introductions of the models and their ensembles were her insights on runway winners and losers. "This is the season of the clutch bag - wear it with a strappy or platform shoe. Longer length sheaths are chicer than above the knee lengths this year. Forego jewelry if you wear an embellished neckline. And a fashion faux pas: Never match shoes and bags for occasion dressing - go for something unusual."

 

In addition to the fabulous fashion show, guests were treated to brunch provided by Cosí and a silent auction featuring such items as a Sasha Rhett watch, Yankees seats and tickets to Broadway.

 

Hannah Bacon, Katie Read and Jill Tessler, the co-chairs of the Junior Committee, reflected on this event and year they have spent working on behalf of the Alliance. They commented, "The fashion show was a huge success; it's wonderful to see how well the community came together to support such a great cause."

 

Many thanks to all the teens and adults who helped with this event, especially Alliance board members Ellen Keats and Suzanne Sennatt, who provide guidance and support all year long, and Andrew Mitchell-Namdar and the Mitchell family for hosting and supplying the fashions. Thanks to Warren Tricomi Salon for styling the hair and make-up of our models. And finally, a big thanks also to the parents, guests, and volunteers who support this event and all of the Junior Committee activities. Your generosity and enthusiasm are deeply appreciated.

Top photo: Avril Graham with Junior Committee co-chairs Katie Read, Hannah Bacon and Jill Tessler and other members of the Committee