By: Jenny Castro
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 4/22/26
The Styled For Strength fashion show, held on April 11th at the Yuan Art Gallery in Bellevue, WA was more than a runway event. It was a powerful expression of how creativity and compassion can intersect to uplift a community. Designers, models, and artistic creatives came together not just to present their work, but to channel their talents toward a shared purpose in support of Ladybug House and Kyra’s Hope Foundation, two Seattle-based nonprofit organizations dedicated to providing services for families facing serious childhood illness.
View this post on Instagram
Hosted by and in partnership with Miss World America 4th runner up Heather Alexia Santos, the evening carried an energy that went beyond traditional fashion shows. Each collection on the runway told its own story through fabric, movement, and design while contributing to a larger narrative of strength, resilience, and care. Events like this often create a unique atmosphere where art becomes advocacy: the audience isn’t just observing style, but participating in something meaningful. Designs featured were included from Filippino designers Carmelo Designs, Silviyana & Co, and Charm & Paolo. At the heart of this purpose driven event is Heather Alexia Santos, whose personal journey adds profound meaning to the mission behind the evening. Affected by a face tumor at just fourteen, her experience became a defining moment and one that shaped her resilience and inspired a lifelong commitment to pediatric advocacy.
What makes Styled For Strength especially impactful is its alignment with Ladybug House’s mission. The organization focuses on offering support services and resources to families affected by children with complex medical conditions. By hosting a fashion show in its honor, the event bridges two worlds, one often associated with glamour, the other with deeply human compassion which shows how they can complement each other in a purposeful way. Moments like these also strengthen community ties as local creatives gain a platform to showcase their work, and attendees become more aware of important causes. It’s a reminder that fashion isn’t just about aesthetics as it can be utilized for storytelling along with creating awareness and change. Also in attendance were Gautam Kumar and Alka Kumari, founders of Kyra’s Hope Foundation. They established the foundation in honor of their daughter, Kyra Gupta, who passed away from pediatric cancer in November 2025.
View this post on Instagram
LA based designer Carl Andrada of Carmelo Designs was thrilled to be in attendance and showcased a beautiful runway collection of intricate designs featuring colors such as gold, red, and black. Andrada loves advocacy work and had an amazing time during his visit to Seattle, “I just felt like this event was so special because it’s for a good cause in helping children dealing with pediatric cancer,” he said. An overall evening filled with glamour, fashion, and community, the evening left a lasting impression on everyone who attended and even beyond.
