Kids Who Draw partnered up with World Class Youth for The Red Light on Traffic, a fashion show fundraiser to help fight human trafficking. $900 was made from the event, and the funds went to Stop Child Trafficking Now, an organization that strives to eliminate child trafficking. The show was held at the OC Mart Mix on August 23rd.

Photo credit: Bambi Nguyen

Besides the earthy atmosphere of the fashion show, what caught our eyes were the signs that contained trafficking statistics. One sign read: “1 million children are exploited by the global commercial sex trade every year -The Facts About Child Tourism: 2005.”

Photo credit: Bambi Nguyen

Kids Who Draw focus on different causes each month through music, fashion, film, and other art industries. To name a few, some of the causes they’ve tackled include the awareness of child autism and CHOC Hospital. Allison Nguyen, president of Kids Who Draw, was fixated on human trafficking when a friend of hers told her about the containment of children in Thai brothels. It is a cause close to her heart, considering that she is going to be a mother soon.

“It’s really heart breaking, and I would never want that for my kids,” Nguyen said. “It kind of hit home for me, thinking of it in that sense.”

Nguyen then wanted to work with Analyssa Benedict, CEO and founder of World Class Youth.

“The only reason why I’m doing this is because of Kids Who Draw,” said Benedict. “World Class Youth is working in hand with them to raise this money towards a good cause.”

The fashion show was comprised of 11 production members, 13 models, 10 dressers, 6 Makeup and Hair Artists, 2 Camera Crews, and 5 Photographers. The models, who were scouted by World Class Youth, were thrilled at the opportunity to walk down the runway. Some were nervous for their debut.

Photo credit: Bambi Nguyen

“I thought it was fun–it was a really good experience for me,” said Taylor, runway model for World Class Youth. “I was really nervous and didn’t know what to expect because it is my first show, and I was hoping I wouldn’t fall or anything. At the end I was just happy. I was like ‘Oh my gosh, I did it!’”

Disarray Magazine was seated across from Forever 21 and between H&M and The Penelope Times. Our VIP goodie bags included products from Philosophy, NYX, 5 Hour Energy, Lisa Michelle, Activate, and more.

Photo credit: Bambi Nguyen

Designs on the runway were by Daisy Gonzalez and Lisa Michelle. What first sparked Gonzalez’s collection was blue and gold baroque fabric. She then added a feminine touch with sheer fabric, and her flow-y pieces took part in that, too. Michelle’s collection was inspired by the 1920’s, which is seen in her head pieces sewn with art-deco-inspired beading. Their seemingly fashionable guests were impressed by the designs.
“I liked the camp-y look and the elegant look and everything mixed together,” said Chanelle Laurence from The Penelope Times. “There was some 90’s inspiration with the floral and silhouettes, and I really enjoyed that, too.”

Photo credit: Bambi Nguyen

Photo credit: Bambi Nguyen

The event was clearly a success. Benedict said that it was a non-profit production; everyone at the event is a volunteer. The only form of compensation that the models are receiving are additions to their portfolios, and the rest of the volunteers gained additional experience in their resumes.

“We had a bit of stumbling. A few things were forgotten here and there,” Benedict said. “In the end, it was a success. We all worked hard on getting the designs out there and the girls out there shining. All in all, we’re here for support.”

About the Author

Mory Men is currently studying Literary Journalism and Digital Arts at the University of California, Irvine. She produced the Pacific Gateway Workforce Investment Network’s “Changing Lives” series and blogged for UCI’s Fashion Interest Group. Aside from writing and website designing,she enjoys going to concerts, shopping, and reading fashion blogs.

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