On Saturday afternoon, John’s Crazy Socks staged a Fashion and Art Show called Another Face of Beauty. The event featured musical performances, a fashion show and an art show where all the performers, models and artists had a differing ability.
“It was awesome,” said Co-Founder and Chief Happiness Officer, John Cronin. “We want the whole world to see the talents and abilities of people with differing abilities. We want everyone to see their beauty.”
A Beautiful Setting for All to See
The Fashion and Art Show took place at center court of the Walt Whitman Shops, one of the largest indoor malls in New York. At the heart of the stage there was a red carpet for the models to walk. To the side, the Spirit of Huntington Art Center set up an art show that featured the works of dozens of artists, several of whom walked the runway as models.
Michael Kitakis, the Director of the Spirit of Huntington Art Center, said “The artwork on display is full vitality and creativity. The works reveal great beauty and depth. The fact that they were made by people with a differing ability only adds to their resonance.“
An Entertaining Fashion Show
John and Mark X. Cronin, the cofounders of John’s Crazy Socks served as Masters of Ceremonies. They opened the festivities promising the crowd of several hundred people that they would see a show unlike anything they had witnessed before.
The Drum and Bugle Corp from Family Residence and Essential Enterprises (FREE), started the proceedings with a rousing performance. Hannah Cada, a recent graduate of the James E. Allen School, became the first model to walk the runway, saying “I loved it. I wanted everyone to see my outfit.”
One at a time, the models walked the runway, pausing to wave to the crowd to acknowledge the applause. The models came from several organizations: John’s Crazy Socks, The Viscardi Center, Special Olympics – New York, the Music Academy for Special Learners, The Spirit of Huntington Art Center and FREE.
For Chelsie Marie Fonseca, a Sock Wrangler at John’s Crazy socks, this was her first time working as a model. Bedecked in a special Halloween-themed outfit that she designed, Chelsea said, “I want do this again.” Chelsea also has some of her paintings displayed in the art show and sold one of her paintings.
Keira Hayden, a senior at The Henry Viscardi School, appeared on the runway in her wheelchair, moving up and down so all could see her outfit and smile. “I loved it,” she said.
Daniel Fletcher, a Special Olympic athlete who has won national medals in powerlifting, showed off his medals as he walked and gave everyone a glimpse of his powerful arms bringing thunderous applause from the audience.
The Fashion Show ended with a musical performance from the Ryan Stars Band, an all-star group of performers from the Music Academy of Special Learners. As the show ended, the band played a final song and the models took to the stage for a dance.
Maria Cavanaugh from the Walt Whitman Shops said, “This was wonderful event and it made people so happy.”
Mark X. Cronin said, “We organized this show as part of our effort to show what people with differing abilities can do. We want the world to see what is possible, what people can do when given a chance. And the models and performers were so happy. They have a memory to last a lifetime.” Mark was quick to add, “That is until we stage the next Fashion and Art Show.
About John’s Crazy Socks
John’s Crazy Socks was inspired by John Lee Cronin, a young man with Down syndrome, and his love of colorful and fun socks—what he calls his “crazy socks.” He and his father, Mark X. Cronin, started the company as a social enterprise with a mission of Spreading Happiness™. With more than 4,000 socks, John’s Crazy Socks is now the world’s largest sock store. More than half their employees have a differing ability, and their Giving Back program has raised over $550,000 for charity partners like the Special Olympics, the National Down Syndrome Society, and the Autism Society of America. Most of all, they are Spreading Happiness™.
For more information about John’s Crazy Socks, visit our webpage, Facebook page, Instagram account or YouTube channel. You can also contact us at 631-760-5625 or via email at service@johnscrazysocks.com.
