Fashioned Forward: Fashion with a Purpose

Fashioned Forward Ministries (FFM) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1993 by Yvonne Kennedy. The production, "A Trend From Beginning to End," is a historical fashion show that vividly illustrates how man's rebellion and values have influenced the various styles and trends throughout the ages.

The show chronicles fashion from the fig leaf to the future, beginning with Adam and Eve dressed in the garments they made themselves, and those that God designed to cover their nakedness. Traveling through time with scenes from the Greco-Roman era, the Renaissance, American Colonial times, 19^th century trends, and through each decade of the 1900's, "A Trend From Beginning to End" incorporates music and dance to entertain and educate the audience. A scene with cutting edge fashion trends concludes the fashion aspect of the show, but the show's final scenes are currently being reworked to include recognition of our growing global awareness and focus on some major humanitarian issues that have been recently lauded by both the fashion and celebrity worlds.

Now partnering with Far Reaching Ministries (FRM), a nonprofit global ministry, FFM is planning its second fundraising show to for a distribution of more Love Covers backpacks in Sudan. Love Covers, a project created by Yvonne Kennedy, is a new backpack filled with new clothes (specifically tailored to fit the child the pack is intended for), hygienic items, a blanket, and some school supplies. The first fundraising show provided for 1,700 backpacks, and also sewing machines for women in Sudan who FRM hired to make the clothing for the children. Though the delivery of the backpacks in Mucwini, Uganda looked improbable at first since the airstrip was closed by authorities to all humanitarian organizations, FRM was given special permission because of the Love Covers mission and the simple fact that the clothing being delivered was new.

With this new endeavor, FFM hopes to bring people's interest in fashion to a galvanized action and stir compassion to help clothe these children who have known nothing but war and famine.

From the classic to the contemporary, from the ridiculous to the radical, FFM has something for everyone. This unique, full scale, multi-media music and dance production utilizes over 300 pieces of wardrobe, 50 cast members, 27 scenes, a PowerPoint slide presentation, and a running commentary laced with history and humor. Bringing to life the timeless fashion statements of style, grace and elegance, FFM's fashion show hopes to set its own trend by once again celebrating true honor and femininity, and urging others to extend beyond the reach of their comfortable cashmere hoodies and help those in need.

FFM operates out of Orange County in Southern California, and travels all over the southern half of the state performing. We have also performed in the Centennial Theater in New York City. If you would like more information on how to book us, you can call 714.57-ARTS (573.2787).