Villains hit the runway for charity

Halloween is fast approaching and there is nothing worse than having to pick out your costume at the last minute. Toilet paper mummies, tin foil tiaras or just bunny ears should not cut it this year. This October, Fanshawe's Fashion department is using its creativity and ability to turn gently worn clothing into unique costumes while remaining within a villain theme.

Organized by the students and Leigh-Ann Waller, the Fashion Program Coordinator at Fanshawe, a costume silent auction is taking place to raise money that will be split equally for both the Children's Make a Wish Foundation and the students' Unbound Fashion Show occurring in their third year of the program. The Make a Wish Foundation brings to fruition the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions in order to enrich their life with hope and happiness. So far this year, 47 wishes have been granted to children in Southwestern Ontario alone.

Waller explained that the students are not only creating the costumes from clothing donated by Talize (1345 Huron St.), a local discount and second-hand store, but also a big part of the students' responsibilities is embedded in actually organizing and planning the event. There are 35 students involved, each making one costume, and each costume will be showcased and open to bidding.

Before the silent auction, the costumes created will be used on October 19 in a parade preview through the halls of Fanshawe College. There will also be a fashion show at Talize starting at 7 p.m. that same night.

"Halloween is such a fun time of year ... and if you come to the silent auction, you are supporting students here at Fanshawe College, their creative efforts, and also supporting the Children's Make a Wish Foundation, so it's going to a great cause," said Waller.

The silent auction itself will be held at the Siskind Gallery in H building on campus where bids can be made on individual costumes from October 22 to 26. "It would be nice to get $1,000," said Waller, "$500 would go towards the charity and $500 would go towards the students."

In 2009, their predecessors created outfits inspired by 50 years of fashion, starting off in the 1950s with key pieces from celebrities like Elvis and Aretha Franklin, and ending in the millennium with glitz and glam, without missing any fashion in between.

The event promises to be unique, fun, and will whet your appetite for Halloween fashion. In the spirit of Christmas to come, donate to a wonderful cause and attain a fun, unique villainous costume for Halloween!