Teens show off their All American Style

Since June, a group of young people ages 12-18 have been taking part in three fashion workshops at ImaginOn sponsored by the Public Library of Charlotte Mecklenburg and Children's Theatre of Charlotte.

The workshops prepared them to compete in "Fusion: Teen Fashion Show Challenge," an event on July 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in The Wells Fargo Playhouse at ImaginOn. The theme is All American Style and it's free and open to the community.


Miss North Carolina Teen 2012, Katherine Puryear, is emcee (her photo is at the top of this blog). The judges are fashion designers Tara Davis and Devon Freund along with fashion educators Karrah Zuziak and Michael Watson. DJ Johnny D will provide the entertainment.


The young designers were encouraged to incorporate "upcycled" fashion techniques (making a new design out of fabric and materials from used clothing). 


Out of the teens who participate in the show, at least one will be chosen for an apprenticeship with Children's Theatre of Charlotte that will give them the opportunity to work in the theatre's costume shop and create clothing that will be worn by the troupe's actors in an upcoming production.