It seems that in each and every movie or show marketed toward a younger audience, the same repeated and almost relentless message of “Be Yourself!” is taught time and time again. Since, whether it be from a feel-good musical or a melancholic drama, this theme of being true to oneself is a lesson that has to be learned by the star of these shows. Some might say there’s no better way to do just that than by choosing the clothes you wear. And there’s no better place to do that than at Chandler High’s very own Fashion Club.
Chandler High School’s Fashion Club, as its name might just tell you, is a club centered around any and all forms of fashion. Not only is it the perfect place for its members to show off their stunningly stylish outfits, it’s also an opportunity for CHS students to not only learn how to express themselves; but help others do the same too.
The club is sponsored by CHS counselor Ms. Alisha Sanchez, and led by student Luciana Melanda. Fashion Club usually meets in the JSU during advisory, where the members of the club engage in a number of activities, such as patchwork and embroidery, sharing style ideas, and organizing clothing drives. With these drives, or “style swaps” as they are called by Lila Schmerfeld, are a chance to “bring in your old clothes that you didn’t want, but it might fit someone else’s style so they could take those, instead of just throwing them away.”
But by far the biggest event in Fashion Club’s yearly calendar is the annual Fashion Walk, where students can showcase their designs and even walk the runway themselves, if they want. Lila described last year’s Fashion Walk as her favorite memory in the club: “I didn’t know what I was making at all. My mom helped me make a skirt, and I just combined clothes together, ‘causethat’s what fashion is, combing clothes and doing all that stuff. But that was my favorite memory, seeing how to do the cat walk and all that, it was so fun.”
Lila is excited to return to Fashion Club for a second year. In her words, it is a place where “people can express themselves without being too judged.” With her friend and fellow club member, Kira Woodson, also appreciated the club’s inclusiveness and welcoming vibe. “Everyone’s welcome to join as long as you’re participating and you’re having fun,” Woodson explained.
Ms. Sanchez reiterated that Fashion Club is open for everyone: “We encourage anyone to join and want people to be able to feel comfortable in their choice of fashion, regardless of what others may think. Whether you consider yourself a fashion expert, or just want a place to explore your creativity, the club is a place for members to connect, and gain exposure to the different types of fashion.”
