What is Ribbons on the Runway?

This Sunday, April 19, Alpha Epsilon Phi is hosting their 11th annual Ribbons on the Runway at the Ritz Carlton, Boston Common. The event was started by a sister of AEPhi whose mother suffered with breast cancer. In an effort to raise awareness for the disease, AEPhi held a small fashion show and silent auction in the Bill Bordy theater at Emerson College. All proceeds were donated to the nonprofit organization Sharsheret, which provides support and resources for Jewish women facing breast cancer.

Since its inception, Ribbons has expanded to encompass a large audience, raising over $5,000 in past years. This year, event chair Lauren Amar ‘15 hopes to exceed this number and further broaden her audience by making innovative alterations to the event. For the first time in the history of Ribbons, male models will walk the runway and a live auction will be held in place of the traditional silent auction.

The fashion show will feature designs from nine different local companies, including Crush Boutique, Ted Baker, Reiss, and No Rest for Bridget. The live auction will offer a total of 29 items for sale, such as movie tickets, bookstore gift cards, vouchers for a stay at the Ritz Carlton, a signed Red Sox jersey, and gift baskets organized by members of AEPhi.

Along with AEPhi, several other members of the Emerson community are pitching in to make this evening special. 24 models were chosen from a pool of student volunteers to walk the runway, many of whom are involved in other Greek organizations on campus. Beauty representatives from Emerson’s Fashion Society will do makeup, and students from Emerson Dance Company and Achoired Taste will perform.

“I believe the fact that we’re including other Emerson organizations will bring more people to the event, mixing Greek life with other organizations,” says Amar. “We’re hoping for a more diverse crowd.”

Ribbons on the Runway will begin at 4pm this Sunday, April 19. Tickets can be purchased online through EventBrite or at the door, ranging in price from $10 - $15 with a valid student ID. Donations can also be made online through GoFundMe.