The IMperfeKtlyMade Foundation held its 3rd annual fashion show Nov. 1 at The Garden Alexandria on Eisenhower Avenue.

The event featured models who are blind or visually impaired walking the runway to showcase couture by local designers. Fashions included everything from active wear to evening gowns.

Founded by Angela Harris, wife of School Board member Chris Harris, the IMperfeKtlyMade Foundation was born from personal adversity. After losing her vision due to a brain tumor, Harris transformed her experience into a mission: to create opportunities for individuals with visual impairments to participate in activities often considered inaccessible.

“True vision extends beyond sight,” said Harris. “It’s about imagination and soul.”

Tei Pearson-Hall served as host and emcee of the show aptly themed “Unseen.”

“This show is important to me,” Pearson-Hall said. “I, too, have vision loss. I’m a disabled Army veteran with only 25 percent vision in both eyes due to fluid on my brain. But when I hear someone say we can’t do something, I am always part of the crew that says ‘yes, we can.’”

Months of preparation went into the event with volunteers assisting with rehearsals, set design, and guest services, ensuring models felt safe throughout the process.

One model was Natasha Jean, who traveled from Alabama to participate in the event. Jean, author of The Blind Eye, has a prosthetic eye as the result of domestic violence.

“This is my first time here,” Jean said. “Angela is a friend and this is an empowering event for visually impaired individuals.”

Harris’ husband Chris Harris introduced the event’s top sponsor, Rev. Ray Razor, president of Washington Metropolitan Ear, which provides reading services for the blind.

Chris Harris then spoke about the name of the foundation.

“IMperfeKtlyMade came from ‘I am perfectly made,’” said Chris Harris. “It is a reminder about embracing every flaw, every scar, and every struggle that shapes who you are. The foundation celebrates inclusion, empowerment and the beauty of resilience.”

Added Angela Harris, “Our imperfections make us who we are.”

For more information, visit www.IMPerfeKtlyMade.com

Carmen Dennie Dukes, the youngest model in the show, sits on the lap of her mother Lashonwa Dukes, along with models Rosalyn Kennedy and Natasha Jean at the IMPerfeKtlyMade Foundation fashion show Nov. 1 at The Garden.