We Gave 4 Humanitarians the Experience of a Lifetime

We asked hairstylist Ken Paves, makeup artist Sandy Linter, and fashion expert (and founder of Glam4Good) Mary Alice Stephenson to treat them to the experience of a lifetime.

Jennie Trayes, Age 30

Deputy director, Row New York

Her Rescue Mission

A former collegiate rower, Jennie became a part-time coach with Row New York six years ago. The program combines the sport with academic support to help disadvantaged young people build confidence and encourage them to attend college. Now she works for the organization full-time. "It's especially rewarding to have kids getting into college who never thought they'd go," Jennie says. "That happens every year, but it never gets old."

The Clothes: Because she spends a lot of time in athletic gear—"When I'm working around the boathouse, everything ends up getting dirty or wet," she says—Jennie favors bohemian dresses with pretty details when she's off duty. The frothy skirt of this Vera Wang gown pumped up the fairy-tale princess feel, while the dramatic neckline set off her sculpted shoulders and arms. Bold layered necklaces and a chunky bangle contrasted beautifully with the dress's dreamy vibe.

The Hair and Makeup: To showcase the deep V neckline of Jennie's gown, Ken, creator of the Ken Paves You Are Beautiful haircare line, decided on an updo. He curled sections of Jennie's hair with a curling iron, then gathered the hair, twisted it into a bun and pinned it loosely. Eyebrow designer Eliza Petrescu observed that Jennie had tweezed a bit too much between her brows, so she showed her how to fill them in with a taupe pencil. Sandy didn't want to detract from Jennie's brilliant blue eyes, so she just gave them a little definition with brown liner, golden shadow and black mascara.

Jennie's Reaction

"The people I work with wouldn't recognize me! Being the center of attention is really cool. I feel strong and feminine and fierce."

To learn more about Jennie's work turning kids into student-athletes, go to rownewyork.org.

Gown, Vera Wang. Earrings, Fallon. Necklaces (layered), Lulu Frost. Bracelets, Freida Rothman. Thin Bracelet, Gold Philosophy.

Founder and executive director, Friends of Firefighters

Her Rescue Mission

In the aftermath of 9/11, Nancy, a Brooklyn resident who had firefighter friends who survived the disaster, wanted to do something to help. She began by carting supplies but soon realized that what the firefighters returning from Ground Zero needed was counseling and support groups. She founded her organization in 2001 to offer that assistance, along with health and financial programs, to New York City's firefighters and their families. In her spare time, she rebuilds classic cars. As for keeping up appearances, she says, "I'm in a firehouse or a garage all day, so what do I need makeup for?"

The Clothes: "I'm more rough-and-tumble," says Nancy, who sticks to jeans or yoga pants and long shirts. "I didn't wear dresses for decades, and I thought high heels were stupid." It's safe to say this red-hot La Femme gown was a departure from her usual look: The off-the-shoulder neckline emphasized her décolletage, while the mermaid style flattered her curvy shape. Gold jewelry and statement rings upped the glam quotient.

The Hair and Makeup: Nancy's dark brown strands lacked vibrancy, said Ken, who painted golden highlights around her face to instantly brighten her complexion. Then he clipped in extensions to add about five inches of length. Nancy had never worn red lipstick, but Sandy showed her how an orange-red flattered her tawny skin tone.

Nancy's Reaction

"Being fussed over is a little awkward, but sure, I can endure it! It will bring attention to my cause. I feel beautiful—and for me to say that is big. I told my husband he has to take me out to dinner tonight, and not for burgers!"

To learn more about Nancy's work with firefighters, go to friendsoffirefighters.org.

Gown, La Femme, $378. Necklace, Louise et Cie. Bracelets (from top), Jill Golden, OCIE New York, and Meredith Marks. Rings (from left), Stephanie Kantis and Vince Camuto.

Cofounder, The Special Children's Center

Her Rescue Mission

When she was just 16, Jenine began helping a young mother with a special-needs son, and she saw how much effort it took to care for him. Though she was still in high school, Jenine, now a mother of five and a 2008 L'Oréal Paris Women of Worth honoree, wanted to help, so she and a friend started an after-school program that would later become the Special Children's Center, now in Lakewood, New Jersey, to provide respite services for families with special-needs kids. The initiative began with seven children; today the center's many volunteers have helped more than 400 families, offering after-school, weekend and summer activities.

The Clothes: "I normally dress comfortably so it's easy to get down on the floor and be with the kids," says Jenine of her go-to uniform: long jean skirt, button-down top and ballet flats. This gorgeous beaded Badgley Mischka gown offered the coverage she prefers, while the soft rosy tint and curve-skimming silhouette kept the look from being matronly.

The Hair and Makeup: As part of her Orthodox Jewish faith, Jenine wears a wig. Her usual choice is brunette and falls right below her shoulders, but for the shoot Ken persuaded her to try a highlighted wig. "It felt fresher to go blonder," says Ken. To show off Jenine's gorgeous skin, Sandy used only tinted moisturizer and a touch of bronzer.

Jenine's Reaction

"Today was a lot of fun! The pampering is something I never do. Enjoying the moment, being transformed, that dress—it all makes me feel great."

To learn more about Jenine's work with special-needs children, go to thecenternj.org.

Gown, Badgley Mischka. Earrings, Marcia Moran. Necklace, Juliet & Co. Belt, Stelios. Bracelets (from top), Melinda Maria, Swarovski, and Melinda Maria. Ring, Rachel Zoe.

Founder, Care More

Her Rescue Mission

In her day job as a publicist, Mercedes often encountered homeless people near her Manhattan office, and she began buying toiletries to hand out. Then her friends encouraged her to think bigger, and she formed Care More, which distributes care packages—including items like shampoo, Band-Aids, deodorant and fruit—to New York City's homeless on Sundays. "This population is often invisible," says Mercedes, who has recently expanded her efforts to other cities like Chicago and Philadelphia.

The Clothes: Mercedes traded her usual workday uniform of flats or sneakers, skinny jeans and a printed top ("I'm a big H&M and Forever 21 girl") for a diva-licious Gustavo Cadile gown that created an hourglass shape. Sky-high heels elongated her petite frame, and a two-tone belt made her waist look tiny.

The Hair and Makeup: When Ken saw Mercedes, he immediately thought of Diana Ross, which inspired a voluminous wavy style. He curled her hair with a quarter-inch iron, then brushed it out. Sandy decided dramatic eye makeup would be the perfect complement for Mercedes's full hair, so she mixed a teal shade that matched Mercedes's gown. To contrast with the bold eye makeup, Sandy chose a neutral bronze shimmer lipstick.

Mercedes's Reaction

"I told myself I wouldn't cry, but these are happy tears. I feel amazing. I never knew I could pull off a look like this!"

To learn more about Mercedes's work helping the homeless, go to letscaremore.com.

Gown, Gustavo Cadille. Necklaces (from top), Sarah Magid and Louise et Cie. Bracelets (from top), Bronzo Italia and Melinda Maria. Rings (from left), Melinda Maria and Maiyet.