Some of the top mental illnesses in America that have seven million women and one million men struggling with are eating disorders. Approximately only one in every 10 people with a disorder receive treatment.
Colleges and universities all over the nation are reaching out to those students who want to help stop this illness. Cabrini College is one of those schools that addresses this issue.
“I want to educate the community about the potential negative effects of the fashion industry. I want to give students the confidence to appreciate their own personal beauty,” Andrea Sussel, BIC advisor and founder, said.
On Wednesday, Feb. 23 the second annual BeYou(tiful) Fashion Show will take place.
“The fashion show is about being yourself and loving yourself. It’s not about how you walk or what you wear. We want them to wear their favorite clothes and what they feel most comfortable in,” Kate Manning, BIC member and senior biology major, said.
The first show was such a huge success that when students heard that the BIC was hosting a second fashion show, they wanted to participate.
“I wanted to sign up for the fashion show because I love dressing up and I think it’s a good message that we can wear whatever we want no matter what kind of body type,” Tara Millamena, freshman communication major, said.
Last year approximately 100 people attended and 20 models walked down the runway. This year the goal is to advertise more than last year for a higher turnout.
“It was very successful for the first show. I thought it was amazing. This year we are definitely trying to expand it. Each year it’s going to get better and better,” Rachel Wenzel, senior marketing major co-president of BIC, said.
This free admission fashion show will take place at 7:30 p.m. and ends at 9:30 p.m. in the Grace Hall Atrium at Cabrini College. One can expect a student hosting the show, free donated food, music videos, educational film clips, talking points, educational material and t-shirts with the BIC logo on it. There is even the possibility of a henna tattoo artist making an appearance. Students are encouraged to bring their old jeans that don’t fit anymore and donate them to a shelter in Norristown, Pa.
“A lot of people struggle with body image and eating disorders,” Wenzel said. “People are embarrassed to address this problem to even talk about it, but the whole purpose of this club is to try and reach out and show people that there is nothing to be ashamed about.”
