Lynn Museum fundraiser benefits education program

LYNN – From clothes dating back to the 1800s to more current attire, fashion was the name of the game Thursday night at the Lynn Museum and Historical Society. The museum hosted “Wearable Art,” an event raising money to support the museum’s educational programming.”We wanted to do something different as a fundraiser,” said museum director Kate Luchini. “We wanted to draw a broader audience.”That is when the idea of wearable art was formed. The night hosted a fashion show of Boston designer Sara Campbell as well as other vendors and displays of fashions from the past.The event was also to raise awareness of the museum to the community. “It is one of Lynn’s greatest treasures,” said Luchini. “It is important to the community and is a great cultural resource.””It’s truly a great gathering place for Lynners and surrounding areas,” said assistant director Abby Battis. “It rivals other well-known museums in the community with what we have to offer.”Most who attended the event didn’t even know about the museum. “A lot of people come in here and are like ‘Oh my God, I didn’t even know this place existed,'” said Anne-Marie Leonard, who helped put the event together. “It is a wonderful place and I think people will be pleasantly surprised if they come here.”Members from the community helped model Campbell’s fashions. “It was for a great cause so I was happy to do it,” said Marnie Moore of Lynn. “My father has also been very active with this museum so that is also why I decided to give my time.”Other models wanted to take part in the night to give back to a place that has given so much to the community. “This is one of the most fascinating buildings in the city,” said Lynn Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy, who also modeled for the show. “It is interesting to see the different styles that Lynners used to wear.”Walking the catwalk for the first time would make most folks nervous, but these models were focused on the good cause. “Sara has all these great designs and this is a great cause so I am just going to focus on that and not be nervous,” said model Leslie Hazlett of Marblehead.”I am a little nervous about the heels,” joked Kennedy. “I am usually in sneakers so hopefully I do not trip.”Everyone who participated in the event couldn’t help but rave about Campbell’s beautiful clothes. “Tonight’s collection is about summer fashion. It is about bright colors and whites,” said Campbell.Campbell decided to get involved with the museum because she loves what it stands for. “I love this museum,” said Campbell. “This is history. This is what it is all about and it is right in the middle of town.”The Boston designer loves giving back to the community and connecting with customers via her clothes. “It is about giving the customer the alphabet and they figure out their vocabulary and sentences. It is not about telling what is in, but letting them figure it out,” said Campbell. “We love our customer and what her life is about.””She really has some beautiful clothes,” said the mayor about Campbell’s designs.”This event was a great way to connect with the community and be relevant with history at the same time,” said Luchini.