By BARBARA SIMPSON - DELHI NEWS-RECORD
Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Children's styles were reintroduced into the annual spring fashion at the Delhi Belgian Club this year.

Local toddlers through to preteens sported swim and skateboarding wear from Groms to the delight of a packed Belgian hall last Wednesday.

"It's the future, so we need the kids back," said Simone Van Walleghem, president of the Delhi Belgian Club's Ladies' Auxiliary and co-convener of the fashion show.

Before they strutted down the walkway, the young models were excited, albeit a bit nervous. For many, this was the first time they had modeled.

Hannah Morey, 11, of Simcoe, and her friend Elthia Thiessen, 11, of Fairground, dolled themselves up for their modeling debut. They worked on their hair and makeup after school.

"I did mine at home," Morey said. "I've been working on it since 3 p.m."

Local women also graced the runway, showing off spring styles from Tillsonburg's Styles on Broadway and Norwich's Tiki Room. A packed Belgian Club cheered as the models strutted their stuff across the runway.

The annual spring fashion show is one of the major fundraisers for the Ladies' Auxiliary. It draws local women in for a night of socializing and stylizing each year.

"It's quite popular because I think it's one of the first fashion shows in the spring," Van Walleghem said.

The auxiliary's other major fundraiser — Ladies' Night — happens every October. The proceeds of these events go back into the Belgian hall and are also used to donate to different organizations.

"Our Ladies' Auxiliary is a very important part of the hall and they've done wonderful work tonight," said Nancy Pynaert, president of the Delhi Belgian Club, to the audience.

The spring fashion show also featured a dozen vendors and raffles throughout the evening.