Fashion and Beauty collide in end-of-the year show stopping event

  • A red dress.
  • Several dresses.
  • A few outfits on display.
  • A few outfits on a display in a hallway.
  • Several outfits on display in a hallway.
  • Models posing in outfits.
  • Two models posing.
  • A group of models posing on a runway.
  • A model in a ballgown on the runway.
  • A model getting her hair and makeup done.

Career and Technical Education students hit the runway displaying their talents

Students in the Cosmetology I program worked behind the scenes of the Fashion in Toyland show held at the White Plains Library recently. The collaboration between Cosmetology I and the Fashion Design and Merchandising program at the Southern Westchester BOCES Valhalla campus proved to be an amazing experience for all the students involved. TV/Video Production students joined their counterparts to capture the event.

The Cosmetology I students lent a hand by providing their expertise in hair and makeup. Fashion Design and Merchandising teacher Carmen Galiano and Cosmetology I teachers Yolanda Lopez and Vanessa Newby worked closely with the students as they completed the looks for the Toyland characters and to assist them in bringing their visions to life. The students got dolled up for the show in their classrooms before the big event. They then set up backstage at the White Plains Library for touch ups with Cosmetology Assistant Teresa Giorgio.  

“Yolanda, Vanessa, and I were so proud of the students' work ethic, skill, and talent. They worked tirelessly all day,” said Ms. Giorgio.

Some of the students in both programs had their first experience of walking the runway.

White Plains High School junior Maria Limon, who is in the Cosmetology program, was one student who pulled double duty. 

“I modeled, which was fun because you got to see what the designer had in mind. I also did my own hair and makeup,” said Maria. “It was fun and thrilling being behind the scenes. It also helped us practice on how to communicate with others.”

The Fashion Design and Merchandising students have been working the past several months, from concept to final product and the collaboration helped bring their designs to the stage. 

White Plains High School junior Shirley Deleg, who is in the Fashion Design and Merchandising program, stated she enjoyed the collaboration. 

“It was eye opening, and it was fun to get the feel of everything. Cosmetology did my hair, and I did my own makeup. It was a very friendly and good experience,” said Shirley. 

The TV/Video Production students played a role in the fashion show as well. 

“Students from the TV/Video Program collaborated on the video that was shown during the fashion show,” said Michael May, the TV/Video Production teacher. “They scheduled and recorded studio interviews with the fashion students and then gathered visual elements based on what the designer's outfit inspiration was and incorporated that into the final edit.”

The collaboration proved to be successful in more ways than one. The students in each program had a chance to showcase their skills while learning how to work with others to create something wonderful.

“It prepared me for that socialization I will need in the future. It was a very helpful experience,” said Shirley.