RISE & Bloom
Fashion Show Fundraiser
Thank you for joining us at our soul-stirring event where fashion, music, and movement converge with real-life stories of resilience and hope.
Under the glowing lights of the Fairfield Theatre Company Warehouse (FTC), the RISE & Bloom Fashion Show Fundraiser brought together fashion, community, and purpose. Hosted by Community Resources for Justice/Family Reentry (CRJ/FRE) and Vernice Holmes of Sixty by Vernice, the evening celebrated resilience and renewal through bold design and powerful storytelling.
Theme: "Leftovers"
This year’s theme, “Leftovers,” transformed fashion into a powerful metaphor for second chances. Through a series of creative workshops led by designer Vernice Holmes, the Women of RISE—graduates of Family Reentry’s reentry program—crafted a stunning collection from donated and upcycled fabrics. Painted denim, stitched affirmations, and vibrant trims became wearable art, each piece telling a story of renewal and self-expression.
Runway Highlights
On show night, the courageous women of RISE walked the runway alongside professional models, their presence radiating strength and transformation. Every step was a testament to healing. The final walk brought the audience to its feet—cheers, tears, and standing ovations filled the room.
Featured Designers
Sixty by Vernice: art-on-fabric prints with deep symbolism
EqualsHuman: sustainable fashion with a mission
The Strizz Collection by Jayden Pressey: bold streetwear
Mcheretic Cosplay Designs: vibrant Transformer-inspired looks
Power Pieces Accessories: comic-book flair meets empowerment Music, Movement, and Magic
Live music performance from Band Central was outstanding and media personality, Dee Rivera, opened the night with inspiration, and the finale—a collective bow—brought the house to its feet.
Behind the Scenes
Backstage buzzed with sisterhood and support. Designers and models exchanged affirmations, reminding us that community is the true thread that held the event together.
Impact and Reflections
Guests included fashion insiders and community leaders, many calling for RISE & Bloom to become an annual tradition. Sara, a RISE participant, shared:
“Where Couture Meets Compassion… The Rise & Bloom 2025 was more than a fashion show—it was a movement. Every detail reflected the truth that beauty can rise from what was once overlooked.”
Sara’s words captured the spirit of RISE & Bloom: dignity, transformation, and hope. As guests departed, one message lingered – Couture and Compassion are always in Style.
Helping Our Women RISE
The RISE & Bloom Fashion Show Fundraiser is more than a runway event—it's a living art performance and powerful celebration of resilience, renewal, and the beauty of second chances. This unique experience unites the women of our RISE program with renowned designer Vernice Holmes and other local fashion designers to co-create original pieces inspired by each woman’s personal journey, using fashion as a platform for hope.
Each garment tells a story of survival, growth, and newfound confidence as participants take to the runway not only as models but as authors of their own transformation. The fashion show serves as a narrative of what is possible when justice-involved women are met with compassion, opportunity, and community support.
“Participating in the fashion show was especially empowering after returning home from incarceration because it allowed us to pamper ourselves, personalize our looks, and celebrate our womanhood after being stripped of our individuality and anything that differentiated us from others”
— Sara (RISE Program)