A year ago Nicole Larson, a sophomore at Magnolia West High School (MWHS), was in New York living out her dream through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Now, she is planning a fashion show to raise money so another child can experience their wish.

Larson was diagnosed with Escobar Syndrome, scoliosis and underdeveloped lungs. Surgeries began when she was very young. Her mother, Terri Larson, said their life was planned around each operation.

Pictured, Nicole Larson (right) with I.M. Fashion, Inc. representative Donelle Wright (left) who has taken Larson as her apprentice and helping her reach her goal of becoming a fashion designer.

Larson had titanium ribs inserted in 2007 to correct her scoliosis and help with her breathing. Finally, last year Larson was informed that there were no more operations to be had.

Throughout her life, Larson says she has been drawing clothing. She enjoys clothing and realized she was good at designing.

Larson decided her goal was to become a fashion designer.

She applied through the Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana Chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation in hopes to visit the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York.

Larson was granted the opportunity to travel to New York for one week and visit FIT. There she met with two professors, the dean and president of the school.

She said one professor noticed she drew only articles of clothing and showed her how to draw human figures wearing her clothing designs.

Once she was back home, the opportunities kept coming for Larson.

“The doors just kept opening after Make-A-Wish,” Terri said.

Larson was invited to a fashion show in Houston where she met Donelle Wright with I.M. Fashion. Wright took Larson as her fashion apprentice and together they have been working to make Larson’s dream come true.

Now, Larson is ready to help someone else.

“I want other people to be the center of attention,” she said.

She has planned a fashion show on March 26 to display her women’s clothing line, trademarked “Be Nicole,” designed entirely by her. The fashion show will be held at Drink Houston beginning at 3 p.m.

All proceeds from the fashion show will go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation in an effort to grant a wish to another child with a life threatening medical condition.

Local models will display her creations on the runway. However her new line has been kept a secret.

“Expect to be surprised,” she said.

Larson said her favorite designers are Vera Wang, Abercrombie and Fitch and local designer Elaine Turner.

She enjoys designing “big, poufy, sparkly dresses,” she said.

Larson and her mother hope to raise $5,000 from the fashion show, which they say is about the average cost to grant a wish through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

After high school, Larson plans to attend FIT and become a designer.

Tickets to the fashion show are currently on sale and can be purchased online at www.nicolelarsonfashionshow.eventbrite.com. For more information about Larson, visit imfashion.org.

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