Faces of Orlando’s Art Scene at CityArts
August 21, 2026
Behind the Fashion Show Scene. Photography by Nasari Vega, Orlando Life
Fashion and Hope Raises Support for Families Facing Childhood Cancer
The 15th annual Fashion and Hope fashion show brought Central Florida’s fashion, arts and philanthropic communities together Saturday, Aug. 22, at Fields Motorcars Bentley Orlando to raise support for families navigating childhood cancer.
Hosted by the Hope for More Foundation, the event placed the Give Hope foundation at the center of its fundraising efforts. Give Hope is a volunteer-operated nonprofit that assists children with cancer and their families in Central Florida, addressing financial, emotional and practical needs that can arise during treatment.
Morgan Sullivan, a model in the greater Orlando area and participant in the Fashion and Hope show, reflected on what keeps her returning to the event.
“It’s my favorite show that I get to do all year and I look forward to it all year,” Sullivan told Orlando Life. “It’s the perfect excuse to go out and wear that one thing you have in your closet that you don’t know where you could wear it. You’re gonna wear it here.”
Fashion and Hope combined runway presentation with local art, entertainment and fundraising. The event featured 16 Central Florida boutiques, about 100 models and more than 160 looks, according to event organizers. Proceeds from sales were also donated for Charity.
“All the girls here are so gorgeous, inside and out,” Sullivan said. “I’ve made my most important networking connections here, a fashion show in Orlando.”
Interview with Morgan Sullivan. Photography by Nasari Vega, Orlando Life
The annual event attracted local businesses, designers, artists and supporters to the Bentley dealership at 2202 33rd St. in Orlando. VIP admission began at 7 p.m., followed by General admission at 8 p.m. General admission tickets were priced at $200 while VIP admission cost $250.
On the runway, participating boutiques presented collections that reflected the region's mix of independent retail, formal wear, contemporary fashion, and occasion dressing. For many local designers and retailers, the event offered both a public-facing showcase and an opportunity to tie their work to a charitable purpose.
Madeleine Matheus, owner and designer of DePalma World handmade resort wear, featured her art and designs in the runway in collaboration with the fashion show. All interview quotes have been translated from Spanish.
“I’ve been in the fashion industry for 35 years and I’ve been in Orlando with my brand for the last 10 years,” Matheus told Orlando Life. “I love that I am able to give the spotlight to other people, and give fashion to a community here.”
The Hope for More Foundation organized the event as part of its broader work to identify and support Central Florida nonprofits focused on outreach, advocacy and fundraising. It stated priorities include improving the health and quality of life of sick, ailing or disabled children; supporting domestic violence advocates and survivors; assisting veterans and their families; and creating opportunities for underserved children and young adults.
Models getting ready backstage. Photography by Nasari Vega, Orlando Life
“I want to show diversity, I want to show with my fashion that everyone is perfect the way that they are,” Matheus said. “Every piece is for everyone. You don’t have to be a certain shape or look a certain way to wear my pieces.”
While Fashion and Hope has supported different charitable partners in prior years, including The Faine House and the foundation's grant initiative, the 2026 event focused its proceeds on Give Hope’s work with families affected by childhood cancer.
Jeshmarie Michelle, model and pageant award winner in the greater Orlando area, walked in the show this year wearing multiple designers and closing the show.
“I got invited here to model originally by a designer,” Michelle said. “I kept saying yes and coming back because this is my favorite show in Orlando. This is my fourth year now.”
Last year’s Fashion and Hope event raised $200,000 according to event organizers; final fundraising totals for this year's show were not immediately available following the Aug. 22 program.
For attendees, the evening offered a chance to participate in the Orlando fashion scene, while contributing to a local cause. The show's format, pairing runway looks, community partners and charitable giving, emphasizes how creative events can bring visibility and financial support to organizations serving families during crises.
Guests bring their own style to Fashion and Hope. Photography by Nasari Vega, Orlando Life
“The audience needs more of this, more shows like this,” Michelle told Orlando Life. “It’s high-quality, gives back to the community, and good production for everyone who is investing in the show.”
Organizers said Fashion and Hope will continue to use fashion community partnerships to support Central Florida nonprofits and the people they serve.
