Style with a purpose: Fashion show Saturday night designed to inspire youth

The “Dreams Don’t Have an Expiration Date” Fashion Show is coming to Cape Girardeau on Saturday night at Franklin Elementary School. Presented by Que’Rstyles and College Boy Swag (CBS), the event is the first of what organizer MarQuetta Rush said is intended to be an annual show.

An outfit styled by MarQuetta Rush of Que'Rstyles (Photo courtesy of Salamar Cox, Beautiful Creations)

The fashion show “has been in the works for about four years,” said Rush, who said she wanted to put together something that would have a lasting impact. “I just want it to be something positive.”

Rush and her fiancé, who is CEO of CBS, have a heart for young people in the community. The event is not called “Dreams Don’t Have an Expiration Date” for nothing.

“So many teenagers ... want so many things but don’t know the avenue to take,” Rush said. She said many have professional dreams, for example, but don’t see a way to make them a reality. “Some settle or get in trouble,” she said, adding Que’Rstyles and CBS want to send the message they can “work hard to get to the point [they want to get to in life].”

An outfit styled by MarQuetta Rush of Que'Rstyles (Photo courtesy of Salamar Cox, Beautiful Creations)

She added, “Some of these kids have no one, and they need someone to help them. We want to be the ones that help them. ... They need to know someone actually cares.”

To that end, the fashion show will include hosts who will speak and inspire the youth.

One host is Heather Marie Horton, host of radio show “The Voice of Heather Marie.” Her Facebook page states, “I live life to the fullest and my positive energy explodes to those around me.” Rush said she expects that energy to be on display Saturday and to light up those in attendance.

Christy Dorsey, better known as Christy Love, is the other host. She has her own anti-bullying organization and works at Northern Illinois University as an admissions counselor. Recalling her own experience, she said, “I remember wishing that I had someone to guide me every step of the way through the enrollment process,” according to the NIU website. She helps young people get scholarships, thus growing their potential.

An outfit styled by MarQuetta Rush of Que'Rstyles (Photo courtesy of Salamar Cox, Beautiful Creations)

Entertainment also will be a key part of the evening, with the talents of DJ Trey Furious Styles, Rell Bean, Pe$o/ft. BigGucci Rio, TYB and three local dance teams.

Various vendors will participate, including TGMT, King Vision and MJ’s Exclusives. TGMT will unveil its 2016 spring clothing inventory, which will be available for purchase after the show. Models will don the vendors’ merchandise, and hairstylists will showcase their hairdo creations.

Rush herself will make her mark on the performance aspect of the event.

“I am a wardrobe stylist,” she said. “I have a look I have put together.” This look will be on display, allowing people to see what’s trending, she said.

Outfits styled by MarQuetta Rush of Que'Rstyles (Photo courtesy of Salamar Cox, Beautiful Creations)

Attendees will be treated to the runway skills of a range of models.

“My youngest model is 4, and my oldest model is 52,” Rush said. The event will allow the young people in particular to feel special, as they will have the opportunity to dress in fancy clothes at a classy event, she said.

Describing the challenges of organizing the show, Rush said, “My greatest challenge was that it’s a small area, and some people were kind of standoffish.”

An outfit styled by MarQuetta Rush of Que'Rstyles (Photo courtesy of Salamar Cox, Beautiful Creations)

She said some people doubted her motives. “Is she trying to get money?” they asked, according to Rush.

“It’s not about taking anything from the community. It’s about giving back,” she said. “Cape is always home for me and will always be home for me. We just want to reach out. ... We are trying to get [the youth] focused in the right direction.”

Once she communicated her purpose, more people supported the effort.

“I am very grateful for everybody in the community,” Rush said.

Outfits styled by MarQuetta Rush of Que'Rstyles (Photo courtesy of Salamar Cox, Beautiful Creations)

A portion of the proceeds will go to the Amen Center in Delta, which helps troubled men who have been to jail or battled drug abuse.

An outfit styled by MarQuetta Rush of Que'Rstyles (Photo courtesy of Salamar Cox, Beautiful Creations)

Danny Hollowell, who leads the center, will attend and say a few words.

“We want to reach out to as many young people as we can,” Rush said. “That’s my goal.”

The show will be in the auditorium at Franklin Elementary School, 1550 Themis St. in Cape Girardeau. The cost of admission is $10 in advance, $15 at the door and $20 for VIP tickets. The red carpet starts at 6 p.m., and the show will be at 7 p.m. For tickets, text (573) 450-2982.

Pertinent address:

Franklin Elementary School, 1550 Themis St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.