The History of Rock Your Style®
Every great tradition begins with a bold idea.
Founded by Takara Wiles, Rock Your Style® was created to bring together fashion, philanthropy and community in a way that was unlike anything else in the Capital Region. What started as a runway event has grown into one of the area's signature fundraising experiences, proving that when people come together with purpose, extraordinary things happen.
Over the years, Rock Your Style has united hundreds of community leaders, businesses, volunteers and supporters while raising nearly $1 million for local nonprofit organizations serving Capital Region residents.
Today, the event continues to evolve while remaining true to the vision that inspired it from the beginning: creating meaningful impact through the power of community.
Founded by Takara Wiles, Rock Your Style® was created to bring together fashion, philanthropy and community in a way that was unlike anything else in the Capital Region. What started as a runway event has grown into one of the area's signature fundraising experiences, proving that when people come together with purpose, extraordinary things happen.
Over the years, Rock Your Style has united hundreds of community leaders, businesses, volunteers and supporters while raising nearly $1 million for local nonprofit organizations serving Capital Region residents.
Today, the event continues to evolve while remaining true to the vision that inspired it from the beginning: creating meaningful impact through the power of community.
A Legacy of Giving
Since its inception, Rock Your Style has demonstrated that fashion can be more than entertainment—it can become a catalyst for generosity.
Each year, 15–20 community leaders accept the challenge to step onto the runway while leading personal fundraising campaigns in support of the event's charitable beneficiary. Together with generous sponsors, donors, auction supporters and attendees, their efforts help create meaningful change for organizations serving our local community.
As the event has grown, so has its impact, supporting multiple nonprofit organizations throughout its history while continually finding new ways to engage the community in giving.
More Than a Runway
Every element of Rock Your Style contributes to its success.
From sponsorships and ticket sales to live fundraising experiences, auctions and community donations, every dollar raised helps extend the event's impact far beyond the runway.
While the fashion show is the centerpiece, the true highlight has always been the community that comes together to support a cause greater than itself.
The Golden Hanger Award
Introduced in 2014, the Golden Hanger Award recognizes the event's top individual fundraiser each year.
More than a competition, the award celebrates the extraordinary commitment of the community leaders who inspire others to give. Every recipient represents the passion, generosity and dedication that defines the spirit of Rock Your Style.
As fundraising has continued to grow, so too has the impact these individuals have made on the organizations and people served through the event.
Golden Hanger Award Recipients
- 2014 Marcus Pryor: $3,970
- 2015 Tush Nikollaj: $4,774
- 2016 Patrick Noonan: $9,011
- 2017 Dawn Abbuhl & Sujata Chaudry: $16,545
- 2018 Reneé Abdou-Malta: $10,258
- 2019 Kathleen McLean: $6,983
- 2023 Dr. Jenny Malatras: $25,586
- 2024 Dr. Karen Tedesco: $26,675
The People Behind the Runway
Every runway tells a story.
For nearly two decades, Rock Your Style® has been brought to life by an extraordinary community of businesses, creatives, volunteers, advocates and supporters who believed that fashion could do more than make a statement—it could make a difference.
From the designers and boutiques who dressed the runway to the photographers who captured every unforgettable moment, the stylists who helped every model feel their best and the sponsors who believed in the vision, each contribution has helped shape the experience that thousands have come to know and love.
This page is our way of celebrating the people behind the scenes whose creativity, generosity and passion helped transform a single evening into something much bigger than a fashion show.
Because while the lights may shine on the runway, Rock Your Style® has always been powered by an incredible community.
We've made every effort to recognize everyone who has been part of Rock Your Style® over the years. If we've inadvertently missed you or your organization, please let us know so we can proudly update our records.
- Non-Profit Collaborator
- Photographers
- Clothing Providers
- Core Event Leadership
Every unforgettable runway moment begins with the click of a camera. We are grateful to the talented photographers who have captured the energy, emotion and memories of Rock Your Style®, preserving the moments that continue to tell our story.
Many of the photographs featured throughout this website, as well as on our Facebook and Instagram pages, were captured by these gifted professionals. We invite you to explore their work and support the local artists behind the lens.
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Chuck Miller
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Michael Bombard Photography
Over the years, local boutiques, designers and clothing providers have helped bring the Rock Your Style® runway to life. By generously outfitting our models and sharing their creativity, they have helped each participant feel confident, celebrated and ready to shine. We are grateful for their continued support and encourage you to explore and support these local businesses.
Rock Your Style® has been shaped by the dedication, creativity and heart of many people over the years. Each member of our core planning teams has left their mark on the event, helping it grow, evolve and continue making an impact in our community. We are grateful to everyone who has shared their time, talents and passion with Rock Your Style® throughout its history.
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Rachel Hye Youn Rupright, Fundraising
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Josalynn Smith, Fashion and Runway
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Kat (Brown) Trippany, Fundraising
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Takara Wiles, Founder + Event Visionary
The story of Rock Your Style is still being written.
Every model who accepts the fundraising challenge, every sponsor who invests in the mission, every volunteer who gives their time and every guest who fills the room becomes part of the event's legacy.
Together, we're continuing a tradition where fashion inspires generosity, strengthens our community and changes lives.