ella bella roZio’s Institute of Fashion show

Posted by Jewel on May 21st, 2010

The team at ella bella roZio put together one spectacular show on Sunday. Their marketing director, Fernando, invited me and a guest to front row VIP seating. I heart him soooo much! Of course, I invited my bestie, Mitch of Mitch’s Daily Dish to join me. We got there hours before the show and got to see the models practicing on the catwalk. We were also welcomed backstage where hair and makeup was being done. This was a different kind of show though, the designers themselves strutted wearing their own creations. Oh wait, did i mention that the models/designers are kids??? Yep, 8-18.

ella bella roZio is one class act. The mom, Rocio and daughter, Ella are serious couture designers. They just moved into a huge new space in the Gables. And they always have time for kids. The IOF was created in 2006. They are teach youth what designers don’t traditionally learn until sophmore year of design school. These kids are sketching, sewing, learning fashion photography, etc.

Mitch and I were simply stunned by the level of expertise these girls had mastered. For details of the show, check my story on Examiner.com here. But, i will say this–They are doing it! After the show, they all flocked to me to tell me their stories and take pictures. It was truly amazing and inspiring. What if everyone, like ella bella roZio, reached back and taught a single child what they know?

One of the saddest parts is that a lot of kids that would like to be part of this program can’t, because they can’t afford it. For that reason, the good folks at ella bella are trying to get non profit status. But they’ll need the help of the South Florida community. If you would like to help, I will certainly put you in touch with them. This was an amazing event.

Oh yeah, and after the students’ designs were presented, the Teen Board strutted down the runway wearing some of ella bella roZio’s stuff. They have some SUPER BAD designs! I’m not going to say much about the Teen Board at this point, as I plan to do a separate post on them next week.
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