One in four women are sadly affected by domestic violence. In 2005, this tragic truth inspired three 15 year old girls to come up with an organization that would help raise over $50,000 for women and children influenced annually. Elizabeth Eddy, Gabriela Graham, and Juliana Colangelo, developed Sisters on the Runway as a concept that challenges youth to utilize their love for fashion design to help change the world.
Every year they throw a fashion show fundraiser where students are allowed to use their artistic expression to gain awareness and exposure for Sisters on the Runway. This year, the event was held at Parsons The New School of Design. Domestic violence is a situation that affects every community, gender, age, and race. Originally, these three young ladies found it hard to believe that although such a major issue in this country, it is rarely touched upon. That is why Sisters on the Runway has teamed up with two major shelter organizations.
Safe Horizon of New York City works with the New School University branch. Their unique one-stop system allows clientele to receive all necessary assistance to escape their abusers. One of the first women who spoke at the event, talked about how Safe Horizon helped her every step of the way during her process of escaping from her abusive and self-destructive husband. Additionally, they are also one of the largest domestic violence shelter systems in the country, offering 425 beds to victims and their children. Their second shelter of choice is Shelter Our Sisters of New Jersey that provides safe shelter and 24 hour service to women and children affected by physical, sexual, economic, and emotional abuse.
The fashion that was displayed was anomalous and funky; showcasing the designers’ many talents; Papasree Kiattipongthaworn, Nicki Ray Muller, Abby Lal, and Meghan Spielman. Overall, it was a generous experience that expressed a strong adoration for fashion—all while taking a step to end domestic violence amongst women.
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