It was Project Runway, Armenian Style, when on Friday, September 14, a different kind of fashion show was presented to the Greater Detroit community–one that featured traditional Armenian folk costumes from the villages and towns of 19th-century Western and Eastern Armenia.
The event was sponsored by the Armenian Relief Society (ARS) Mid-Council of Greater Detroit, which coordinates the one-day Zavarian Armenian School for area children ages 5 through 16. Founded in 1943, the Mid-Council is comprised of representatives from the five sister chapters of Greater Detroit, the “Zabel,” “Maro,” “Shakeh,” “Sybille,” and “Tsolig.” Proceeds from this event will benefit the Zavarian Armenian School.
Titled “Rediscovering Armenian Heritage through Regional Folk Costumes,” the event exhibited 20 dazzling reproductions of everyday and special-occasion apparel, and was held in the Arakelian Hall of St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church in Dearborn.
The Hamazkayin Cultural and Educational Association of Montreal created and loaned the costume collection to the ARS for this occasion. Modeled by community members, the costumes ranged from simple to opulent and were complete with the jewelry, headwear, and footwear worn by 19th-century Armenians.
ARS Mid-Council Chair Sirvart Telbelian welcomed the 200 guests and stressed how for 102 years, the Armenian Relief Society has been meeting the humanitarian, educational, and health needs of the Armenian people. In addition, she said, the ARS continues to promote the Armenian language and culture in the Diaspora, a prime example being the day’s event. She also spoke of the Mid-Council, which for 69 years has operated the Zavarian Armenian School here in Greater Detroit.
Hourig Jacobs, the head teacher of the ARS Zavarian School, was then invited to make a special announcement. The ARS Regional Board sponsors an Annual Essay Contest for all day and one-day schools. Out of 200 entries submitted, 5 from Zavarian School students were recognized for being outstanding. Jacobs congratulated the winners, and turned the program over to the evening’s emcee, Lara Nercessian.
Nercessian introduced Sona Mishigian and pianist Helen Mempreian Movsesian, who opened the program with the ARS anthem. The table was blessed by Rev. Fr. Hrant Kevorkian, pastor of St. Sarkis Church. Guests enjoyed a dinner of hot and cold homemade Armenian dishes prepared by the church’s members, while listening to Armenian music provided by violinist Harry Hovakimian.
The much-anticipated main event began after dinner. The costumes were introduced in detail by Armenian narrator Tamitza Dakessian and English narrator Annette Cholakian as each model walked down the 24-foot runway. The models clearly took great pride in displaying and wearing examples of their heritage. They were confident and graceful in flowing skirts, veils, colorful dresses, and embroidered jackets. The men exemplified the brave and independent spirit of their forefathers.
Like modern fashion shows in the Western world, at the end of the program the models returned to the runway for a final group showing. As the lively music played on, the models began to dance, displaying their grace and spirit. They formed a line and descended from the stage to the main floor, winding their way around the tables, and giving the audience a closer view of their wonderful costumes.
Telbelian thanked the models for their spirited portrayal of Armenians and their clothing from the past. She also thanked the guests and the many donors who supported this event with their generous contributions.
The evening concluded with a drawing for raffle prizes, which included a beautiful prayer rug made in Armenia, picturing the Lord’s Prayer in Armenian, graciously donated by Suzanne Hagopian of Hagopian World of Rugs.
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