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Modesty Is Message At CHALLENGE Fashion Show

Move over, Britney Spears.

You are not the fashion trend-setter you thought you were--at least not for the 230 mothers and daughters who packed the Pure Fashion Show at the Turf Valley Resort and Conference Center in Ellicott City April 18.

While TV, movies, magazines and stores bombard girls with the message that provocative and immodest attire is the only way to be cool, dozens of young ladies modeled outfits that show girls can dress attractively and modestly at the same time.

The models, members of Challenge, a club for Catholic girls aged 10 to 16, displayed ensembles in categories with names such as Skirt Savvy, Tennis Anyone?, Modest Tees, and The Preps Have Returned!

The girls had received training on how to walk and stand on the “runway,” and were graceful and poised.

In a segment titled We Glorify Him, they wore dresses appropriate for Confirmation.

 For the grand finale, proud fathers escorted daughters decked out in dazzling and glamorous prom gowns.

Keynote speaker Jeanette Kendall, a fashion expert and mother of nine, told the girls in the audience, “Each of you is like a diamond.  A diamond represents purity, and is beautiful because of its brilliance:  its many facets catch and reflect the light.

“Like the diamond, you have many facets.  Fashion is an art form that reflects those facets.”

If a girl over-emphasizes her sexuality in the way she dresses, people can’t see beyond the sexuality; they can’t see her intellect, creativity and talents, said Mrs. Kendall.

“As you know, a lot of teen fashion is not that great; but if you dress well, you will be a good influence on the world.”

Challenge, which sponsored the fashion show, is a division of Catholic Youth World Network, which in turn is sponsored by the Legionaries of Christ and Regnum Christi.

Susan Oursler, secretary for Challenge Greater Chesapeake, explained that Challenge clubs utilize older teen girls as mentors and leaders for younger girls.

“Challenge supports the development of the whole woman--intellectual, spiritual, social and apostolic,” said Mrs. Oursler.

While there are a mind-boggling volume of activities a girl can be involved in, Challenge is exceptional, because it encourages girls to accept Christ as their best friend and role model, she said.

“Challenge is a good alternative to the Girl Scouts,” said pro-lifer Cookie Harris, who attended the fashion show with two of her daughters.

Many Girl Scout chapters reportedly have liaisons with Planned Parenthood, Mrs. Harris noted; in contrast, Challenge helps girls to live their Catholic faith and adhere to Catholic moral teachings.

Challenge has clubs in Towson, Bowie, Elkridge, Severna Park, Carroll and Harford counties, and at Woodmont Academy.

Anyone interested in finding out about a Challenge group in her area may contact Challenge Greater Chesapeake President Cathy Carlin at 410-799-7050.