Sisters on the Runway benefit fashion show to take place April 7

The 8th annual Sisters on the Runway benefit fashion show will take place in the Campus Center Auditorium from 7-9 p.m. April 7 and feature many popular brands, giveaways, goodies and entertainment. Here’s what you can expect:

1. All proceeds go to charity.

Sisters on the Runway-UMass Division is the student organization putting on the fashion show. All ticket purchases and profits from the show will be donated to Safe Passage, a domestic violence shelter in Northampton. Sisters on the Runway (SOTR) is active throughout the school year and raises money to support victims of domestic violence, as 1 in 3 women, regardless of community, age, gender or race, will be affected by domestic or dating abuse in their lifetime.

2. Desserts and drinks from Sweets & More.

Sweets & More, the student-run business in Orchard Hill that specializes in baked goods and milkshakes, will be catering the event.

3. Red carpet glam & photoshoots.

Lights, camera, action! Photographers, a red carpet and a SOTR backdrop will be present. All photos will be posted to the SOTR Facebook page after the event, so this is your chance to get decked out —  you can wear your most glamorous dresses and your spiffiest suits, and bask in the fashion glory.

4. Raffles galore!

You could win yummy sweets, jewelry, accessories or even party decorations. Some companies that have donated prizes include Michael Kors, Macy’s, Oriental Trading Company, Simple Gifts Farm, Betsy Boo’s Boutique, Nuttzo, Izu & Vash and ModCloth.

5. A legitimate runway

The executive board members are pulling some strings in order to convert the Campus Center Auditorium into a full-blown runway with sparkly colorful lights, a DJ and music playlist, MCs and models that will strut in heels. Space is limited as the runway takes up so much room so there will only be room for 400 people to attend. More information on purchasing tickets is available below.

6. Sephora, JCPenney, TJ Maxx and many more well-known brands are on board.

The show will feature outfits from brands including Tommy Hilfiger, TJX, Tobi, Terani Couture, 25 Central, thredUP and stylish local boutiques near Northampton. Models will be getting their hair styled by JCPenney and makeup done by professional artists from our local Sephora in Hadley.

7. Clothes on sale for bargain prices after the show

If you spot any hot dresses or clothing that you would like to own, you might be able to purchase them after the show. And don’t forget that if you buy an outfit, your money is going toward a charitable cause.

8. Comedy troupes and acapella groups

Expected performers include Not Ready for Bedtime Players (a peer sexuality education comedy troupe), both co-ed acapella groups the Vocal Suspects and Note-orious, and the UMass Stage Crew Dance team.

9. Female empowerment

There are almost 30 models walking in the show. These models are all UMass undergraduate students, of all shapes and sizes. You may recognize some of your friends or classmates in the show. Models were selected on the basis of wanting to help victims of domestic violence, not their physical appearance. The show encourages girls to feel good in their own skin.

You can buy tickets the day of the show, starting at 5 p.m. right outside the Campus Center auditorium (downstairs from Blue Wall). The doors and red carpet photo shoot will open at 6 p.m. Due to the limited space, arriving early is your best bet to ensure you get a ticket.

Ticket prices are $15 admission for all university students with IDs, $10 for children and $18 for the general public.

For more information, you can visit the Sisters on the Runway Facebook page.

Email Carolyn at [email protected].

Note: Details about the fashion show were provided by Chanel Connor, the Sisters on the Runway Fashion Show director and Amherst Wire contributing writer.