2 Friday, April 27, 2018brooklintowncrier.com The last fashion show I attended - well, okay, the only one - was in a previous epoch and featured a certain daughter. At the time, as her little heart desired, we'd plunked her into a too expensive talent and modeling agency in anticipation of future untold riches. Not much came of it, aside from pricey head photos and a brief modeling gig on a makeshift runway. I have the photographic evidence and yes, I did include it in the wedding video. Since and before, zero interest. What a yawner of an event to even consider attending. Then came the Brooklin High Fashion Show, a free ticket to table 10, seat 3, thanks to a vaunted press affiliation, and a remarkably fun afternoon. Honestly, I was prepared to be bored. Even the lovingly appointed table settings, replete with red tinsel, couldn't yet sway me. Till the music started and out came a group of high schoolers in 1900-era garb. Two fellows book-ended the group on the wings by assuming early 20th century poses of finely attired gents. It didn't matter the music from the early 20th century was American or British ("A long way to Tipperary"). The show marketed itself as an homage to 100 years of fashion. Groups of students dressed in clothing from various decades gathered on stage, swaying to old time beats. A few hammed it up just enough to elicit laughs but never edged toward silliness. They seemed to be enjoying every second and when performers are having fun, so, too, does the audience. Meanwhile, yours truly and my table mates were treated to tea and treats, all created by the school's culinary arts class (give them all 100, I say) and served by the most polite young ladies and guys. Classy, even. As one decade rolled into another, replete with accompanying songs, students drifted from the stage to the floor to parade the outfits from bygone days. Once they hit the 1940s, I could see the backs of grandparenty heads nodding and bobbing in recognition of the tunes and outfits. My own toes tapped and I felt a terrible urge to get up and dance. Fortunately for all around, the delicacies on the tray distracted me. It obviously took some doing to gather clothing from decades ago. At one point, the show's Emcee, social science department head Val Hadowanski, shared that a few outfits were provided by her own parents, sitting right there front and centre. An impressively organized and enjoyable event with genuine fun twists. So, BHS, what do you do for an encore? (Please note, too: this was my first ever review of a fashion show.) "Proud to be a Brooklinite" Founded in 2000 Published 24 times annually Editor, Richard Bercuson 613-769-8629 editorofbtc@gmail.com Locally owned and operated. A publication of Appletree Graphic Design Inc. We accept advertising in good faith but do not endorse advertisers nor advertisements. All editorial submissions are subject to editing. For advertising information, contact: 905-655-7642 Email: mulcahy42@rogers.com Next Issue: Friday, May 11, 2018 Deadline: Friday, May 4, 2018 The Not-A-Fashion-Show Fashion Show Less than Half the Picture By Richard Bercuson