Fashion statement for gun control

Brandon grew up in Mount Airy, mostly raised by her mother who worked as a claims authorizer for the Social Security Administration. After graduating from the Creative and Performing Arts High School, she attended Delaware's Brandywine University, where she earned an associate degree in fashion marketing.

She made her first collection in 1999, a grouping of fitted jumpsuits and palazzo pants in chocolate and ivory shades. While she didn't sell anything from this collection, some of her subsequent pieces have been sold at a few boutiques, including Patricia Fields, the Greenwich Village shop run by the former Sex and the City stylist.

A break came in 2003, when Brandon met New York-based fashion-show producer Ron Smith through Wadlington. Smith loved Brandon's designs and featured her in his Showroom 30 spring showcase that year.

In the following years, in between caring for sick family members and working full time for a commercial real-estate company, Brandon has managed to be in four shows.

"It has not been easy for me by any means," Brandon said. "I have been trying to get my career and work on this cause without even a car. It's been hard."

So far Brandon has spent close to $10,000 on this year's collections, money she raised through a combination of her savings and silent investors. If this collection goes well, she plans to keep working with confiscated gunmetal - after all, gun violence won't go away with a new fashion season.

Seconds after the last model walked down the runway, Brandon walked out to the crowd. Holding a dozen red roses in her hand, she nervously stood on the cobblestones as the crowd clapped wildly.

Some felt the collection was beautiful. All praised Brandon for taking up the cause.

"What Melanie is doing is drawing attention to the fact that things aren't always what they seem," said Jonathan Shorr, the owner of the gallery. "There is always room for a creative outlet. Maybe people can take negative things and turn them into something positive."