More than 60 models, many of them students at the Lehigh Valley Charter HS for the Arts, strutted their stuff in the third annual Benefit Fashion Show in the Wood Dining Room on Lehigh's Mountaintop Campus Nov. 2.

Emcee jazz artist Robbi Kumalo, a Charter Arts parent, bebopped and doo-wopped while welcoming show participants, supporters and sponsors. "This show, Flying Solo, is a celebration of individuality," she said. "It recognizes and rejoices that people come in all sizes, shapes and colors. Cultivating individuality is what the Lehigh Valley Charter HS for the Arts stands for."

"These students are our future," said Kumalo. She invited the audience to "sit back and relax. Take in the beauty, be inspired by the talent, and fly with us."

The Charter Arts Parent Association, chaired by Heidi Orlick, created a program divided into three parts. The first section, Professional and Emerging Designer Showcase, highlighted the work of six designers and mentors: Pamela Ptak, of Ptak Couture, owner of the Arts and Fashion Institute, and a Project Runway (season 7) designer; Marla Duran, of Marla Duran Designs and a Project Runway (season 2) designer; Annina King, of Granaté Prête and 2013 Macy's Philadelphia Fashion Incubator designer; Geovanny Colón, of Vinn-Alexander Collins; Michelle Lewis of BombChelle Effects; and Jonathan Parker of MANNEQUIN, FIT Graduate and Chado Ralph Rucci intern.

The second section, Stores and Boutiques, featured student models from the arts high school wearing clothing from Sage, Chico's, Joseph A. Banks, Men's Warehouse and V.K. Bridal Couture.

The final section showcased three Charter Arts student designers: Joya Widney, a senior Theater Arts major; Ana Raiola, a sophomore Visual Arts major; and Justin Orlic, a sophomore Visual Arts major.

Widney's design theme was inspired by ultrasounds. "When you're in your mother's womb," said Widney, "you're becoming yourself."

Widney hopes to attend Parsons College. She said that during a recent trip to the campus, "I visited a professor's classroom. He related fashion design to show business, and it gave me the idea that I'd do well in the industry and studying it [at Parsons] because fashion's more than dressing girls in pretty dresses and sending them down a runway."

Widney's the head costumer for the Charter Arts Theater Department's upcoming production of Hamlet. "At first, I had no sympathy for Ophelia," said Widney, "but as I'm learning her, I'm liking her more, and I'm most excited about designing for her."

Ana Raiola looks to Humans of New York, also her hometown, which she still visits frequently, for her inspiration. "I like to represent all styles, and my designs emphasize individuality found in the styles you can see in New York and California," she said.

"I spend lots of time sketching – many, many sketches – and planning out the fabric," said Raiola, who dreams of becoming a successful fashion designer in New York and, in the near future, participating in as many fashion shows as she can.

Justin Orlick's new children's clothing line, Mojo-Fashions, debuted at today's show. "I'm trying not to design too old," he said. "There should be elegance in the clothing, but [the clothes] should still be fun and practical. There are no sparkles in my work."

His company combines two aspects: fashion designed for girls aged 6-12 and a Young Designer's Network.

Orlick's inspiration for the Young Designer's Network came from his ineligibility for the Macy's Young Incubator program, for which the minimum age is 21. Having mentored with Pamela Ptak for a year, he wanted other young designers to have similar opportunities.

Mojo's board of directors evaluates and selects designs submitted by students too young to participate in other programs. The company manufactures and markets the design, and the young participants earn 10 percent of the sales, which may be applied toward college scholarships or further design work.

"We have 12 or 13 designers in the Young Designer's Network now, and hopefully it will grow," said Orlick.

Orlick's young career has included recent participation in Teen Vogue University, in New York, where he joined 500 young designers chosen to showcase his "Everyday couture for kids."

He also auditioned for the ABC reality show Shark Tank. "I applied online and made it through the first level," he said, "and then I had just three days to do a video, which [photographer] Jim Cottingham shot."

Although he wasn't accepted for the show, Orlick shrugged. "It's no problem," he said. "I'm participating in Kids Fashion Week in 2014."

Diane LaBelle, Charter Arts executive director, applauded the work and dedication that built the fashion show. "It's totally a parent-run program," she said of the fundraiser, whose goal was to raise $10,000 toward the construction at the school's new location.

"[The mentoring and fashion show] are so valuable, because they show everyone how important mentoring is and give students a chance to work with professionals in the field. People need to see how the arts do prepare students for the real world," she said.

"The students learn how to present themselves in a professional way, and this event showcases their creativity and what our students can do," said LaBelle. "The community and parents are fundamental in the students' success."

Many area companies and businesses sponsored the event including JustBorn, Arts and Fashion Institute, Joseph Anthony Salon and Spa, Blink27, DJ JIMBO Entertainment, and Mojo-Fashions. An additional 40 companies, restaurants, and stores donated products and services for the silent auction and raffle.