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Modest beauty is By Julissa Hernandez South Texas Catholic
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rom vintage finds, to multipurpose scarves, to one of a kind dresses; the first ever True Radiance Fashion Show emphasized that clothing can be at once fashion forward and modest. True Radiance is a modesty program developed by the Diocese of Corpus Christi to promote chastity and modesty among high-school girls. About 500 people attended the inaugural event held at the Richard M. Borchard Regional Fairgrounds in Robstown on May 3. Local youth leaders, such as husband and wife team Benjamin and Chelsea Nye, and motivational speaker Angie Windnagle provided strategic support for the program. “We recognize a great need among men and women to find ways to dress fashionably and modestly,” director of the
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SOUTH TEX AS CATHOLIC | JUNE 2012
Office of Life, Justice and Human Dignity Deacon Stephen Nolte said. “Through the True Radiance program, girls are taught that they never have to dress inappropriately to fit in, that they can be confident as children of God.” The modesty fashion show was the culmination of six months of formation for the young ladies enrolled in the program. “Formation” involved faith inspired group activities, including mentoring by devout Catholic women and required the young ladies to do some soul searching on their own. “The girls were amazing,” True Radiance coordinator and clothing designer Chelsea Nye said. “I felt very blessed to work with a group of such grateful and attentive young women.” Guests of the fashion show were greeted by ushers and servers who had participated in True Valor, the male counterpart of the program. “The fashion show was an overall amazing experience. Serving this event and helping the girls put on the show was incredibly fulfilling,” usher,Victor Gonzales said. Benjamin Nye, True Valor coordinator and theology teacher at Blessed John Paul II High School emceed the event. Designer Chelsea Nye explained the elements of the fashion show. The girls participating in the fashion show were intro-
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