Fashion with passion:

Fashion with passion: Central Catholic to host show to benefit Breast Cancer Foundation .


You've probably heard of Marc Jacobs and Tim Gunn. But have you heard of Phill Picardi?

If not, you may soon. The junior at Central Catholic loves fashion — and he's using that love to do good.

Picardi is spearheading a group of students and teachers organizing the Catwalk4Cancer. The fashion show featuring several local boutiques will raise money for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

"(Breast cancer) has directly affected so many people in the area," the North Andover 16-year-old said. "We felt this cause would bring so many people together."

The vibrant colors of spring and summer will be highlighted in the show, which will feature trends from Casa di Stile in Boston; Native Sun, GiGi's of Andover, Cristina's, First Date, Dresscode, Stitch Boutique, Izzy's Emporium, Kaps Menswear, and Black Tie at Kaps, all from Andover; and Young Men's Fashions from TJX Co., with TJMaxx locations all over the Merrimack Valley. Hair and make-up will be done by Indra Salon & City Spa in Andover.

Fashions range from sportswear to formalwear.

"We tried to highlight cool trends," said Picardi, who worked with teachers Lisa Cenca and Carmen Lonero over the last year to organize the show.

Students and teachers from the school will model. Catwalker Marissa Miller of Windham, N.H., said the whole experience has been enlightening.

"Central has certainly never done anything like this," the 18-year-old senior said.

Students from Nancy Chippendale's Dance Studios will open the show. And breast cancer survivor Cathy DeLorenzo will speak about her battle with the disease.

The $10 ticket price includes a chance to win door prizes, including gifts from Elizabeth Grady, Night & Day, Daher's Shoes, Beauty and Main, the Strawberry Tree, Carina & Co. and Quiet Pleasures.

"If we can help one person, one family, it makes all the stress and all the time we are putting into organizing this worth it," said 16-year-old Nicole St. Germain of Haverhill.


If you go

What: Catwalk4Cancer.

When: Saturday, April 5, 7 to 9 p.m.

Where: Central Catholic High School, 300 Hampshire St., Lawrence .

How: Tickets are $10. Available at the door.