The 2026 HOPE Fashion Show was a labor of love! The Upper School’s HOPE: Fashion With a Purpose student leaders Lilah Carroll ’27, Maleah Liao ’27, Lola Kletsman ’27, Nina Stevens ’27, and Crystal Gonzalez-Lawand ’26 organized the show, held annually in April, alongside HOPE faculty advisors Ms. Caitlyn Young and Ms. Petra van’t Slot.
This hardworking team decided on the futuristic, sustainable fashion theme; designed the poster, programs, and button badges; went on a thrifting field trip to source materials; and spent many long hours designing and creating the fashion pieces, and helping designers in every division bring their sketches to life.
HOPE members also designed the room and runway space in Hajjar Auditorium and prepped the STEM Center for the VIP Party that kicked off the main event, which included live music and a silent auction to benefit the Big Reuse. The nonprofit organization, based in Brooklyn, builds community-based initiatives to minimize waste and cultivate a greener and more resilient future.
“HOPE leaders selected Big Reuse after researching to find a local nonprofit that focuses on sustainability and volunteer opportunities for teens,” said Ms. Young.
During the impactful event, Don Scrivanich ’27 deejayed, Mackenzie Hammer ’28 performed, and Jian Harrell ’26 and Ella Mansager ’26 served as MCs and solo performers. Andrea Millares, a representative for the Big Reuse, also got on stage to say a few words about her nonprofit’s mission.
Meanwhile, the innovative runway fashions were designed by HOPE members as well as Middle School and Lower School (LS) students participating in HOPE-led, hands-on workshops. The workshops included after-school programs facilitated with help from Dr. Sherronda Brown P’31,’31, Director of D-E 360°, and the AfterCare & Enrichment (ACE) team. LS ACE students not only created, but also modeled their own Japanese yukata (kimono) designs.
HOPE’s creative vision also couldn’t be realized without the contributions of the Facilities Team; Bennett Sachs ’29, who managed the lighting; the Office of Student Activities; the Art in Action student club, advised by Ms. Rachel Deutsch-Brusky; and faculty from both the Art & Design and Performing Arts departments.
The event was a celebration of art, community, collaboration, and the future of fashion!
Photo Credit: Amber Mills