Things are buzzing backstage for the upcoming McIntosh High School PTSO-organized “Fashionata 2009: Back to the Future.” The event will take place Friday, March 6 at 7 p.m. in the McIntosh auditorium, featuring models representing McIntosh Chiefs from the past, present and future. There will also be several fashionably-attired pooches accompanying the human models.

A fashion blast from the past is embodied by Ellie Mae Aitken Byars, a McIntosh alumna and Hollywood stylist helping with and modeling in the show. Aitken Byars is the designer behind street-chic clothing line “Mizzae”, which she developed after working with celebrity clients including Madonna, Cher, Nicole Kidman, Lenny Kravitz and Gwyneth Paltrow. “I don’t care if you’re fat, thin, whatever”, said Aitken Byars when asked about her design philosophy, “How good you look should shine from the inside out.”

Several current McIntosh students will strut down the runway wearing Mizzae, as well as vintage pieces from Aitken Byars private closets. Additional fashions are being provided by J. Andrews Bridal & Formal, Smith & Davis Clothing, Once in a Lifetime Events, MW Tux and Bella Boutique. Canine couture will come from Wags to Whiskers Boutique & Barkery and J.Andrews.

But that’s not all. Several student designers are working with McIntosh AP Art teacher Valerie DeGregorio to create one-of-a-kind pieces for students to model. DeGregorio, who has herself walked down the runway at Fashionata in years past, said she was pleasantly surprised by the ways in which her students are using their skills with a new medium – fabric and thread. “They are strong, mature artists, especially for high school students,” she said. “Their designs are amazing.”

Jenna Cho, a junior at MHS, is hard at work on her design. She’s not sharing many details about the gown she is creating, but did say that she wants “people to think it shows some of me. It’s very ‘Jenna’.”

The Parent Teacher Student Organization at McIntosh is perhaps the best example of a forward looking organization, so it only made sense to president Cele Eifert and Fashionata committee chair Kathleen Oelberg to include younger students from MHS feeder schools in the show as well. First through eighth graders, from Crabapple Lane, Huddleston, and Kedron Elementary Schools and J.C. Booth and Bennetts Mill middle schools will be wearing Smith & Davis exclusively.

As far as Tony Davis is concerned, he wouldn’t have it any other way. “We love working with the students and parents on fundraising fashion shows,” he said. “This year’s kids are the most exuberant group we’ve ever had. We love our clothes and there’s nothing better than students of all ages coming in and loving them too.”

Tickets for Fashionata: Back to the Future are on sale now in the front office at McIntosh High School. Tickets can also be purchases from any member of the PTSO Student Club. Tickets are $5 in advance, $7 at the door, and admission includes light refreshments and one door prize ticket. Fashionata features exciting door prizes donated by the community; additional tickets can be purchased at the event. For more information, please contact Kathleen Oelberg at kathyoelberg@msn.com or 678-364-6485 or Cele Eifert at ron-cele@att.net or call 404-667-8906. There is also a facebook group for the event: “McIntosh High School Fashionata 2009.”

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