East Coast Starz Hosts Hype Girlz at NYC's Largest Fashion Event for Kids

    WHIPPANY, NJ, May 14, 2015 /24-7PressRelease/ -- East Coast Starz' bi-annual flagship event, Take 9 is on high gear to launch next weekend. The nearly sold out fashion event for kids and teens will take place May 16-17, 2015 at the Hanover Marriott in Whippany, New Jersey.

Take 9 combines fashion, modeling and industry exposure for a day of fun and friendship. East Coast Starz attracts hundreds of participants, bringing them together with photographers, agents, designers and industry insiders to celebrate fashion and fun on the runway.

This year, Take 9 highlights the issue of bullying by hosting New Jersey's hottest new girl pop group. The Hype Girlz will bring their anti-bullying message to the stage with their popular song Stand Up, continuing their campaign by collecting signatures for their Anti Bullying pledge book from their burgeoning fan base, the Hypettes.

In addition to its anti-bullying campaign, East Coast Starz will continue its successful world exploration program. Under this program, young participants are invited to explore the world around them, by placing them in several groups, representing major fashion hubs around the world. The girls are asked to research the different cities, and style the group outfits in a way that reflects the current fashion style in the city they represent. These pint sized supermodels in training will then strut the latest in children's couture from around the globe down the glowing pink runway.

"I'm amazed by how East Coast Starz has evolved throughout the years," Says Lauren Handler, Co-Director of East Coast Starz. "When we started out, it was all about the fashion. Now there are so many educational pieces that have been tied in. The children are learning about different cultures all around the globe, and they're not just reading about it they are actually importing clothing from those countries and wearing them down the runway! It's really beautiful."

"Every year, we try to tie our events with an important social cause. Last year we supported epilepsy research, and the year before we collected donations for an orphanage in Poland," says Stacie Fitzgerald, Co-Director of East Coast Starz. "This year's event is very special for me personally. I am excited to share the stage with my daughter Paige, a member of the Hype Girlz. The Hype Girlz' anti-bullying message is incredibly important and so on point in today's world, and I think it's wonderful that the girls chose to use their spot in the limelight to advance this anti-bullying cause."

East Coast Starz is sponsored by many top children fashion and accessories designers including Outerstuff which continues to serve as the event top sponsor for the third year in a row. Other sponsors include amazing fashion brands such as Teeny Wingkini, Cicciabella, Fashion Academy, Glitzy Girl, Little Green, ECRU NEW YORK, Star Gazer, Misimo, Sierra Julian, Shells Bells, Kalliope, Twin Dollisious, Dedo Kids, Kids Dream, Unruley Blue, Fashion Camp NJ Boutique, L.O.L. Kids, Pretty Pretty Rebel, Halabaloo, Bound by the Crown, Be'tween, Zoe ltd, Elissa B, TRU LUV, Le Pink, Little Mass, Les Tout Petits, Fiveloaves TwoFish, Jerzees, Glossy Chick, Shwing, Nooloos, and Odd Soxs.

East Coast Starz is a program created to help both parents and children become educated and involved in the fashion industry. The program holds two competition events a year, with little pop up "Runway the Fun Way" every month. The show allows children between the ages of 2-16 to discover and bring out their inner star qualities so they can shine brighter on the outside. We build up the self-confidence in children and pave their road to success. We bring in top NYC agents, managers and scouts to sign new talent and start careers, We invite designers and stars to talk to the girls, inspiring them that dreams can come true. We believe that the runway builds confidence, and strengthens a child's self-esteem in her most important formative years. Additionally, our program provides a venue for girls to share common interests and lifelong friendships. For more information, visit www.Eastcoaststarz.com

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