Junior Rachel Hang-Rothman connects her passion for fashion to her love for our community through Costa’s Fashion Narrative Club and the Richstone Community Center. Hang-Rothman’s club is a space where students can express themselves through monthly newsletters and collaborate with peers who share common interests. Fashion Narrative has recently partnered with Richstone, an organization that Hang-Rothman has been volunteering with for the past five months.
“I understood how having a program in which kids could be assisted with homework, provided food, and given the opportunity to explore recreational interests was extremely beneficial,” said Hang-Rothman. “Furthermore, I felt inspired to extend the Fashion Initiative to Richstone so the kids could explore their interests in fashion as well.”
Richstone’s mission is to treat and prevent child abuse and trauma; strengthen and educate families; and prevent violence in families, schools, and communities. According to Hang-Rothman, this mission to help families connects well with her idea of fashion since they have the same goal: empowering people to feel comfortable in their own skin.
“People can wear whatever they want to express how they feel and what they believe in, therefore empowering people to speak their thoughts and not be ashamed,” said Hang-Rothman. “Plus, coming up with new ways to style a garment or trying varying styles allows people to think outside the box and let their creativity flow, just as the kids at Richstone will be able to express their creativity and emotions through designing their own clothing.”
Starting this week, Hang-Rothman will spend seven weeks teaching kids about fashion at Richstone. First, she will explain the fundamentals of designing, like colors and patterns, then the kids will spend about three weeks creating their own designs. At the end of the school year, the students will put on a fashion show.
“I want the show to be made by the kids’ clothes and their visions for what it is,” said Hang-Rothman. “In order to emphasize the beautiful qualities of fashion, I think it’s so important for the kids to feel like they headed their own experience.”
This partnership has benefits for everyone involved. The kids at Richstone get to have a unique experience, new, self-made, one-of-a-kind clothes, all while gaining self-confidence. Members of Fashion Narrative get to involve themselves in their community and really make an impact.
“It makes me feel great that the club allows us to aid our community by helping people learn more about topics that Rachel and the club are passionate about,” said junior club member Lila Mokhtari.
Hang-Rothman not only hopes to share her love for fashion, but she hopes to teach others about its significance. According to Hang-Rothman, the most important part of the initiative so far has been giving her passion meaning.
“I think a lot of times fashion is overlooked as materialistic and people only care to dress in whatever is trending, but there is so much more to fashion than that,” said Hang-Rothman. “Fashion is about confidence and empowerment, it’s a form of activism and change, and I’m so excited to teach the kids about this side of fashion.”
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