Aug. 05--Most little girls dream of walking the runway in the latest fashions. But it takes more than just putting on pretty clothes and strolling in front of a crowd.
At the Francis Scott Key Mall, 37 "tweens" ages 9 to 12 and 22 teens ages 13 to 17 are going through a week-long fashion camp. Two former models who have a consulting and training firm teach the girls how to walk, talk and dress.
Vicki Tamburo and Tracy Gargon of Dress to Impress LLC are working with the girls on healthy eating, manners, self confidence and other life skills. At 1 p.m. Saturday at Center Court at the mall, the 59 models will show the latest fashions and accessories from mall shops.
"For years we did a Style Squad once a month," said Christina Steinbrenner, group marketing director for the mall.
In that program, teens could come to the mall, be trained in modeling and see the latest fashions. "It was hard for everyone to set the time and everything once a month, so we decided on the week-long camp," she said. "We also added the younger girls, previously it was just teens."
So far, the program has brought rave reviews from parents and store owners. The girls have learned manners, confidence and respect, which has impressed the parents and shopkeepers. They get a T-shirt and a backpack for taking part.
"Vicki and Tracy get to know every girl by name," Steinbrenner said. "They pick out the clothes the girls will wear. Sometimes the girls will say they wouldn't have chosen those particular clothes, but once they put them on and practice for the show, they change their minds."
Steinbrenner said the fashion camp is so popular, dozens of girls had to be turned away. The cap is set at 60 participants. Camp participants will do another fashion show next spring and could be asked to volunteer for Halloween and Christmas events at the mall, such as the arrival of Santa Claus.
"They are our mall ambassadors," Steinbrenner said of the girls. "They are the next generation of shoppers."
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