Last week, the Layton Hills Mall announced the Back to Community Fashion Experience, set for July 31 at 4 p.m. at the Layton Hills Mall.

Layton Hills Mall Marketing and Community Engagement Manager Glady Larsen told the Standard-Examiner on Monday that this is a little bit different from a typical fashion show.

“Most fashion shows are about what’s on the runway, but we’re making it about the community,” she said. “And we’re inviting teachers, first responders, military families, community leaders, and we actually have a group of volunteers from the Miss Syracuse Royalty who are participating in the event.”

According to the release, the event will also benefit community members that need it.

“Beyond the runway, the event invites the community to make a difference by donating new backpacks to benefit military families through Blue Star Families and students attending local Title I schools,” the release said.

The backpacks and school supplies are already being actively collected at the mall and will be on the day of the Fashion Experience as well.

Larsen said the event was inspired by one of the signature milestones of 2026 — America250.

“This came about because our investors, the mall owners of Layton Hills Mall, Second Horizon Capital, have a 250 Acts of Community initiative that’s celebrating America’s 250th anniversary through acts of kindness and service,” she said. “And we’re really excited to just put a little bit of that community service back into all of the events that we do. And we wanted to just celebrate our community before we start the new year, because we know that when a community comes together, we become stronger — not just our stores but our community itself.”

According to the press release, “fashions featured will be provided by participating Layton Hills Mall retailers, including Dillard’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods, JCPenney, Maurices, Downeast, 1st Look Sneakers and Streetwear, JC Country, Zumiez, and other participating retailers, showcasing the latest styles for students of all ages.”

The fashion show is part of the wider Back to School Bash from 3-5 p.m. that same day, featuring bubble artist Jarom Watts.

“He has a nonprofit that’s called Bubbles for Bellies, and that is a nonprofit that focuses on supporting school lunches so that no child goes hungry during their educational journey,” Larsen said. “He is performing these bubble shows around the state so that he gets the word out and any donations will go towards the school district of your choice so that we can make sure that no children are left hungry during the school year.”

Larsen said that she’s looking forward to an exciting opportunity to bring the community together.

“I have enjoyed this event — even just having the opportunity to work with the Miss Syracuse pageant royalty — because it allows us to really get to know the neighbors that we have,” she said “Pretty much in each of our stores and just that community feel that we get when we all work together towards one cause.”

For more information, visit https://www.shoplaytonhills.com/event/41979-back-to-school-bash.