The Fairmont Vancouver is such an elegant setting for the Little Black Dress Gala. It says to me: "This is important, this is historic, this is a jewel in our city." And so, that beautiful main staircase, grand foyer and ballrooms, were stage for the main event: the evening Gala. As we were registering, models were being photographed before their runway shows. I loved the quiet, reflective poses of the models in white gowns, such a contrast to the amazing, vibrant colors of the Artwork from ROAM Gallery. And across the hall, a giant pink balloon (LOVE) drew us in to the multitude of Silent Auction items, all donated by local Designers, Businesses and Sponsors. I do believe that Marketa Newbery (Marketing and Sales, LBD) was key to achieving fundraising goals. So much support for local designers (Necklace and earrings by Carolyn Bruce) was featured in what everyone wore. It does take a whole community and every available skillset to support Youth at Risk.
Jennifer Angers Daerendinger, ROAM Gallery, Keiko Boxall and I, as well as many other attendees, enjoyed getting our photo on the Sponsor Wall. It is always wonderful to have a professional photo as well as an additional way to shout out generous sponsors.
The performances throughout the gala, were fantastic and here are a just a few of the many performers. We were treated to opera by Christina Lewall and Nicole Brooks, who sang from the stage as well as from the floor. Ahmed Dance was an exciting whirl of colorful silk, bare feet and exotic music. Her Brothers is a young band of brothers who brought the audience to its feet and keep it in motion, whenever they played. Endless energy and talent! Karen Kobel, gracefully commanded that stage, all by herself. Alpha and his parents, eloquently talked about the role of family and community in helping youth achieve potential. Mentoring, connecting, educating, funding...we all have a role and a responsibility. RNB dancers are excellent examples of high achievement and performance.
The Fashion Show was such a demonstration of the immense talents of our local Designers, Models from Blanche Macdonald, a contributing sponsor, and all of the Make-Up, Hairdressers, Dressers and Volunteers who get everyone red carpet ready.
Carolyn Bruce opened the show, with her unique jewellery and accessories. Sparkles from head to toe and every piece designed specifically for the Spring theme of this show.
Rich Abarquez (Rich Connections) is an example of someone who always goes such a long way in volunteering back stage, supporting new models, modelling for at least two or three Designers, being a social media master and championing local Artists and Designers.
Loved the Spring Pinks of this fabric, the result of a team effort by Alison Kent (akHome and Jotue Design) and Aleem Kassan of Kalu Interiors. These dresses will be auctioned to support The Sponsor A Woman Program.
In all, 27 Designers showed 12 looks each, so you will see many more at littleblackdressgala.ca and www.helpchangemycity.ca and on Facebook. I tried to give you a glimpse of the very complex process of putting together a grand gala such as Little Black Dress. The rehearsal, getting ready behind the stage and finally the evening, itself. My thanks to Alpha B. Kirabira, Christine Michelle, Sarah, PR for LBD, Designer, Carolyn Bruce, my friend and guest blogger, Dianna Drahanchuk (for showing me some of the crucial basics: bobby pins, felt pens, folding, putting stuff away) and to the models who sat down so I could reach them. Hats off to the huge community that supports such an important cause: Youth at Risk.
PS:The Little Black Dress Brochure was beautifully designed and so helpful in referencing names. Thanks to those who wrote it and to Tan lu, from Undertable Studio, Vancouver based and "specializing in art direction, branding, graphic design and printing production".
Jennifer Angers Daerendinger, ROAM Gallery, Keiko Boxall and I, as well as many other attendees, enjoyed getting our photo on the Sponsor Wall. It is always wonderful to have a professional photo as well as an additional way to shout out generous sponsors.
The performances throughout the gala, were fantastic and here are a just a few of the many performers. We were treated to opera by Christina Lewall and Nicole Brooks, who sang from the stage as well as from the floor. Ahmed Dance was an exciting whirl of colorful silk, bare feet and exotic music. Her Brothers is a young band of brothers who brought the audience to its feet and keep it in motion, whenever they played. Endless energy and talent! Karen Kobel, gracefully commanded that stage, all by herself. Alpha and his parents, eloquently talked about the role of family and community in helping youth achieve potential. Mentoring, connecting, educating, funding...we all have a role and a responsibility. RNB dancers are excellent examples of high achievement and performance.
The Fashion Show was such a demonstration of the immense talents of our local Designers, Models from Blanche Macdonald, a contributing sponsor, and all of the Make-Up, Hairdressers, Dressers and Volunteers who get everyone red carpet ready.
Carolyn Bruce opened the show, with her unique jewellery and accessories. Sparkles from head to toe and every piece designed specifically for the Spring theme of this show.
Rich Abarquez (Rich Connections) is an example of someone who always goes such a long way in volunteering back stage, supporting new models, modelling for at least two or three Designers, being a social media master and championing local Artists and Designers.
Loved the Spring Pinks of this fabric, the result of a team effort by Alison Kent (akHome and Jotue Design) and Aleem Kassan of Kalu Interiors. These dresses will be auctioned to support The Sponsor A Woman Program.
In all, 27 Designers showed 12 looks each, so you will see many more at littleblackdressgala.ca and www.helpchangemycity.ca and on Facebook. I tried to give you a glimpse of the very complex process of putting together a grand gala such as Little Black Dress. The rehearsal, getting ready behind the stage and finally the evening, itself. My thanks to Alpha B. Kirabira, Christine Michelle, Sarah, PR for LBD, Designer, Carolyn Bruce, my friend and guest blogger, Dianna Drahanchuk (for showing me some of the crucial basics: bobby pins, felt pens, folding, putting stuff away) and to the models who sat down so I could reach them. Hats off to the huge community that supports such an important cause: Youth at Risk.
PS:The Little Black Dress Brochure was beautifully designed and so helpful in referencing names. Thanks to those who wrote it and to Tan lu, from Undertable Studio, Vancouver based and "specializing in art direction, branding, graphic design and printing production".
