It’s clear that this season’s fashion of choice is the breast — and knowledge is the hottest accessory.
The University Health Center, the Health Education Program and peer health educators presented the “Best Dressed Breast,” a show as informative as it was stylish. This week marks the end of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and “Best Dressed Breast” was “fashioned” around this message.
More college than couture, the presentation included outfits donated by Cynthia’s Fine Lingerie, Buffalo Exchange, Sweet Potato Pie, Greater Goods, Emporium Department Store, Folkways and REI. Each outfit was centered around an educational theme pertaining to breast cancer.
Students and community members floated across the runway in everything from red chiffon to vintage suede. Notable outfits included track pants and other workout wear from REI, worn to demonstrate the importance of physical activity in preventing breast cancer. One model sported a bright orange wrap-around shirt and skirt with flashy rhinestone trim from Greater Goods.
Biology and anthropology double major Kevin Blaine showed off “functional outerwear” to remind the packed audience that men can develop breast cancer, too.
The 22-year-old said he participated in the show because the coordinators asked him at the last minute.
“Both my grandmas has mastectomies,” he added.
Cass Skinner, a 26-year-old post-baccalaureate pre-med and pre-law student, modeled and helped coordinate the show as part of a peer education term project. She said she also has a personal connection with the cause.
“My mother has breast cancer,” she said.
Peer educator María Guerrero participated as part of her internship, but she also modeled for fun.
“I think my favorite part was being able to wear the great outfits — to take an outfit and dress it to what your topic is,” she said. “You’re not really speaking it, but showing.”
Alice Roach, a retired community member and breast cancer survivor, said she enjoyed bringing the topic of breast cancer into the limelight.
“I loved the clothes, and I loved just bringing people’s attention to breast cancer awareness,” she said. “It brought out a little of my exhibitionism, I guess.”
Cynthia’s Fine Lingerie owner Cynthia Crawford contributed door prizes in addition to clothing.
“I was very honored to be invited,” she said. “They did just a great job of highlighting and making it fun with the modeling.”
Crawford said the fashion’s message was important because it informed young women — a demographic who wouldn’t be aware of breast cancer unless it directly affected them.
Peer Health Educator and emcee Cara McCarthy ended the evening by lifting the presentation’s veils of satin, suede and organic cotton to expose the true intent behind the show.
She told the audience, “The Peer Health Center and medical staff want to encourage you to have healthy habits now.”
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