At the Miami Beach Convention Center this summer, the air wasn’t filled with runways or flashbulbs—but with the unmistakable joy of thousands of kids slipping into brand-new uniforms, sneakers, and backpacks. For tyle Saves, the Miami-based nonprofit that merges fashion with community impact, this year’s Back-to-School event marked a milestone — 15 years of style as a force for good.

Founded in 2011 by stylist Rachael Russell Saiger and entrepreneur Isabela Rangel Grutman, Style Saves began with a simple premise: that how you feel on the outside can empower how you feel on the inside. What started as a single-day event has evolved into a year-round movement, one that has reached more than 250,000 students and families with uniforms, mentorship, and confidence-building programs.

“For me, fashion has always been about storytelling and self-expression,” says Russell Saiger, president of the organization. “We’ve seen firsthand how giving a child the opportunity to choose clothes that reflect their personality can shift how they carry themselves. It’s not just about an outfit—it’s about confidence, mental wellness, and showing up as your full self.”

This year’s event, themed “Sprinkle City,” transformed the convention center into a pastel playground. Designed to feel like a celebration, the experience included colorful activations, themed treats, and a department store-style layout where students could choose from brand-new school supplies, uniforms, backpacks, and shoes — all free of charge.