Naturally 7 in their streetwise performance gear. Photography by Ryan Shon.

When developing a passion for fashion, it’s important to start early.

That’s how Fight for Children does black-tie: with many impressive childrens’ performances, a spunky, Grammy-winning host, and A-list celebrities like Wyclef Jean to get the fashionable crowd up on its feet.

Fight for Children hosted its annual “School Night,” and there were many stylish attendees. While the invitation to this swanky benefit said “cocktail attire,” many took liberties and opted for an even more formal look. The theme of the party was French courtyard, but the most interesting piece of décor was….a model, dressed as Marie Antoinette, passing hors d’oeuvres around on her bountiful skirt, innovatively laid overtop a serving table that rolled along with her.

The fashionable crowd ranged many ages, from a sassy young diva-in-the-making who danced in the center stage during the entertainment, to a foppish older gentleman wearing an impeccable slate gray suit with a pearl pink shirt. This look, surprisingly, was not at all for wussies, but instead brought an old-world charm to this night of charitable giving and teaching.

The colorful table arrangements were lovely, while the low-lighting and star-spangled backdrop created a celebrity feeling for each guest. The organization’s colors are an eye-catching shade of orange, tempered with a soft powder blue, and these hues decorated the walls, banners, and even smaller accents like linens and napkins.

While the headlining act was Wyclef Jean, Naturally 7, an a capella and beat-boxing act, gave an incredible performance in street-style stage get-ups, featuring an assortment of black leather and denim. Music groups were myriad at this event, with the opening act being a very young jazz ensemble, with the percussionist being 13 years old, while other acts such as a local school drumline and Sheila E and the E Family Project kept the gala upbeat and exciting.

Nothing is as fashionable as giving opportunities to those in need, and while School Night raised money and awareness for inner-city, low-income families and students, the event also showed people of all ages and backgrounds that one can accomplish these tasks in unique and glamorous style.

Written for Examiner.com.