People from all over the city, state and nation have raised money to help Tuscaloosa recover from the devastation caused by the EF4 tornado that swept through the city in April 27, 2011, and Tuesday, a fashion show in the Ferguson Center Ballroom will aim to do the same.
Runway for Relief, the fundraising fashion show, will take place at 7 p.m. and is hosted by Rebuild Tuscaloosa. It will feature designs by the House of Perna, a line by New York-based designer Amanda Perna, as well as student designs from The University of Alabama’s House of éprouver, Vault Denim Tuscaloosa, and Tracy Negoshian.
All proceeds from the show will go to Rebuild Tuscaloosa to aid those affected by the tornado.
“It’s the cause that really makes this event special,” Rachel Wilson, a model for the show majoring in telecommunication and film, said. “I heard about model tryouts back in April for a fashion show, and I just decided to do it. When I heard I got it, I was so excited because it’s a cause that’s dear to my heart. Tuscaloosa is my hometown.”
Perna is a UA graduate and alum of “Project Runway” Season 9. She specializes in luxury, American-made women’s wear. The House of éprouver is a student-run organization made up of students from various majors, not strictly fashion.
For the student designers of the House of éprouver, it’s a chance to showcase their designs alongside an established designer.
Bridgette Jones, public relations director for the House of éprouver, said this is the biggest show they’ve had.
“It’s very exciting and it’s for a very important charity,” Jones, a sophomore majoring in fashion retail, said. “We knew we wanted to do something to help out.”
Continuing in the current spirit of Homecoming Week, the theme of the show is “Alabama Game Day.” All designs shown will be part of a special Gameday collection.
“There’s a lot of gray, black, crimson, white and some houndstooth,” Wilson said. “I know there’s a lot going on this week with homecoming competitions, but we want to try and get as many people to come as possible. It’s been a year and a half, but we’re still rebuilding.”
After the show, there will be a live auction of runway pieces in the Heritage Room, and the Alabama RipTide dance team will perform. Special guests such as Perna and Miss Alabama USA 2012, Katherine Webb, will also be in attendance.
Tickets are $10 and may be purchased at the door. Only cash and checks are accepted. With the purchase of a ticket comes the opportunity to win concert tickets as well as raffle prizes from local boutiques and restaurants. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
