Thursday, October 1, 2026
A day after she attended her senior prom, Long Beach High School student Kadee Medrano, 18, strutted down the runway as cameras flashed, fashionable spectators applauded and the song “Heads Will Roll” by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs blared throughout the Allegria Hotel’s recently opened rooftop pool lounge, Jack’s on the Rocks.
Kadee’s mother, Kat, looked on proudly with friends, as her daughter showcased trendy pink boots, bright colors and sported a dynamic, New Wave hairdo during Ooh la la‘s annual “Glitz, Glamour, Groove, Give” fashion show on June 24, a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk.
Kadee, who works at Ooh la la’s Long Beach store — one of five trendy women’s boutiques — was one of 24 employees, customers and celebrity guests who walked the runway wearing the latest collections from Ark & Co., Free People and Judith March, among many others.
“I think she’s probably the youngest person up there,” Kat Medrano said. “She was really psyched to be here — it’s all about supporting Habitat for Humanity and it’s a great cause.”
More than 350 people turned out for Ooh la la’s biggest event of the year, which raised more than $5,000 for Habitat for Humanity. The event took place on the Allegria’s newly renovated rooftop area, and featured Red Bull Music Academy’s DJ Freqnik and host Astra of WBLI 106.1, along with celebrity guests Dina Lohan and WPIX Channel 11’s Lolita Lopez.
“There was a tremendous buzz about this,” said Carlos Ferreiro, owner of NY Threads, one of several businesses next door to Ooh la la, at 126 E. Park Ave., that came out to show their support. “I think right now, it’s an exciting time for fashion in Long Beach, especially with the upcoming Quiksilver Pro. And so many people came here tonight, most of my customers are here.”
George Ennis, organizer of the recent George Ennis Film Festival, said that the fashion show and other fundraising events add character to the town.
“The fashion show is adding to the metropolitan character of Long Beach,” he said. “It seems like, between events like this and the surf competition in September, Long Beach is getting great exposure.”
