Strutting Against Abuse

Fashion doesn’t have to be just for fashion’s sake. Consider the case of Sisters on the Runway, an extracurricular group of fashion-conscious teens at Montclair High School. These kids have channeled their taste for off-the-shoulder tops and stiletto heels into a way to raise money for a good cause.

This past Sunday, I had the pleasure of attending the annual Sisters on the Runway benefit fashion show. Female members of the student body delivered their best catwalks in Bangz Salon and Wellness Spa of Montclair, with all proceeds benefitting Shelter Our Sisters, a Hackensack-based organization that assists women and children victimized by domestic violence.

“It was amazing!” said Nadia Morehand of the event. Morehand, one of the group’s three presidents, added, “It was exactly what we expected and more.”

Morehand’s fellow leaders—Lena Engelstein and Heather Hammerling—were quick to echo her sentiments. The three brimmed with excitement and energy as they mixed it up with guests and were congratulated for their hard work.

The event’s theme, “Fashion Saves Lives,” reflects the mission of the group, which was founded six years ago as a means of raising awareness of domestic violence and giving students an opportunity to help their community. The models, all female members of the student body, donned the merchandise of local boutiques, including Hip Chic, Dot Reeder, Culture Couture and Thread.

Club member Amber Rock, who has modeled for the event for the past two years, wore three different looks from Co Co, a local boutique. Rock, 17, was happy to continue supporting what she believes is a great cause.

The group is obviously well supported. Family members and fellow students packed the event and the program’s thank-you list read like a Who’s Who of Montclair businesses. As an MHS alumna and longtime Montclair resident, I particularly enjoyed the moment—and the sense of pride these kids have in our hometown.

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