Benson 12-Year-Old Carries ‘Never Forget’ Message To New York Fashion Week

BENSON, N.C. — A 12-year-old Benson girl recently took part in New York Fashion Week, where one of her runway appearances included a tribute to the victims and first responders of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Saylor-Claire Herring participated in the Timeless Beauty Fashion Show, a Pat Chance production, during a segment titled “A Tribute in Threads.”

Herring wore a patriotic outfit she helped envision. The ensemble was created by seamstress Ivette Feliciano and included red, white and blue fabric that was intentionally cut, torn and burned to give it a distressed appearance.

An American flag was featured across the front of the outfit, while her boots carried the words “NEVER FORGET.”

On the back, Herring wore white angel wings with representations of the Twin Towers rising above them. The towers were created by RJ Allen.

Ash-like makeup was also used as part of the presentation.

The tribute was designed to remember those killed in the Sept. 11 attacks, along with survivors, first responders and families affected by the tragedy.

Nearly 3,000 people were killed in the attacks in New York City, at the Pentagon and near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Herring was not yet born when the attacks occurred, but her family said the tribute was intended to help keep the memory of Sept. 11 alive for younger generations.

The New York appearance followed Herring’s selection earlier this year to participate in New York Fashion Week through a full scholarship opportunity.

JoCoReport reported in June that Herring, the reigning American United Miss Preteen National Queen, had been selected to participate in the Timeless Beauty Fashion Show and other fashion week activities.

Her trip also included professional photoshoots, a Times Square billboard appearance and a two-page magazine feature.

Herring is the daughter of Corby and Ericka Herring of Benson.