Fashion For A Worthy Cause
In 1982 (the amazing year I was born, hihi), under President Reagan, the President's Committee on the Arts & the Humanities (PCAH) was created. With a focus on arts and humanities education, cultural exchange, and creative economy, its mission is to use the power of arts and humanities to contribute to the vibrancy of our society, the education of our children, the creativity of our citizens, and the strength of the democracy.
Turnaround Arts is a newer program under (PCAH), were 8 city schools were chosen to be "adopted" by well known artist. One of which is Barnum School in Bridgeport, CT which will host fashion designer Tracy Reese this Tuesday, Oct 13th. Reese will visit classrooms using arts integration strategies, as well as music classrooms.
Tracy Reese who grew up in Detroit, Michigan, used sketching and studying designer as a means to stay inspired and engaged in school. And it certainly served her as she now has 4 lines, designing both ready-to-wear, and resort wear. Her latest Spring 2016 collection sports a collaboration with Sarah Jessica Parker who designed the shoes for the collection.
The new collection, Tracy says in an interview with Essence, was inspired by transparency, and the need to stay aware and keep issues that are important to us present , and in the forefront of our mind. Not being secluded in a "fashion" bubble while the world outside continues to go on. This translated in fabrics and textures that were transparent, and moving the clothing away from the body a little, as seen in the images below from New York Fashion Week last month.
This goes to show that regardless of who you are, were you grew up, what cards you were dealt, you can always make a difference in someone's life. Not only does it show that you can, but I'd like to think that you have to. "To whom much is given, much is expected" (Luk 12:48), and 'much' is always relative to whom you compare yourself with. More on that here. There is also a quote that says,
“To the world you may just be one person, but to one person you may be the world.”
There's always something one can do, so as you pursue your dreams, as Tracy said, keep a worthy cause in the forefront of your mind, and see how you can contribute, even in the slightest way. Just as a reminder, this is still Breast Cancer Awareness month. and you can support by simply purchasing one of the items in the link, which include lip balm, lingerie, and perfume, among other things.
Be blessed!