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| photos by Hing Ching Leung |
Once in a while, a fashion show comes along that reminds you
of the humanity of this industry. The AlliStyle
show at World Mastercard Fashion Week showed a collection of affordable,
stylish options for women of all sizes and ages, surprisingly on models of all
sizes and ages.
The regrettable part of this is that it was shocking. The great part of it was the enthusiasm and
standing ovation from the audience.
AlliStyle was a mission from mother and daughter Pam Shainhouse and
daughter Alli Shapiro. Alli’s weight fluctuated
quite a bit due to her struggle with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Instead of shopping as a fun activity that
made you feel good, the act of purchasing fashion for herself was so
frustrating that if often left her in tears.
Alli passed away in 2006.
Her mother vowed to continue the mission in creating a quality, stylish
collection that could be worn year round, used eco-friendly fabrics and produced in their home country of
Canada. The label recently signed
Whitney Thompson, the full figured diva contestant of tv’s America’s Next Top
Model as their spokesperson and creative director.
While the company advocates travel friendly clothes with
comfort, they do not advocate shapeless looks.
This was evident in the buxom, sexy blondes on the runway in the spirit
of Mae West.
Even more moving is that the net proceeds from the clothing
sales benefit their non-profit, Alli’s Journey.
The organization provides comfort bags and comfort rooms in hospitals to
support young adults with cancer.
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