INPERSON
C
Industry
Makeover
Penn Hills’
Cary Heard is lighting
up the runway with
his fashion designs.
BY PAUL GLASSER
8 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Penn Hills
Designer Cary Heard
lothing designer Cary
Heard recently organized a
makeover that gave a local
woman more energy
and confidence.
“I would describe it as a total
transformation,” Heard says.
More than 40 applicants
applied for the makeover and
Heard selected two winners,
although one dropped out at
the last minute. He picked the
finalists based on their heartfelt
applications. The makeover was
completed in conjunction with a
fashion show at Epiphany Church
on Washington Place in August.
The makeover finalist walked
down the runway at the start of
the fashion show and then again
at the end to show off her new
look. The makeover took about
two hours and included a new
hairstyle and makeup.
The recipient was stunned by her
transformation, according
to Heard.
“She really couldn’t believe
herself in the mirror,” he says.
“The crowd was in awe. It was
well worth all the time and
energy spent.”
The event, which also included
a fashion show that featured
collections by Heard and three
other designers, attracted a sellout
crowd. Heard organized the
makeover and fashion show to
spread self-love and respect in the
community. The proceeds from
the event benefited the NEED
program, which organizes tours
for high school students so they
can visit historically black colleges
and universities in the eastern and
southern United States. Heard is
pleased with the results and plans
to organize another event soon.
“It was also a humbling
experience for me,” Heard says.
A 2011 graduate from Penn
Hills High School, he has been
interested in fashion since he was
a child. Unlike most kids, Heard
enjoyed browsing in department
stores with his mother and
picking out his own clothes.