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“Mode Fantastique” Fashion Show
Sundowners Forest Glade Centre
(visit the photo gallery)

It all started with some school age children at Sundowners After-School program at Forest Glade Centre who were using curtains and turned them into capes. This simple event began to grow when other pieces of fabric and notions were added that created a new and interesting learning centre. The children began to wrap themselves in different fabrics and used ribbons to help keep them on. It was wonderful to see so many girls and boys working together creating some very interesting items. Out of all this, one of the children suggested they should have a fashion show. So they were off to the races, so to speak. Our very accommodating and dedicated Registered ECE staff, Nancy Lariviere and Crystal Labbee brought in materials, sewing machines (and yes the real thing) and notions too. Girls and boys selected and made their own decision on the materials to use to create their own originally designed outfits.

Children worked very hard over a period of several weeks making decisions on fabric, style of their garments as well as how they would put this all together to actually present their end products in a fashion show. Children traced, measured and cut patterns to use and sewed their own garments using a real sewing machine, stitching by hand, adding accessories such as buttons, ribbons, and bling. Girls and boys shared experiences and complimented each other on how beautiful or wonderful their designs turned out. Children took on leadership roles, discussed colours and designs and worked together as a team. It was truly a wonderful learning experience for everyone involved. From the planning, designing, cutting, and sewing to the overall skill-building aspects such as math concepts derived from the marking and measuring to the cognitive, social and physical skills needed for such a huge project.

At times all the designing and creating seemed like the hard part however the really hard work started as the children and staff took on the actual tremendous task of putting on the production and set up of the fashion show. The production took on a life of its own and with very hard work and cooperation which included the setting up of the production “crew” made up of some of the children tasked with the “behind the scenes” job of keeping things moving and in working order. Marvel Beauty School volunteered their time and came in and did make-up and hair for all the runway stars. Invitations went out to family and friends and the stage was set for the “Mode Fantastique” Fashion Show. What the audience found was a “runway” stage with full production lighting, specially selected music, camera and video crew, refreshments (made and designed by the children) and beautiful decorations and seating.

 A GREAT TIME WAS HAD BY ALL!
CONGRATULATIONS to all the children and staff at Sundowners- Forest Glade Centre!