PRESENTS

FASHION SHOW

MALL

2 APRIL 2016
2 PM

ABOUT JUNIOR LEAGUE OF LAS VEGAS

The Junior League is an international organization of women
committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the
potential of women and improving the community through
the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.
Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. Current
programs of the Junior League of Las Vegas include childrens health
fairs with follow-up care to provide eyeglasses and dental services,
healthy eating and fitness projects, school garden support, collaborations
with other local nonprofits, a holiday gift program providing 10 gifts
each to more than 350 local students and a historic preservation project
featuring the Morelli House. Our longest running project, Education Grants,
has provided more than $570,000 to teachers in Clark County schools since
its inception in 1985. During its 70-year history, The Junior League of Las
Vegas has helped develop local programs including the Ronald McDonald
House, Lied Discovery Childrens Museum, HELP of Southern Nevada, the
Shade Tree Shelter and Community Alternative Sentencing.

ABOUT FASHION FORWARD

The Junior League of Las Vegas (JLLV) Fashion Forward is a unique fashion design
challenge for high school students of the Clark County School District (CCSD) patterned
after the popular TV show Project Runway. Part fundraising event and part community
outreach initiative, Fashion Forward provides budding fashion and design students a
premier opportunity to design and construct their own creations all with the hopes of
making it to the final challenge to model their ready-to wear designs for the public. Now
in its 8th year, Fashion Forward has blossomed into a signature JLLV event hosting 300
attendees during a special runway show each spring. Proceeds from Fashion Forward
support the Junior League of Las Vegas and its mission to promote volunteerism, develop
the potential of women and improve the community through the effective action and
leadership of trained volunteers.

FASHION FORWARD COMMITTEE

Co-Chairs: Lila Asnani & Phoebe Cooper

Members: Elizabeth Auten, Julie Bauchman, Dee Dierson,

Stephanie Johnson, Hilary Lee, Karissa Mack, Tya Mathis,
Abigail Millan, Mandy Mills, Meredith Smith, Carmel Viado
Fund Development VP: Dalisa Cooper
Special Thanks to Our Sustaining Advisor: Britta Carlson-Sessums

THIS YEAR'S COMPETITION

More than 200 high school students began the competition last fall
from schools including Las Vegas Academy, Southwest Career and
Technical Academy, West Preparatory, Rancho, Las Vegas, East Career
and Technical Academy, Green Valley, Centennial and Sunrise. Now
only 58 remain, following a challenging elimination round that
tasked the young designers two fold with
(a) creating a muslin dress to showcase their sewing skills and
(b) developing an original runway sketch inspired by one of ten
select international cities:

Auckland
Istanbul
Berlin Mexico City

Buenos Aires Nairobi
Hanoi New Orleans
Havana Reykjavik
Fabric was generously provided by Fashion Forward sponsors Star Costume and Theatrical
Supply and owner Marc Salls. Each student also received a $25 VISA gift card donated
by JLLV. These materials were necessary to bring to life a complete Passport to Fashion
ensemble from the students original elimination-round sketches.

OUR Emcee
MERCEDES MARTINEZ
Mercedes of Mercedes in the Morning on Mix 94.1, has
been living in Las Vegas and working with Mix 94.1
since 1997. Mercedes is a Cum Laude graduate from
UNLV with a degree in Communication Studies and a
minor in Sociology. She is very active in the community
and is passionate about her continuing work with the
Salvation Army, pet shelters and many other local nonprofit organizations. Mercedes was awarded the Best
Radio Personality, by the Las Vegas Review Journal, Las
Vegas Weekly and Vegas Seven Magazine. She has been
happily married to her husband, Matt for 14 years and
they have two beautiful daughters.

OUR ESTEEMED JUDGES

Selecting the winners of Fashion Forward 2016 will be a special panel of
judges composed of key community leaders.

WANDA POTTER-MERRITT

Las Vegas Fashion Designer, Wanda Potter-Merritt is

a Native Nevadan. Wanda has a degree in Business
and started her career in design with a tailoring
and custom boutique for specialty evening gowns.
She created and launched her first (Mid-Night
Flow) collection in 2009. In 2011 Wanda founded
Vegas Couture LLC, a womens wear brand and in
the summer of 2015 was invited to showcase Vegas
Coutures Resort Collection during New York Fashion
Week. Wanda was recently chosen by Nineteenth
Amendment as a talented and emerging designer.
Wandas line of design; Vegas Couture is a womens
wear brand creating elegant designs for the mature
fashion forward woman.

Judges will grade students on neatness of construction, design of garment,

appropriate fit and relevancy to their assigned international city.

KEVIN SMITH
Kevin is from Ohio and earned a Bachelors degree
in Psychology from The Ohio State University. He
was employed as a social worker for a few years,
before deciding to get another Bachelors in
Fashion Design from the International Academy
of Design and Technology here in Las Vegas.
Kevin has also worked in London, with designer
Ben De Lisi. Kevin, who has been teaching for 8
years, is the Education Program Coordinator for
Stitch Factory. Kevin helped develop the exciting
program at Stitch, which offers design courses
that rival traditional college options, as well as
fun and fashion forward projects for artists of all
ages and skill levels.

KARA SAUN

JOEY GALON

Kara Saun is the Costume Designer behind

Disney Channels Epic Movie Descendants.
The owner and creative force behind Kara
Saun LLC, a fashion and costume design house
that specializes in highly-stylized, fashiondriven projects. Kara also Costume Designed
MTVs Americas Best Dance Crew, NBCs The
Sing-Off and The Jabbawockeez Mus.i.c Show
at The Monte Carlo. Kara served as a Fashion
Expert for The NBC Red Carpet at the Emmys,
E! Entertainment Television, Style Network, TV
Guide and Bravo, and was a standout Fashion
Designer on season one of Project Runway.
Kara enjoys mentoring young and upcoming
talents and students and participates in many
charity events.

Joey graduated with a B.A Degree in

Fashion & Textile design from San
Francisco State University and Business
administration from San Diego state. Joey
has 20+ years of producing high profile
fashion shows and working with design
houses such as Thierry Mugler, Oscar de
La Renta, and Givenchy. Joeys gowns have
been featured on The Oscars red carpet
and multiple international pageants. Joey
has appeared as a competing designer
on shows such as 24 Hour Catwalk
and Vegas Brides. Joey is also a regular
contributor on Fox 5 KVVU TV. I am a
firm believer that all women should be
celebrated in a beautiful gown.

OUR ESTEEMED JUDGES, CONTINUED

MARC SALLS
Marc has spent over 32 years in Las
Vegas with his wife Debra, raising their
8 children and being very active in the
community. He is involved in his church
and as a Boy Scout Leader, along with
owning and co-managing Star Costume
and Theatrical with his wife for 21+ years.
Star Costume is one of the largest
costume and make-up distributors in
Las Vegas. Marc and Star Costume
have created hundreds of costumes
and wardrobes for stage productions,
international performers and clients. Marc
and company won The National Costume
Associations award for costume design
in 2005. The winning costume was also
featured on the cover of The Costumer.
Marc instructs classes of all ages; from elementary age kids to local adult professionals.
He is also a strong supporter of the local high schools theater arts programs and the
annual Thespian Conference.

2016 Star Costume Best of Awards

As part of this years Fashion Forward Challenge,
Star Costume & Theatrical Supply will recognize
five outstanding students in the following categories:
Best Use of Materials Selected
Best Representation of City
Best First Year Student (In Sewing/Design Class)
Best Technical Work
Best Use of Color

Auckland
Rosaidania Castillo - West Prep
Guadalupe Contreras - Rancho
Sharlette Hicks - Rancho
Erika Lopez - LVHS
Regina Mayoral - SWCTA
Giselle Sanchez - East Tech
Victor Sandino - East Tech
Delaney Tabor - Centennial
Kathielee Takeuchi - SWCTA

Berlin
OUR FINALISTS, THEIR CITIES AND SCHOOLS

Shakira Noda - SWCTA

Deanna Quintana - LVA

Buenos Aires
Megan Besancon - Green Valley
Baoying Feng - SWCTA
Emmalee MacDavid - Centennial
Andrea Peret - SWCTA
Zack Thornton - Centennial

Hanoi
Clairessa Almendarez - Rancho
Mckinley Bonner - SWCTA
Guadalupe Gomez - West Prep
Andrea Madrigal - Rancho
Rylie Zavala - Green Valley

Havana
Ben Blas II - SWCTA
Mia Brewer - SWCTA
Cristina Serrano - SWCTA
Jamie Willard - LVHS

Istanbul
Damaris Bravo-Reyes - Sunrise
Daugherty Cruz - SWCTA
Jackeline Damian - Rancho

Istanbul CONt'd
Dakota Delpadre - LVA
Efrain Galvan - SWCTA
Grace Hutchins - Green Valley
Brittney Ladd - East Tech
Elizabeth Long - Centennial

Mexico City
Shannon Brown - East Tech
Stephanie Lopez - East Tech
Jolyn Raniage - East Tech
Cyan Reed- Green Valley
Taylor Santiago - SWCTA

Nairobi
Meily Arteaga - Rancho
Andreana Bowman - Green Valley
Rohini Kailey - East Tech
Caitlin Orozco - LVHS
Mason Stanley - LVA

New Orleans
Aranza Acosta - LVA
Antonette Baumann - Centennial
Esmeralda Casillas - SWCTA
Sienna Casimiro - SWCTA
Kimberli Finley - LVHS
Kat Haiduck - SWCTA
Arabella Holman - Centennial
Elizabeth Navarro - East Tech
Lesley Salas - SWCTA

Reykjavik
Kirsten Chester - Centennial
Angelica DeChavez - SWCTA
Hattie HerndonGreen Valley
Annie Liang - SWCTA
Valery Urdaneta - SWCTA
Judith Vazquez - Centennial

Good Luck
Southwest CTA Finalists!
&
Congratulations
Principal Donna Levy your leadership inspires greatness.
Love - Jacquie, Nikki and Krysta

Fashion Forward 2016 wishes to recognize the following:

VIP SOIREE SPONSORS

vip swag bag contributors

Whole Body Healing, Massage by Kat Hollars

the priZES
Top Prize Winner

$500 scholarship
sponsored by Las Vegas Fashion Council
Sewing machine
a Fashion FairyGodmother Wand Me 1-Wish Mentorship
The Winner will shadow Kara Saun for one day,
on one of her many Costume Design Projects,
and will receive invaluable Mentorship.
a Wicked Fashion Designers Dream Treasure Chest
A kit full of fun design surprises, including amazing novelty fabrics and materials, trims,
supplies and much more!

Top 3 Winners

Student passes for MAGIC

and curated walkthrough of show by Stitch Factory
Sewing basket of high end tools/notions
Gift card to a fabric store

silent auction contributors

Abigail Millan, Karissa Mack, Las Vegas Cuff Links, by andrew derrico

Top 10 Winners

Will be featured in a fashion show on April 14th

at the Spring Show at Springs Preserve
sponsored by Las Vegas Fashion Council

PRIZE SPONSORS / CONTRIBUTORS

Britta Carlson-Sessums, Judy Beal

special thanks to:

Julie Beers ... Sunrise High School

Julie Beers has been a tailor, quilter, weaver and hand spinner
for more than 30 years. In May 2007, she earned her Bachelors
Degree in Family and Consumer Sciences from UNLV and
began teaching the following August. She spent four years
teaching Foods and Culinary classes, and has been teaching
Fashion for the last four years. She loves giving her students the skills they need
to be able to express themselves through their clothing and accessories. This is
the first year that her student is participating in Fashion Forward, and she is looking
forward to several more years.

Shannon Sheldon ... SouthWest Tech

Shannon Sheldon who is a native Las Vegan, is proud to have
been an educator in Clark County for 15 years. She holds a
Bachelor of Science degree in Fashion from Central Missouri
State University and a Masters in Education from UNLV.
Shannon was awarded Vocational Teacher of the Year in
2007. The fashion design challenges in her classrooms are credited for inspiring
the JLLVs Fashion Forward event. With her 30+ years of sewing experience, Shannon
makes costumes professionally in her spare time, most recently for the Las Vegas
Young Entertainers and for a production staged at The Smith Center.

OUR educators

Carrie Vlaming ... East Career and Tech Academy

Carrie teaches Costume Design 1. She has 23 years of
experience teaching everything from German to Film Studies.
Currently, she also teaches Film Studies, Film Acting, Fashion
Modeling and produces drama productions. She has been
sewing since age six and would like to thank her mother
who always seam ripped her mistakes. Carrie has worked in professional theatre
costuming and Prom and wedding Designing. She is very proud of this years
Fashion Forward East Tech finalists because they are all brand new to the world of
sewing and design.

Georgia Burns ... Rancho High School

Georgia Burns first realized her love for sewing was in junior
high school, where she sewed for her friends and herself. She
continues to be inspired by her community and looks forward
to helping her students at Rancho High School develop style,
substance and individuality within their own work. Georgia
has over 10 years experience instructing students.

Katina McAmis ... Las Vegas Academy

Katina McAmis is one of the Technical Theatre teachers and the Fashion
Design teacher at Las Vegas Academy of the Arts, instructing students in
theatre design, costuming and fashion for the last four years. She has
been an educator for ten years and prior to working in education, she held
positions as costume designer and scenic designer for multiple theatre
houses in Seattle. Her professional experience includes designing and constructing garments
for historical recreation, film, and photography. She has thoroughly enjoyed working with her
students on the Fashion Forward competition.

jennifer Hemme ... Green Valley High School

Jennifer Hemme has been teaching in the Clark County School District for
18 years, 13 of which at Green Valley High School. She teaches theatre, and
fashion design. She is happy to be part of the Fashion Forward program for
the 4th year.

Jani Antrim ... Las Vegas High School

Jani Antrim graduated from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana with a
BS in Consumer and Homemaking Education. She also earned an MAE in
Home Economics Education and a MEd in Administration and Leadership.
Jani has 25 years of experience teaching middle and high school and is
currently an instructor of Family and Consumer Science and Fashion 1, 2
and 3. Janis sewing and design expertise is extensive and includes a wide range of skills such as
garment sewing, home dcor, tailoring and pattern design.

Jasmine Reuel ... Centennial High School

Jasmine grew up in New Mexico and upon graduation; she attended BYUIdaho to pursue a degree in Family Consumer Science Education. Upon
completion, she began working at Centennial HS and is currently in her
10th year of teaching. During those years, she received her Masters Degree
in Teacher Leadership, while also coaching the girls swim team. Jasmine
loves her job and the joy her students find in sewing. Her students have been competing in
Fashion Forward for six years and hopefully for many more years to come.

Charla Ricketts ... West Prep High School

Charla teaches fashion and culinary classes. She was raised in Southern
Utah where her mother taught her to sew at a very young age. She has a
Bachelors degree in Home Economics Education and an Associates degree
in Education from Southern Utah University. Charla has been teaching
Family and Consumer Science in the CCSD for over 20 years. Married with
five children, she has been working towards a Masters degree in Educational Technology at
Lesley University. Charlas hobbies include gardening and spending time with her family.

Thursday, April 14 5 PM
Springs Preserve
Cocktails, Appetizers
& Fashion
$150
For more information call
702-822-8317

The Springs Preserve Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit

organization committed to supporting programs,
projects and events at the Springs Preserve.

thank you to our event sponsors