Shaw University’s Homecoming Festivities are numerous this year. For the second year in a row, Pure Elegance will be participating in the celebrations.
“I’m really excited. Homecoming is a much anticipated time and people from all over, including alumni, look forward to attending the show,” said Senior Bree Ellis.
In this year’s homecoming fashion show, “A Blast from the Past,” audience members will see the work of Ellis.
“I have always loved to model and the fashion industry,” said Ellis. “I saw that there was something called collegiate modeling and got very interested.”
Ellis, who calls her self a young entrepreneur, is a Psychology Major at Shaw and is not only the President of Pure Elegance Incorporated Modeling Troupe, but she is also the founder.
Pure Elegance was initiated on Nov. 16, 2006 after Ellis’ vision was presented to and approved by the Student Activities Coordinator at Shaw, Ebony Johnson.
Ellis, whose interests include modeling, make-up, mirrors, and fashion, said Pure Elegance is beneficial to the university as well as the population of full figured women. She says Pure Elegance’s modeling troupe is ideal for full figured women on campus ranging from sizes 14 and up.
Ellis explained, “There have been many young ladies that have auditioned, did a few shows or practices, and left filled with confidence, and a new found sense of joy for embracing ones body. It definitely boosts self-esteem for the larger girl. Big women often don’t realize that they too can be beautiful!”
Like any organization, there are positives and negatives associated with Pure Elegance according to Ellis.
“Having the sentiment that I just helped a young lady love herself more and helped her realize her self-worth, has been really positive,” Ellis said.
Ellis said that the most rewarding part of being with Pure Elegance as a model, president, and founder is leaving that mark. “There has never been a modeling troupe quite like this before. We have a purpose,” she enlightened, “to build up ones self confidence.”
The most challenging component being involved with this troupe is the lack of respect received from the student body. Ellis said, “Being called a ‘big girl troupe’ bothers me tremendously. We just want to be recognized as a positive student organization.”
The show kicks off Oct. 15th at 7 p.m. Ellis says she wants students to come out and support Pure Elegance in the fashion show beginning at 7 p.m. After all, she says, her favorite element of the show is walking the runway and seeing how many people are there in support of them.