When Elijah Bonilla dropped by North Plains Mall Saturday it was all about fashion, but shopping was not on the agenda.

CMI staff photo: Benna Sayyed

Jayden Perales, right, a student at Clovis Head Start, escorts his 1 1/2-year-old sister Brooklyn Daniels as they model spring children’s fashions Saturday at North Plains Mall.

Bonilla visited the mall to watch his younger sister Noelani Urioste model in her first fashion show and pick up pointers for his future plans of modeling in larger fashion shows.

The North Plains Mall fashion show Saturday at the center court in the mall was held to showcase the spring collections of chain retail stores at the mall.

"I think she (his sister) did good," said Bonilla, a junior at Clovis High School.

"She practiced hard. It took her two weeks to get ready. I think everybody did a good job and everybody looks really good."

Bonilla said he liked the PacSun gear displayed on the runway most.

Pop music pumped through stage speakers as models made their way down the runway. An audience of more than 75 citizens clapped and cheered loudly as children as young as 1 1/2 years old, teenagers and men and women in their 20s and 30s modeled spring clothing from chain retailers — PacSun, Maurices, Bealls and Buckle.

The male models came out first. The show featured more than 20 models.

Tyleen Caffery, dressed in a light turquoise shirt and a glittering beauty pageant crown and sash, moderated the show.

"This helps shoppers see some of the latest and greatest fashion at North Plains Mall," Caffery said.

"It's for a good cause. Maurices does a lot in supporting our community."

The show served as a fundraiser for a prom dress drive by Monarch Formals, which is gearing up for prom season.

LaKenya Nash, 30, modeled clothing from Maurices and Buckle.

Nash said she never participated in a fashion show but enjoyed it. She said she liked the energy at the show and said the atmosphere was positive.

"The show gives back and shows that there is positive productivity in the community," said Nash, a full-time Clovis Community College student and dancer on the Curry County Cats Spirit Squad.

"In the news you hear negativity but there is positive out there."

What: Monarch Formals prom dress donation

When: Year-round

Where: Contact Tyleen Caffery to set an appointment

Proceeds: Go to individuals needing dresses and accessories to attend proms, weddings, military functions and other events

Information: Tyleen Caffery — 749-8177