This teen fashion prodigy turned her new collection into a benefit for the Vegas shooting
It started out as a regular fashion show to debut her spring/summer collection. Until, a devastating shooting happened, turning Chelsea Ma’s fashion show into a show for a cause.
On October 1st, 2017, a gunman opened fire on a crowd at a music festival in Las Vegas, leaving 58 people dead and more than 540 injured. It became the deadliest mass shooting in the United States. A tragic event, which inspired many people to stand up and help the victims and their families.
Scrolling through Chelsea Ma’s Instagram I saw an ad for models to walk in the show, so I immediately snapped Chelsea and told her I was coming down. I have never walked in a fashion show, and was so nervous but, it is a great cause and wanted to be apart of it. I attended the casting call, unaware of how this kind of thing worked but excited to help out. After my audition, I anxiously awaited an email confirming if I was walking in the show. Finally, the confirmation came, I was thrilled and terrified at the same time!
READ ALSO: Chelsea Ma is the chillest reality show winner of all time
Chelsea is a 16-year-old student at FIDM and the winner of Project Runway Junior Season 2. After hearing about the horrific event, this designer knew she had to do something. She was in the midst of planning her show when it hit her; there was a way she could help. Chelsea decided to donate all the proceeds from the show to the victims of the shooting.
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Enlisting the aid of a few other Project Runway alums, Matt Sarafa, Molly Elizabeth, Rik Villa and, Ysabel Hilado. The show was destined to be a success. With all the designers set, the only thing left were models, makeup, and hair.
On the day of the event, the models, makeup artists, and hair stylists all who volunteered their time gathered backstage to get glammed up and fit for the runway. Backstage was electric! Everyone involved was excited to donate their time. The designs were hot, and the models pumped as the music started. My first walk on the catwalk was beginning. Of course, it’s never a fashion show without a possible minor hiccup, like struggling to get into the harnessed bandeau top from Matt Sarafa’s collection, not being successful and the fear of having a “flasher” moment on the runway.
After the show, I chatted with Chelsea; she was so pumped, the show was a success! When she heard about the Vegas tragedy, she knew she had to help the victims in any way possible. Chelsea was heartbroken and inspired to do what she could to help, turning her spring/summer runway show into a non-profit charity event. Grateful for all the people who donated their time to be part of this great evening.
“It was a night made of two of the best things,” Chelsea says. “love for others and a love for fashion.”
Chelsea and the other designers ended up raising and donating $3,000 to charity. Fashion for a Cause was a total success!
Photography by @modernlalaland
