A makeup artist puts the finishing touches on model Angela Harris backstage at the IMperfeKtlymade Foundation fashion show Oct. 19 at The Garden in Alexandria. Harris, who is blind, founded the organization to assist blind and low vision members of the community.
Angela Harris was still a newlywed when she began experiencing severe headaches and blurred vision just five months after marrying Alexandria school board member Chris Harris in 2019. Following a series of tests, a doctor delivered the news: Harris had a brain tumor that required immediate surgery.
The risky procedure was a success but it came at a cost. Harris awoke from the procedure to find she had lost her vision.
Adjusting to her new reality, Harris founded the IMperfeKtlymade Foundation, a nonprofit organization to support the blind and visually impaired of the community. On Oct. 19, Harris and IMperfeKtlymade held its first fashion show fundraiser at The Garden in Alexandria, featuring models who are blind and visually impaired.
“This foundation assists other organizations to provide services and glasses to people that can't afford it or don't have insurance,” said Harris of the two-year-old nonprofit. “Events like today's fashion show gives individuals like myself that are blind or have other visual impairments the opportunity to be a part of these community events that we're sometimes excluded from.”
The fashion show, emceed by Tei Pearson-Hall, featured blind and visually impaired models strutting the
A volunteer model walks the red carpet with her assistant at the IMperfeKtlymade Foundation fashion show Oct. 19 at The Garden in Alexandria.
runway in collections by local designers.
“We have four designers showcasing everything from active wear to formal dresses to casual jumpsuits,” Harris said of the show featuring designers including Say Less Apparel, I Lyn Fashion Lounge, and Lor’Faye Boutique.
Approximately 150 guests attended the show, including the Mayor Justin Wilson and Mayor-elect Alyia Gaskins, who was a sponsor of the event.
“I was honored to sponsor,” said Gaskins on social media. “All the models proudly identify as blind or low vision … this remarkable show is a celebration of creativity, diversity, and inclusivity and was so much fun.”
Other sponsors included National Federation for the Blind, Beyond the Classroom, Quee’s Tees, Firefighters and Friends, Hands of Christ Ministries, and Wasinger & Company Properties.
Harris’ husband Chris was also on hand for the event.
“When Angela lost her vision five years ago, I wasn't sure what that meant and where we were going,” Chris Harris said. “To be honest there were a lot of challenges but after we got through the initial shock we transitioned into our new life. My wife Angela is extraordinary and has turned this into a beacon of hope for the visually impaired, a true testament to the power of turning adversity into purpose.”
For more information, visit www.imperfektlymade.com
“Events like today's fashion show give individuals like myself that are blind the opportunity to be a part of events that we're sometimes excluded from.”
— IMperfektlymade founder Angela Harris