Giving Back Is Always In Style

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America (Free-Press-Release.com) October 17, 2011 -- It was a day of bonding, beauty, modeling and fashion. Through the efforts of Walgreen’s , Fashion Week New Orleans , and Designer Anthony Ryan Auld , a group of young Children’s Hospital patients were given a world of fashion experience.

The journey begins with a casual conversation between Walgreen’s manager Chris Sperling , thirteen year old Lameika Downs , battling Leukemia and her grandmother Kimberly, who are regular customers of the Walgreen's store Sperling manages. On one of their weekly visits to his store, Lameika shared with Sperling her love for fashion, makeup and watching the popular TV show America's Next Top Model . This triggered the idea of doing something fashionable for his little friend. A few phone calls later and after speaking with Nicole Marinello, Special Events Coordinator for Children's Hospital a strategy session was scheduled that enlisted Fashion Week NOLA . A plan quickly came together to host a ‘Fashion Party’ for not only Lameika Downs, but for an entire group of young girls that are patients of Children’s Hospital and also battling cancer.

Children's Hospital is a not-for-profit facility and Louisiana's only full-service hospital exclusively for children, offering a full range of inpatient and outpatient care. It provides comprehensive pediatric healthcare which recognizes the special needs of children through excellence and continuous improvement of patient care, education, research, child advocacy and management. Nicole Marinello, Special Events Coordinator said she was complete on board to host a fashion party for the patients. “The kids coming in for their weekly [chemo] treatment often have low spirits and could use something to help lift their self-esteem. Having a fashion party was a great idea!”

Fashion Week NOLA coordinated a day filled with modeling and fashion related activites. It included the girls receiving mini makeovers, manicures, runway modeling lessons and gift bags made possible by Walgreens. The girls had a fabulous day and an awesome experience! One mother commented that she had not seen a smile on her daughters face in over eight weeks! And if that wasn’t enough to put smiles on all the girls’ faces, they received an unexpected surprise visit from Fashion Week NOLA and Project Runway (Season 9) designer Anthony Ryan Auld . Auld, a graduate from LSU and who showcased at FW NOLA 2011 was contacted by Mallory Domingue, FW NOLA Creative Assistant with a request to design a special dress for Lameika Downs. Without hesitation Auld agreed, sharing that he too battled cancer just a short time ago and would love to have the opportunity to be part of this project. Auld designed an adorable, age appropriate party dress with a hand-painted hem and a complimenting short plaid cape.

Lameika also received a second part to her wish, which was to experience the day in the life of a model with a professional photo shoot wearing fashions from JeanTherapy and her new custom design dress by Anthony Ryan Auld. Adorned with an amazing team that included celebrity makeup artist John Wright , wardrobe styling by Tracee Dundas and photographer Carlton Mickle .

This crew connected with Lameika and agree that giving back is always in style!

More information can be found online at http://www.fashionweeknola.com

anthony ryan auld     Childrens Hospital New Orleans     Fashion Week New Orleans     new orleans     Project Runway tv show     shops at canal place     Tracee Dundas     walgreens