From vintage finds, to multi-purpose scarves, to one of a kind dresses; the first ever True Radiance Fashion Show emphasized that clothing can be at once fashion forward and modest.
True Radiance is a modesty program developed by the Diocese of Corpus Christi to promote chastity and modesty among high-school girls.
About 500 people attended the inaugural event held at the Richard M. Borchard Regional Fairgrounds in Robstown on May 3.
Local youth leaders, such as husband and wife team Benjamin and Chelsea Nye, and motivational speaker Angie Windnagle provided strategic support for the program.
“We recognize a great need among men and women to find ways to dress fashionably and modestly,” director of the Office of Life, Justice and Human Dignity Deacon Stephen Nolte said. “Through the True Radiance program, girls are taught that they never have to dress inappropriately to fit in, that they can be confident as children of God.”
The modesty fashion show was the culmination of six months of formation for the young ladies enrolled in the program. “Formation” involved faith inspired group activities, including mentoring by devout Catholic women and required the young ladies to do some soul searching on their own.
“The girls were amazing,” True Radiance coordinator and clothing designer Chelsea Nye said. “I felt very blessed to work with a group of such grateful and attentive young women.”
Guests of the fashion show were greeted by ushers and servers who had participated in True Valor, the male counterpart of the program.
“The fashion show was an overall amazing experience. Serving this event and helping the girls put on the show was incredibly fulfilling,” usher,Victor Gonzales said.
Benjamin Nye, True Valor coordinator and theology teacher at Blessed John Paul II High School emceed the event. Designer Chelsea Nye explained the elements of the fashion show.
The girls participating in the fashion show were introduced by a video interview, complied by Caroline McFarland. Msgr. Louis Kihneman, Vicar General, led the assembly in a prayer.
The girls modeled modest fashions from Chelsea Nye’s clothing line called “Chels Marie.” The first collection showcased fashionable modesty at its most affordable, with an assemblage of vintage thrift store pieces, like shift style dresses, a pink tool skirt, high rise jeans and trendy clutch purses.
The second collection showed spectators different ways to wear the most modest accessory of all—the scarf. Around the neck, around the waist, and across the shoulder, the scarves modeled came in all colors, materials and sizes.
Before the final collection, Windnagle made a presentation on the value of a positive self-image.
“We are all constantly going through this mental check-list of what we should be, and what we need to realize is that there isn’t much depth to that,” she said. “When we begin to see ourselves as daughters of our God, we become attractive to God and we become truly beautiful.”
The final collection was all about the participants—their inner beauty enhanced by their own unique style. The girls showed-off long flowing dresses and spunky bright colored pants, to the applause of family members and friends.
True Radiance participants had the opportunity to serve as models or as crew members for the fashion show. After the completion of the program, girls received certificates of completion and are eligible to participate in the modesty formation program on a leadership level.
“The True Radiance Program helped me see the beauty of being a woman. It has given me confidence knowing that I am a child of God,” participant Alexis Ybanez said.
True Radiance is unique to the Diocese of Corpus Christi. Program Directors hope to expand the program into middle schools.
The following girls participated in the event: Alexis Ybanez, Bryttany Hernandez, Kaitlyn Polly, Myranda Hager, Isabel Hendricks, Pilar Montez, Lauren Rodriguez, Justine Rodriguez, Naomi Moreno, Savana Marie Saenz, Cristina Mendez, Celeste Ballien, Bethany Hernandez, Shelby Hathorn, Maria Willingham, Clarissa Salinas, Rebecka Gonzales, Elizabeth Mendez, Miranda Celeste Clark, Alyse Sanchez, Amanda Espericueta and Theresa Loera. To view more photos go to http://www.facebook.com/DulceBellezza and scroll down the page.