July 26, 2005 – The Safety Zone is dressing up for its 10th annual fashion show on Saturday, Aug. 6, from 6 to 10 p.m. in the Caneel Bay Resort Equator Room, says a press release from the nonprofit organization that aids victims of abuse.
A reflection of the Virgin Islands' population, "Island Stylin," will present models of every shape, size, color and background strutting their stuff in clothing from St. John stores, including The Phoenix and The Safety Zone's own vintage clothing shop. The quality and diversity of the clothing will definitely match the models.
Historically, The Safety Zone Fashion Show celebrates St. John's diversity. In fact, it is one of the most integrated events on island. So, everyone is invited to join in and get dressed up for an evening of good community fun.
Making the fashion show and evening complete will be music by the Mark Wallace Band.
Proceeds from the event will benefit The Safety Zone, St. John's Abuse and Neglect Task Force. The nonprofit organization provides services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and other violent crimes. This year, the advocacy group also has aided victims of hate crimes for the first time.
The Safety Zone provides a temporary safe shelter, counseling and supportive direction for people, who are in an abusive environment, by confronting issues of power and control in relationships. The organization also educates the community about the causes of domestic violence and offers solutions to eliminate the conditions that allow it to continue.
"We are committed to the eradication of 'isms' – racism, sexism, ageism, etc. – and truly do believe that none of us is free until all of us are free," said Executive Director Iris Kern.
"With that in mind, we hold this show annually to demonstrate, visually, our belief that beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, colors, ages, etc. Our youngest model will be 7 years old and our eldest 74, with all ages in between," she noted. Of the 26 models, 8 are boys and men and 18 are girls and women.
Among the stores offering fashions are Sally's, Caneel Bay Gift Shop, St. John Editions, Bamboula, Bougainvillea, Kharma and Wild Thyme.
The mistresses of ceremonies will be Kern and Lydia Harris.
A cash bar will be available.
Admission is $25 and includes free hors d'oeuvres and two drinks. Outlets for buying tickets are Connections and Chelsea Drug Store on St. John and Home Again, Dockside Bookshop and Modern Music on St. Thomas, or tickets may be purchased at the door.
For more information, call 693-SAFE (7233).
