Contact:
Danie Greenwell
215-885-2420
info@achancetoheal.org
November 15 Fashion Show Will Challege Industry Standards of Beauty
Philadelphia, PA, August 17, 2007 - Philadelphia University is partnering with A Chance to Heal Foundation (Jenkintown, PA) to host the city's first fashion show celebrating all body types and sizes. This revolutionary event, entitled Body Diversity: Everyone We Know is Beautiful, will take place November 15 from 7pm to 9pm at Philadelphia University's Downs Auditorium. Cash prizes will be awarded.
Philadelphia University Fashion Design students will create innovative designs using styles, patterns and colors that compliment real bodies. "This is a ground-breaking opportunity for young designers and consumers to recognize that clothes can look great and fit right no matter what our size, shape, color or age," says Ivy Silver, Co-Founder and President of A Chance to Heal.
Fashion design students from Philadelphia University's Phi Psi Textile Fraternity and Fashion Apparel Management Experience group will handle show and event logistics. Before and after the event, A Chance to Heal will hold educational programming for students on topics such as eating disorders, self-esteem, nutrition and how the fashion industry affects body image. Armed with this information, students will be better equipped to create fashions for all body types and promote positive body image in their work.
This event aims to educate consumers and encourage students to question the size 0 culture. The goal is to encourage people to challenge industry standards of beauty and gain a healthier view of their own bodies. The hope is that this healthy body image event will raise awareness and help prevent potential eating disorders.
Hundreds of people die each year of eating disorders. Statistics show that at least 9 million Americans struggle with anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder. Unfortunately, more than half of all cases are undetected and therefore, untreated.
Tickets, which will benefit A Chance to Heal, are available online at achancetoheal.org or by calling 215-885-2420. A Chance to Heal is a regional non-profit dedicated to preventing eating disorders through education and early diagnosis.
Cheryl Wadlington, Creative Director of Evoluer Image Consultants, will serve on the panel of judges. "This design competition is important considering that the average woman wears a size 12 and she needs to be able to find clothes that work for her body figure," Wadlington said. "Until fashion retailers begin to show women that they appreciate the many shapes of real women, they will lose out on a core market share."
About A Chance to Heal: The mission of A Chance to Heal is to prevent eating disorders through early diagnosis, education and advocacy. It was established in 2004 by Ivy Silver and her daughter Rachel, following Rachel's treatment for an eating disorder. Serving the greater Philadelphia region, the nonprofit is dedicated to preventing eating disorders through education and early diagnosis. It conducts grand rounds for physicians on diagnosis and treatment at area hospitals, presents school programs and hosts events to build awareness of eating disorders. A Chance to Heal will host the October 19-20 symposium, "BodyTalk: Tools to Prevent and Recognize Eating Disorders in Our Youth" for educators and community leaders who influence youth.
Philadelphia University, founded in 1884, is a private university with 3,200 full- and part-time students enrolled in more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs, including its highly-respected Fashion Design Program. The University includes Schools of Architecture, Business Administration, Design and Media, Engineering and Textiles, Liberal Arts, and Science and Health. For more information, go to www.PhilaU.edu.
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