Over 40 models strutted down the runway showing off the latest fall trends from 7 local designers.
"I’m really excited to see all the models and the fashion that's going to be displayed tonight," show attendee Chanelle Blakely said.
The mother-daughter duo and co-owners of Kira's Kouture Boutique organized the 'Land of Kouture' fashion show at Grey Rock Mansion Sunday night. They are using it as a platform to raise awareness for domestic violence and sexual assault. Some of the proceeds will benefit House of Ruth Maryland, a nonprofit that helps victims. It's something that's very personal to many people there, including lead organizer and designer Shakira Johnson.
"Some years ago, I left a very bad relationship and I spent about 12 months with House of Ruth. They have so many amazing services and programs that people don't even know and they're so amazing and I'm grateful for the impact that they had on my life," Johnson said.
She says some of the money raised will also go to the SheRose Awards, an annual program to honor survivors.
"We just want to let people know that there is life after the end of that relationship; that you survived and you need to be celebrated and what better way than with fashion and beauty?" Johnson said.
It was a night celebrating people of all genders, ages and sizes. Some models even making their runway debut.
"Proud dad moment and when she told us about the House of Ruth, that the proceeds are going to House of Ruth, that made it even more special so we were quite happy to come and get all our friends to come," Jason Scott Sr., the father of one of the models, said.
"We do things as a family so it's nice to support her and show support to the House of Ruth as a family as well," Lynette Morris, sister of a model, said.
Organizers aren't sure how much they made to donate yet. They hope to host another fashion show next fall to benefit the same nonprofits.
