Vito Mazza Salon Show Honors"Inspirational Women"

“Our goal is to make you look and feel beautiful. We’re all about teamwork and family,” Vito Mazza Jr. said as he kicked off the “Inspiring Makeovers” segment of a fashion showa held at the Renaissance Woodbridge ballroom Sunday. Part of the event consisted of five "inspirational women" selected for their very own pampering, glam, and style session.

More than 500 people gathered at the Renaissance to catch a first glimpse of a series of special makeovers benefiting deserving women in and around the Woodbridge area. Coupled with the special fashion show, the makeover event was sponsored by Vito Mazza Salon and Spa of Woodbridge to benefit the Livestrong Cancer Foundation and other programs at Woodbridge-area YMCA locations. The salon has partnered with the Y for several years in other community-related events, but this event topped them all.

Vito Mazza Jr., the active president of the family-owned business, opened the program with his wife, Ann, who serves as the salon’s event coordinator. They explained their motivation for the fashion show, which has grown from the first show they held at the salon three years ago, when they hosted 125 people.“Three years ago I told everyone that was my most inspirational moment. Tonight will beat that,” Mazza Jr. said.

More than 500 tickets were purchased for the sold-out event. Ann Mazza heaped praise on the salon staff, all of whom donated their hair styling and makeup talents for the show. She said the salon was "an amazing place to be and work.” 

One of the "inspiration women", Audrey, is a graduate of the Metuchen YMCA Livestrong program, the same group which some of the evening's proceeds benefited.

Audrey found comfort and camaraderie among other cancer fighters and survivors. Her efforts with the YMCA programs, her community involvement, and her bravely beating the disease all earned her a nomination and ultimately top selection for a make-over. Audrey received a cut and color from the salon and spa pampering services. She also wore a beautiful beige gown for the event provided by one of the sponsors, Goddess Boutique. Audrey appeared all the more confident and resilient strutting down the runway. Not to be lost amidst the fashion and beauty services was the real cause for the event - to raise awareness and funding for the resources available to cancer patients. Helene Zahn of the YMCA works with the Livestrong cancer group at the Y.

“It is one of the most rewarding programs we have, and it is highly successful. Some of these people were battling life-threatening diseases and didn’t know if they would even survive. It’s amazing to see the transformation," Zahn said.

The Livestrong program at the Y provides resources to cancer patients and survivors, such as health and wellness materials and fitness services. Beyond being just a group, it serves as an expert outlet and outreach initiative for those battling the disease. Two women at the fashion show who spoke about the program were Carolee Andersch and Lorraine Landa. Both women are cancer survivors and belong to the Livestrong group at the Y.

“The program is phenomenal. You work at your own potential," said Andersch. "Lorraine and I are part of the first group and we‘re still friends.”

Landa agreed. “We made such good friends as part of this group. I can tell anyone about having cancer, but they don’t get it. They say they do, but they don’t," Landa said. "But when I tell Carolee, she gets it. She knows what I feel.”

The evening's fashion show consisted of everything from bridalwear and preppy chic menswear to beautifully detailed Indian garb and sexy animal print attire. Among the featured collections were Livestrong, Caribbean Cool, Curly Girlz, Barbie, “Le Stagioni” Bridal, Dream Girls, South Beach, Girls Night Out, The Heritage, Haute Couture, Dark & Glamorous, Animalistic Instinct, Bombay Nights, and Fantasy Burlesque.

There was no shortage of curls, hair coloring, extensions, or edgy cuts on full display with each passing model. While some collections featured more minimalist and nude make-up palettes such as that of Livestrong, other designers brought out the bling, like the Bombay Nights collection which showcased rhinestone facial designs around the eyes. 

Vito Mazza Sr., the patriarch of the beauty salon dynasty on Main St., explained how he has managed to stay successful for 43 years and survive the economic tides. “You really have to love what you do. Everyone on our staff is passionate. They are doing what they love. When you have that much electricity, it makes it exciting," Mazza Sr. said.

The sponsors and partners of the event included the Renaissance Woodbridge Hotel, Majestic Entertainment, Omar Veloz Photography, Alina & Amor Collections, Bonefish Grill, Dermalogica, Emiliani Enterprises, Fetch Beauty, Floral Expressions, Goddess Boutique, Gregg’s Salon Services, Hollywood Bridal Fashions, Livestrong at the YMCA, Moroccan Oil, Pacheko, Print Today, The Salon Guy, and Scruples Professional.