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DETROIT ARS CELEBRATES ANNIVERSARY WITH FASHIONS FROM THE PAST
Armenian Weekly
October 18, 2012
DEARBORN, Mich.-It was Project Runway, Armenian Style, when on Fri.,
Sept. 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.
Featured Armenian costumes 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.
Members of the community at the event 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.
Armenian Weekly
October 18, 2012
DEARBORN, Mich.-It was Project Runway, Armenian Style, when on Fri.,
Sept. 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.
Featured Armenian costumes 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.
Members of the community at the event 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.