Muncie Boutique Holds Fashion Show for a Cause

Ball State students model spring apparel

By Maricris Julie Taeza

Flaunt, a Muncie-based boutique along Calvert Street, sponsored a fashion show Tuesday night at Dill Street and raised $200 to support cardiac research for women. Dubbed as Fashion for the Foundation, the event featured Ball State students who showcased the shop's spring line.

All proceeds will go to Alpha Phi Foundation, an organization awarding grants and scholarships to promote women's cardiac care.

"The show is a great way to raise money for philanthropic causes. Alpha Phi is very close to my heart because I am an alumna," said Amber Davis, owner of Flaunt. Davis used to be the director of philanthropy when she was an active Phi member.

Aaron Stewart, co-owner of Dill Street, said they agreed to hold the show in their establishment because of the charitable cause. "It's also a good way to promote business on a non-busy night," he added.

Junior elementary education student Cassie Derado, one of the models, said she was glad to join the show. "I wanted to help the foundation, so I volunteered to become a part of the show," she said. "It was a lot of fun, and I would definitely do it again."

Lanee Mikesell, a senior fashion merchandising student working at Flaunt, directed the 15-minute show. "This is the first show I've produced by myself. It's stressing but rewarding because it's successful," she said.

Mikesell said timing is the key in organizing such an event. "The challenge is to make sure the models are where they need to be at the right time."

The students modeled color-blocked dresses, bright-colored blouses and flouncy ruffled skirts.

"Spring by nature is a fun and flirty season, so we're going to see bright colors. Despite the economic depression, the people are ready for a change even if it's just the attitude," Davis explained.

Janette Stettler, a junior majoring in elementary education, said she had fun watching the show. "The models looked so happy. They seemed like they enjoyed themselves while on stage," she said.

After the show, eight members of the audience won movie passes and coupons from IHOP, Incredible Yogurt and Beef `O' Brady's.

BSU student Cassie Derado models a ruffled satin blouse matched with cropped skinny denims.