Models with heart: Fashion show benefits orphanages
It’s not often that you hear Rob Zombie’s “Living Dead Girl,” blaring from a church sanctuary. But it’s also not often that a full-length fashion runway show is produced in a church. Even more unusual is the reason for the show – to raise money for children in orphanages all over the world.
Circus Panic is the brainchild of 19-year-old Jeff Wallace Jr., founder of Models for Awareness. “Our motto is: ‘Changing the world through fashion and faith,’ ” said the 2007 Mead graduate.
At a recent rehearsal for the group’s third runway show, Wallace was a whirlwind of jubilant energy. He’s written and choreographed a two-hour extravaganza, in addition to designing the clothes that will be modeled. Gleaning from thrift store bargain racks, Wallace repurposes clothing. “I’ll piece stuff together and cut it up,” he said. “I’ll turn a shirt into a dress. We just refurbish a bunch of clothes.”
Equally unique are the models who will wear his designs. “Most fashion shows feature 5-foot 8-inch Caucasian women,” Wallace said. He prefers to be more inclusive.
Andrea Seely, a member of Models for Awareness, said, “Jeff accepts people of all different ethnicities, ages, heights and body types.” Indeed, the 32-member cast of this production includes men, women and children, ranging in age from 6 to 30.
Wallace said he’s always had an artistic flair. As a child he enjoyed drawing, sketching and cartooning. In high school he grew interested in interior design, but now fashion has captured his attention. “My education has been ‘Project Runway,’ ” he said with a laugh, referring to the popular television show.
The fact that he doesn’t sew hasn’t daunted him. “I use hot glue guns and safety pins.” His designs weren’t available for preview at the rehearsal. To prevent wear and tear on the clothing, the models practiced in casual attire.
The show will take place at Covenant Church, in the heart of Hillyard, where Wallace works as an assistant to the pastor. Thundering music spilled from the white clapboard building as the group prepared for rehearsal.
Clown photos were projected onto the walls near the stage and bizarre circus music echoed in the sanctuary. The theme of the show is a young boy’s dream of joining the circus. The boy’s bedroom is the backdrop for 13 fashion runs featuring 13 models each. “It’s not your typical runway show,” Wallace said with a grin.
Bits of dialogue are interspersed among music, dance and runway walks. Scenes include a bearded lady’s transformation, a hair-cutting contest between the Scissor Sisters, and the dismembering of a giant spider.
Wallace put together an eclectic soundtrack complete with lighting effects that add to the frenetic feel of the show.
Cast members seemed to have the runway strut and spin down as they sauntered across the floor. Hair stylist Andrea Pirello did hair for Wallace’s first two shows, but this time she’s taking a turn in the spotlight. “This is a step out of my box,” she said.
It’s 15-year-old Brittney Simpson’s first show, too. She walked the runway and tossed her reddish hair with the assurance of a world-weary professional. But she confided, “I was so clueless. I’ve never done any modeling.”
Others have more experience. Lyndsay Nicesmith, 19, has taken modeling classes, but for her the message of Models for Awareness is more compelling than modeling itself. While there is no charge for admission to Circus Panic, an offering will be accepted. Fifty percent of those funds will be given to Steps of Faith, the mission program of Covenant Church. According to Wallace, the program supports orphanages all over the world.
“I love the Christian sense behind this,” Nicesmith said, her brown eyes sparkling. “Maybe we can get the word out and travel and have shows in other places.”