Taking styles from the classroom to the catwalk

Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce hosted ‘Project FUNDWay’ a fashion student design competition to win at $5,000 scholarship on December 3 at McKinley Technical High School. Finalists, Michael Edwards, Samuel Mintah and Adegbemisola Ademisoye sent their best down the runway in hopes to impress judges Linda Lee, Angie Goff, Maurisa Potts, Jennifer Barger, Kwab Amasoah, Evelyn Brooks, Tashia Senn, Beverly Johnson and Makeda Saggau-Sackey.

Adegbemisola, aka Ade pronounced Ah-Day, won. She showed an interesting collection of texture-rich fabrics. Her edgy and charming garments secured her victory.

Considering the sheer number of judges vs contestants, not all of them got to weigh in live at the event, but they were all supportive of the aspiring fashion designers. DC Councilmember Harry Thomas Jr. of Ward 5, who also participated in the event, assured all the students that he would help find assistance for them to pursue their fashion dreams.

Project FUNDway reports ‘to assist young men and women for outstanding academic achievement and commitment to the practice of fashion design.’

According to Maggy François, Vice President of Education and Training Division for GWFCC, “educating our youth through design is an important investment in their futures. We must encourage our young people to dream beyond the stars, because there is so much passion in fashion; and with our support, we can help someone achieve that dream.”

Project FUNDway is supported by DC City Council and funded by the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development for the District of Columbia Government. The Camber has a vision to make DC a fashion destination in the United States. For others that dream might be too farfetched to see, but for them it’s right on the horizon.

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Project FUNDway contestants on Fox5 before the show.