East Coast Starz Builds Girls' Confidence on The Runway

(photo credit: Nancy Vuu, outfits by Ele Story)


East Coast Starz was created by Lauren Handler and Stacie Fitzgerald for children and families to be involved and educated about the fashion, modeling, and acting industry. Between the two of them, Lauren and Stacie have six children who are working, successful New York City models and actors. 

What makes East Coast Starz special is that it builds up the confidence of participating girls through friendly team competitions. Participants are placed in teams arranged by age and international destination. Each team must work together to develop a theme that reflects the fashion style of the assigned destination, and create a runway show that conveys that theme. In addition to the runway show, teams are also scored on a group editorial shot done by photographer and fashion designer Nancy Vuu as well as an individual photographic shot by New York photographer Nathan Yungergerg.

The grand prize? Couture, modeling opportunities, pink HUMMER limo trips, photo shoots, and the biggest, most blinged out tiara ever created.

(photo credit: East Coast Starz)



Check out Izzy's practice her runway walk before the big show. (Many thanks to Papillion Bambino in Westwood for the adorable dress!):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOGQ2S5qrgQ

East Coast Starz makes wishes come true. Literally. Aside from the runway and modeling experience, participants also had the opportunity to attend one-on-one meetings with Funny Face Today, a top model modeling agency, and Shirley Grant Management, a premier talent management firm. My daughter was selected as one of two girls in the 2-7 age group to be selected to meet with Funny Face Today in New York. (Stay tuned for a follow up article on that experience!)

(photo credit: Alexi Kilmer)



(photo credit: Angeline Sheridan)



(photo credit: Angeline Sheridan)



The night before the runway show, the children are invited to a Starz Soiree featuring a live DJ spinning music, a candy bar, a surprise appearance by the Snow Queen herself, a braid bar, photo booth and more! The girls were encouraged to submit a wish in advance, and a few lucky girls were granted their wish that night, including lucky Lyric who wished to meet the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

(photo credit: East Coast Starz)

Admission to participate in the two-day event was $295 per child, which includes an amazing experience, plus all the professional head shots and editorial photos taken at the event, the parties, and admission to the fashion runway show. Every girl keeps the designer couture that they model in the show, and gets a participation crown as well as a souvenir East Coast Starz swag bag filled with goodies. Note that the admission fee does not include your hotel, optional hair and makeup, and any additional photography you would like of your child. There is also the "Pose Off" where girls can walk the runway for a third time and compete for awesome prizes. 

The Girl Scouts of Fashion

Stacie fondly dubs East Coast Starz, "the Girl Scouts of fashion". The girls leave with a sense of accomplishment, lasting friendships, fond memories, the experience of walking down a real fashion runway, and opportunities for future modeling gigs. The bonus? You keep the high res individual and editorial photographs of your cuties - a great way to build up your child's portfolio if they are looking to break into the industry or to add to their resume.


Macaroni Tips

There are moments when you have to wait a long time - especially if you want to meet with the modeling and talent agencies and during the runway event. Be prepared to keep your little ones entertained with an iPad, iPhone and/or lots of candy that won't make a big mess (lollipops worked great for us).

I would highly recommend having someone else wait on the lines to meet with the agenices while the kids take advantage of the indoor swimming pool or grab some food.

Pack lots of healthy snacks and bottled water.

Bring a good camera. You will likely be behind the scenes most of the time with your daughter so be sure you have someone else capturing those star-studded moments. They go fast!

Team sign ups for Take 9! will start on Black Friday, November 28. Grab some friends, make a team, and don't miss this fun event! For more information about East Coast Starz, visit eastcoaststarz.com.