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22 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • March 2024 One by one, students ranging in age from 8 through their late teens take their turns striding confidently down the red car- pet. As they stop to pose for a supportive audience comprised of classmates, parents, family members, and friends, they dis- play a distinct sense of pride and accomplishment. That pride is well-earned, as these young people have spent the past few months designing and making the clothes they are modeling with their own hands. This is a scene from the Annual LOK Fashion Show, a tradition that caps off Spring classes at the LOK Fashion Academy/Institute. This Stafford County fashion school offers aspiring fashion designers the opportunity to learn the skills of sewing and fashion design, and gives them the creative freedom to design pieces that they model each year at the Annual LOK Fashion Show. Ms. Marie King, who trained at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, started LOK Fashion Academy/Institute as an outgrowth from her decades- long career in fashion design. Ms. King also has experi- ence working with garment makers around the world— an experienced which ignited her love of sharing fashion design skills with her students. In addition, Ms. King's business also includes custom clothing, altera- tions and tuxedo rental. In the 10 years that Ms. King has been holding the Annual LOK Fashion Show to display her students' work, she says that she has seen a lot proud and very impressed parents. "I have had parents come to me and say that they had no idea their child had this in them," she said. WRITTEN BY EMILY FREEHLING Students Can Learn Sewing Basics at LOK Fashion Academy LOK Fashion Academy and Institute 60 Susa Drive, Ste 107, Stafford, VA 22554 Lokfashioninstitute.com 540-720-4851 The Academy teaches classes in sewing technique, tailoring and pattern making. Summer Sewing Clinics are open to school-age children who want to learn the basics of sewing and clothing design. Call the school to learn more. Future Future Fashionistas Fashionistas "The Academy is sort of a spring- board to get into fashion design" Sponsored Material Lok Fashion Academy/Ins tute 60 Susa Drive #107 Staff ord Va. 22554 540-720-0851 lokacademy.com • lokins tute.com