A PURE Fashion initiative was held for the first time nationally in Sunnybank parish on Brisbane’s southside on May 24.
Highlighting the need for young people to dress with dignity, modesty and self-respect, the gathering among almost 150 attendees was organised by local youth and young adults as a World Youth Day fundraiser.
Commencing with an upbeat dance routine by pilgrims Kristen Roe and Casey Lee, the event featured formal attire, evening and work wear as well as casual dressing ideas, all modelled by local youth and children.
Special guest Rosemary Streckfuss, the only current consecrated member of the Regnum Christi Movement, travelled from Melbourne to address the gathering.
An advocate for Pure Fashion, she spoke of the need for girls especially to “live, behave and dress in accordance with their dignity as children of God”.
Miss Streckfuss gives spiritual direction to females of varying ages “on their path to holiness” and is actively involved in “Challenge”, who “train young women to serve as role models for their peers”.
The Brisbane visitor was overwhelmed by the professionalism and commitment of the Sunnybank youth involved.
Young adult Kate Smith choreographed the fashion presentation.
Children dressed in colourful designs while even Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School teacher Katie O’Kane was part of the modelling group.
Local songstress Carla Smerdon provided other entertainment with a Les Miserables tune and another from Phantom of the Opera.
Onlookers clearly enjoyed the event, applauding at several intervals, and raising more than $1000 for their pilgrims.
An on-going program will be offered to young people as a follow-up to the fundraiser.
This will involve input in terms of etiquette, grooming and deportment.
Pure Fashion is described as “a character formation program that enhances not only a young woman’s external appearance but … her interior beauty and balanced self-confidence”.
Pure Fashion began when a young Catholic was unable to find appropriate clothing at an upmarket department store, another result of which was a completely new line of “respectable attire”.
Miss Streckfuss is hopeful that other Brisbane parishes will see the need to offer their own Pure Fashion program, and invites interested persons to visit www.purefashion.com
A Challenge Convention for youth and families will be held before World Youth Day, with more information available by emailing challengeconvention2008@gmail.com
– Selina Harris
