Girls of all shapes and sizes will be strutting down the runway this weekend in a fashion show at the Girls World Expo.
The show will feature girls ranging in ages from 11 to 18 from the local area sporting a range of styles.
"Girls are all sizes," says Erika Hofgesang, the fashion show director and coordinator. "We have medium size girls and older girls that have more shapely bodies and younger girls that are dancers that are tiny and petite."
Hofgesang, who is also a junior at Roxbury High School, says the show provides girls with a positive and realistic outlook on their body image and self esteem.
"It's so important because this gives girls someone to look up to and see that they can wear whatever they want to, just as these models are," says Hofgesang. "The models are more relatable. It's more realistic and an achievable thing to just be average."
The girls will be showcasing fashion styles from four stores including: Sew N' Sew in Lafayette; Regatta Girl in Sparta; The Millcreek Boutique in Vernon; and Amare Consignment Boutique in Vernon.
A total of 20 girls will participate, 10 from the Sussex County area and 10 from the Morris County area.
Regatta Girl's style is preppy, fun, Cape Cod-themed and lighthearted, just like the sail boat race, describes Hofgesang. Amare will offer consignment, vintage and one-of-a-kind clothing. Millcreek Boutique has distinctive, unique and custom clothing and accessories.
The finale will showcase a line of prom dresses and formal wear for girls.
"They are each going to wear an outfit from two stores," says Hofgesang. "It's girls of all ages and all sizes. So no one is excluded and there is no perfect model shape that we are looking for."
The Girls World Expo will be held Sunday, Sept. 30 from noon to 5 p.m. at the Sussex County Technical School, 105 North Church Road in Sparta.
Admission is free.
The one-day combines education and participation for young girls. Workshops, seminars, demonstrations, and displays will allow girls to explore different college and career choices with the help of mentors and experts in those fields, learn how to create a healthy body image by uncovering the facts about food and nutrition, unlock the secrets to staying safe online and in life, and hear success stories from creative women leaders from all walks of life.
For more information visit girlsworldexpo.com or e-mail info@girlsworldexpo.com.