Thank you!
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We raised over $150,000 at Read(y) to Wear 2025
Theme: “Legends and Fairytales"
It's our signature event bringing together lovers of reading and fashion in support of literacy. By attending and sponsoring READ(y) to Wear, you make it possible for us to continue to provide another 100,000 free, high-quality books to kids in the Dane County area.
Read(y) to ignite love for reading? Ask about Read(y) to Wear 2026!
Reach out to rowan@madisonreadingproject.com to learn more.
Event Photos by Crimson Sun Studios
Event Photos by Crimson Sun Studios
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Event Photos by Ron Lutz
The Location
The Emcees
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Bianca Breeze
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Jason Illstrup
Bianca has been performing and producing events for 12 years. She is the owner and emcee of BLB Productions. She is more commonly known as Dane County’s Premier Drag Bingo Hostess. She loves glitz and glamour, is the former Miss Gay Madison, and is our Current Miss Gay Wisconsin USofA 2023.
Jason is the President of Downtown Madison, Inc. (DMI), a member-based non-profit working to make Downtown Madison an economically strong, inclusive, equitable, and vibrant place to live, work, and visit.
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Rowan Childs
Rowan loves all things books and all things fashion. As MRP's founder, she is passionate about providing kids and educators with the best books to inspire a love of reading. She hopes you are ready to strike a pose for Madison Reading Project. Don't forget to get your ticket to the show and bring your masquerade mask!
The Sylvee
The Judges
Doris Williams
Andy Adams
Dr. Linda Vankunta
Lon Michels
Dr. Faisal Abdu’Allah
Kelly Snider Parks
Doris is Founder and CEO of Defined Etiquette Etc. and Designs. Doris specializes in customized etiquette courses and bespoke headwear. Blending creativity with classic refinement, she empowers clients to present themselves with grace and confidence-whether through polished social skills or standout style. Doris is returning to the stage as a judge for this year’s Ready To Wear, and is the artist and designer behind this year’s crown and sash.
Andy is a curator, writer, and cultural producer based in Madison, Wisconsin. He runs FlakPhoto Projects, a web-based visual arts lab that promotes photography in all its forms. He is the Chief Digital & Communications Officer at Outrider Foundation, a nonprofit that supports journalism about nuclear threats and climate change. Andy also writes the FlakPhoto Digest, a photography newsletter read by more than 37,000 people worldwide.
Dr. Vakunta is a Deputy Mayor of Madison. Dr. Vakunta has more than a decade of experience in grassroots community engagement and program development, monitoring and evaluation work. She is co-founder of Bright Start-Sierra Leone which equips young people with 21st century skills. She holds a PhD in Environmental Studies, a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Psychology, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Lon is a Wisconsin born and raised artist who has been painting for over fifty years. Lon worked as a studio assistant for Louise Nevelson in New York and modeled for Calvin Klein. That experience inspired Lon to create his own hand painted wearable art fashions that have been exhibited in museums across the country.
Dr. Faisal Abdu’Allah is an influential British and Afro-Caribbean artist and educator at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He is best known for his large-scale steel prints and tapestries that explore the intersectionality of identity. Abdu’Allah has collaborated with celebrated fashion icons Sir David Adjaye, Virgil Abloh, and choreographer Frank Gatson Jr. His works are in the collections of Tate Britain, MMoCA and the Chazen Museum. The Fade and was recently honored as a Wisconsin Academy Fellow.
Kelly is an artist whose work focuses on contemporary social, cultural, and political issues. Through her words and art, she attempts to create change. Kelly believes that art gives our lives focus and brings us face to face with ourselves. Art prompts us to ask questions about the world that surrounds us.
Thank you to our 2025 sponsors!
In Vogue
Haute Couture
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Gold
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MARQUEE
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Fashionista
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New and Upcoming
Take a look at our
"Tu-torials", pro tips
for READ(y) to Wear
design teams!
READ(y) to Wear 2024
Theme: “Dress for Your Adventure”
500 attendees, 18 teams and multiple adventures helped us raise $120,000 for literacy! Thank you, Madison!
On June 12th, 18 incredible teams presented their paper outfits on the catwalk and we were blown away by their creativity, skill, and artistry!! The top prizes went to Flights of Fancy who won first place, Las Madrinas who came in second, and Park Bank who placed third!
Over 500 attendees helped us raise $120,000(!) to ensure we can continue providing literacy services at no cost to children, families, and educators. Thank you so much to the attendees, sponsors, staff, RTW committee, board members, and the design teams who all made it happen!
Event Photos by Crimson Sun Studios
We raised $85,000 at the 2023 READ(y) to Wear fundraiser!
Looking Back at READ(y) to Wear 2023
Scroll through our professional portraits below!
Portraits by Crimson Sun Studios
Event Photos by Crimson Sun Studios
Click pictures to enlarge!
Read(y) to Wear 2022:
Rock, Paper, Scissors
Click pictures to enlarge!
Read(y) to Wear 2020
Click pictures to enlarge!