Three of my favorite Stephens women -- my daughter, Annie; Kristyl Frazier, of Project Runway fame, and Katie Deshazo -- at the Project Runway party Thursday night.
Windsor Aud was just about full Thursday night -- full of energy, optimism and relief after we all knew that Qristyl -- our very own Project Runway designer -- had made it through yet another challenge and would get to stay on the show for at least another week.
Qristyl knew what was coming, but she was the only one. Participants in the show have to promise (as in, sign a contract) that they won't discuss the program at any point, with anyone. And she was absolutely true to her word (even her boyfriend doesn't know how it turns out!).
But that was about the only question Qristyl wouldn't answer: She spent the entire evening talking to students, smiling with them for the cameras, and encouraging them to follow their dreams -- as she has followed hers.
My favorite quote of the evening:
"You have to go for it," she told them during an after-the-show Q-and-A. "You can do it, you can achieve your dreams, but you have to be willing to work really hard, and you have to be persistent. You can't give up. You can never give up."
Qristyl didn't. Not last week. Not this week. And -- no matter what happens on Project Runway in the weeks ahead -- not ever.
Now that's what I call a Stephens woman.
And here are a few more (well, one of them isn't: you guess which one!):
Lyah Beth LeFlore (right) and Qristyl were roommates at Stephens and have been BFFs ever since. Lyah's latest book, Wildflowers, hits bookstores in two weeks.....how's that for two amazing Stephens women?
This is SO good for my fashion rep: There I am (you can see my head, peeking out behind the first row), surrounded by members of Stephens' own fashion elite: the leadership of the IFA (Innovation Fashion Association). They took to the runway (well, OK, the stage) during advertising breaks to model the latest fashion trends for fall. PR, here they come!
He was the only one wearing a fur coat Thursday night....and he wasn't giving it up. Hannah rescued this tiny bundle of kitty fluff from ... well, you don't want to even think about it, and brought him along to the festivities. Annie and I would have been happy to take him home with us (hey, we already have two cats, what's one more?), but Hannah says she's keeping him -- safe, warm and happy. And sooooooooooo cute.
Students lined up to have their photos taken with Qristyl, who turned out to be the most charming, friendly, happy and interesting visitor we've had...well, since I've been here! (OK, so I just got here, but I'm sure I would say that even if I'd been here a very long time).
All in all, it was an evening to remember. A Stephens evening to remember.
And that's the best kind.
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