The Ortho Evra Every Woman Fashion Show achieved what few fashion shows managed: democratization. Phillip D. Johnson reports

PHOTOGRAPHED BY THE AUTHOR

HOUGH the average industry insider knows better, fashion, as seen through the eyes of a "fashion civilian", isn’t often very practical, inclusive or particularly uplifting. And on some levels, it doesn’t have to be. After all, fashion as a concept isn’t for everyone. But at the same time, fashion affects all our lives in one way or another. Therefore, the very fact that the Ortho Evra Every Woman Fashion Show was even on the spring 2004 market week schedule (and created such a big buzz) was a major achievement within itself. Presented by Ortho–McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc., in conjunction with Self magazine and the Esteemed Woman Foundation, the event—in its second year—celebrates the lives of 10 extraordinary women who are quite remarkable in and of themselves and most deserved of the honour.
   Ortho–McNeil canvassed the country for three months in search of these 10 women (a bulletin ran on Lucire’s news page). They won out over a field of 1,370 entries submitted by mothers, brothers, husbands, best friends, sons and daughters who, by online entry or by mail, described in great detail why their individual nominee deserved the chance of a lifetime to walk the runway during Fashion Week in New York City. The finalist was picked by an independent panel of judges including: Jeanne Yang, a Hollywood stylist who later styled the models for the show; Suzie Galler, a television and movie producer and the founder of the Esteemed Woman Foundation; and Danielle Bendrihem, the marketing director of Self. The winners were chosen based on the following criteria: the ability to articulate a vision or potential achievement and working towards fulfilling it; displaying far-reaching leadership skills that sets the standard within her profession, family or community; an inner beauty that exudes strength, self-confidence and compassion; and a personal style that celebrates her innate individuality. This year’s honorees include a teacher, a professional basketball player, an attorney, an international economist, a marketing consultant and an oncology nurse, every one a credit to herself, her family and her community.
   ‘The Ortho Evra Every Woman Fashion Show moves beyond clothes, make-up and hairstyles to show the world the strength and true beauty that emanate from within these confident, amazing women,’ says Ms Galler. ‘As an organization dedicated to empowering women, we are proud to participate in an event that promotes a healthy sense of self-worth.’
   Cheryl Callan, Group Director, Consumer Marketing at Ortho–McNeil Pharmaceuticals, is even more enthusiastic: ‘Just as we listened to real women and developed the patch in response to their desire for simple, effective birth control, this event is the first runway show designed for real women everywhere. [It will] show women how they can translate the latest designer look into simple, wearable, everyday fashion.’
   The designers who contributed their designs were as varied as the women themselves. David Rodriguez, a Rising Star award nominee (for the Fashion Group International) in 2000, is a well-regarded up-and-coming talent on the New York fashion scene whose designs have graced the bodies of actress Kirsten Dunst, singer–actress Toni Braxton and actress Brook Langton. Sylvia Tcherassi is a Columbian-born designer who is known for her layering of colours, contrasts and fluid silhouettes in designs that serve to reflect the distinctive personality of the wearer. Halogen, a line exclusive to the Nordstrom t.b.d. private label, consists of great everyday basics in fresh colours and stylish, fashion-forward pieces that are a great fit at an affordable price without being too trendy. Last but not least, R. Scott French, a favourite here at Lucire, who although he has been not as visible on the forefront of New York fashion in recent years, is still very much out there creating and creating a niche for himself in both the men’s and womenswear design fields.

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The Ortho Evra Every Woman Fashion Show moves beyond clothes, make-up and hairstyles to show the world the strength and true beauty that emanate from within these confident, amazing women