CHESTNUT HILL, MA – It had been all of ten years since I’d walked a runway – so when the opportunity knocked to conquer a catwalk for charity, I leapt at the chance.
The United In Style Fashion show was a captivating collaboration between Project Smile & Dress For Success Boston featuring fall fashion from retailers like Queenia, who spoke to my soul with their chic line boasting pastel pinks, pops of pearls, and just the right amount of rhinestones.
The star-studded lineup styled by Kathy Benharris included well-known Bostonians Shayna Seymour & Brianna Borghi of News Channel 5, Melissa & Ramiro of Hot 96.9, Miss Massachusetts and the Boston Celtic’s “Time Lord” Rob Williams. To walk beside them was an honor, and to do it to the Barbie song was a dream come true!
While models backstage bonded over curling irons & Frank Pepe’s pizza (and tolerating my howling in a horrible rendition of Happy Birthday to Melissa), this was nothing like what 90’s films would lead one to believe backstage at a fashion show would be. There was no dress ripping, no catty comments, nothing but genuine support for each other as we mindfully made our way through rehearsals & helping each other out taking as much content as we could.
What’s the vibe: Flawless fashion donned by prominent Bostonians during an exclusive runway show raised funds for not one, but two well-known New England charities.
From learning choreography together to how each other got there (like our brave model Brynn who was literally HIT BY A CAR the day of the show and still walked the runway!), the show was so much more than fashion. My favorite part? Where the funds went! Project Smile is a Boston-based nonprofit bringing comfort to children experiencing traumatic situations through providing toys and comfort items. Working in collaboration with police departments across the state, Project Smile ensures kid-friendly toys are on hand with first responders to provide a sense of security at a time where a child may need it most.
The show was put on in collaboration with fellow non-profit Dress For Success Boston, dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty, empowering women all over New England to dress for the career of their dreams through donating work-appropriate attire and accessories. Beyond fashion, their mission includes support for those struggling to help inspire their confidence and continued growth.
To learn more about Project Smile or Dress for Success Boston, visit their websites.
To see more stories like this or if you have an event you’d like to pitch to Emmalyn to cover, email emmalyn@emmalynreid.com.
Makeup | Caroline Anne McDonough @banginbeautybycam
Styled by | Kathy Benharris
Dress | Queenia (@queenia_fashion)
Emmalyn Reid 