Englewood Native Encourages Success through Fashion

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"Swag the Runway," youth models Sidkyla, 5 and Milan, 6. SaRah Valentine Mitchell, the show's executive producer says that many of the participants arent simply interested in modeling. They also want to learn other aspects of the shows production including photography and choreography.
"Swag the Runway," youth models Sidkyla, 5 and Milan, 6. SaRah Valentine Mitchell, the show's executive producer says that many of the participants arent simply interested in modeling. They also want to learn other aspects of the shows production including photography and choreography.

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The "Swag the Runway" team pray before heading to the venue for 2011's show. (Photo Courtesy of SaRah Valentine Mitchell)

SaRah Valentine Mitchell, the driving force behind the local fashion show production entitled Swag the Runway, (Swag) is gearing up for this years show. The annual event is produced entirely by teens from the music selection to stage design and choreography.

It is more than a show, Mitchell said. We focus on etiquette, conflict resolution and more.

Mitchell added that many of the participants arent simply interested in modeling. They also want to learn other aspects of the shows production including photography and choreography.

A former tour manager for recording artists such as Chris Brown, Teena Marie, and Rick James, Mitchell is a proud Englewood native and the product of a single parent household where her mother worked three jobs to fund her private school education.

She told the Chicago Citizen that despite her mothers demanding work schedule, she was still able to keep Mitchell engaged in performing arts programs.

I was in yoga at three-years- old; I have been a product of performing arts since I [could] walk, she said.

Now, Mitchell uses her talents and creative energy to help local youth stay out of trouble by engaging them in the development of Swag, which she hopes will enable them to focus on positive career goals.

With this years show along with our yearly goal we plan to bring more awareness through fashion,

Mitchell said. Without giving too much away it is important for us to raise awareness through fashion while allowing our youth to express themselves along with entertaining our audience and inspiring another child in the audience to pursue their dreams.

This is Mitchells third year of hosting the Swag fashion show which is tentatively scheduled for June

and the motivated producer says that the shows preparation varies from year to year.

In the past we have purchased clothing with our own funds and the teens and team will re-design the

garment, said Mitchell. This year we are seeking designers from all over that would like to be a part of Swag the Runway 2012 while also working with more young designers/entrepreneurs. We are also in pre-production planning a fundraiser in order to purchase materials and equipment needed to have a successful, creative show.

As for the future, Mitchell said that an adult fashion show may be in the works.

There have been talks of it and I keep getting a lot of people requesting that I do, she said. I listen to my supporters and I am sure this will be in the works soon.

Auditions for Swag the Runway 2012 will be held Feb. 4 from 1:00 p.m. -3:00 p.m. at 5430 S. Michigan Ave. Mitchell and her team are looking for models age 6-19. For more info on Swag the Runway log on to its social networking site www.swagtherunway.ning.com

"Swag the Runway," youth models Sidkyla, 5 and Milan, 6. SaRah Valentine Mitchell, the show's executive producer says that many of the participants arent simply interested in modeling. They also want to learn other aspects of the shows production including photography and choreography. (Photo Credit: Louis Lee)By Thelma Sardin

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