TUESDAY,+FEBRUARY+14,+2012

Hearing the daily ring of “Fashion Show, Fashion Show Neverland!” on Hot Air announcements at NT every morning for the past who-knows-how-long has really embedded the importance of it in everyone’s minds. On the nights of February 3rd and 4th, an audience consisting of hundreds of people gathered in the auditorium to watch the final product of a 4-month long project. The show’s primary goal was to raise money for Spread the Net (a charity focused on providing mosquito nets to regions affected by malaria), but it became a show that showcased much, much more.

Here’s a brief (and very much shortened) breakdown of the overall process:

-Announcements begin about upcoming fashion show meetings/auditions -First model auditions are held (walk down stage, pose, walk back – no heels required) -Second model auditions are held (learn, then perform a given dance routine – heels required) -Dance auditions are held -Models and dancers are selected (You don’t have to possess the superficial qualities of “typical” models you see or hear about in the media. Whether you’re short, tall, curvy, skinny – whatever the case, it doesn’t matter! Diversity is a key thing when it comes to selecting those in the show. Make sure to maintain healthy eating habits while having fun and contributing to a worthy cause – make Mr. Mann proud by applying the Eating Disorders health unit in your daily life!) -Meetings for designers, set design, aesthetics, and accessories are held -Designers and dress designs are selected -Regular meetings/practices begin (set designers begin creating set pieces, aesthetic artists begin working on cross-links...) -Elle magazine subscription meeting (each person involved in the show is responsible for selling a set amount of subscriptions) -Fashion sweaters are ordered -Full run-through rehearsals begin the week before the show (some go until 10pm!) -Get hair and makeup done (aesthetics are done by George Brown students working for experience) -THE SHOW!

The final product featured out-of-this-world scenes, extravagant designs, memorable music, wacky hairdos, dramatic makeup, well-choreographed dances, creative sets, and an overall, magical ambiance. It’s incredible to step on stage and feel the energy of the audience, as hundreds of sets of eyes focus on the very stage you’re standing on. It’s incredible to exhibit a professionally made dress completely designed and sewn by either yourself or another NT student. And it’s incredible to feel the sense of pride and accomplishment that come hand-in-hand with the success of the show. Pictures and articles of and about the show were even featured on both the newspaper cover and website of the Toronto Star!

Derived from Peter Pan, the concept of the show was one everyone could relate to- growing up, making choices, and finding out who we are as individuals. If you asked me last year if I was planning to be a part of North Toronto’s fashion show, I would’ve just shrugged my shoulders and not have given it a second thought. Nevertheless, I found myself this year wrapped up in the experience – busy, but enjoyable and eye opening at the same time. It was a fun and worthy way to become involved, learn new skills, and be a part of something special at NT for years to come.