Little Black Dress Gala 2018

Written by Dianna Drahanchuk and Colleen Tsoukalas

This year, I did a lot of behind the scenes prep for this event; I enjoyed helping many customers My Sister's Closet, choose that special little black dress, shoes and accessories, and encouraged women and men to model, especially, since the Little Black Dress Gala, has a very inclusive, supportive runway, great Designers and fantastic photographers. There is room for all who support Youth and making our city a better place. Social Media, for this event, begins early and I was able to add comments and photos, often, further supporting sold out (twice) ticket sales. And, I modelled for Yifat Jovani, thanks to friend and modelling twin, Nahla Hopfe. Dianna Drahanchuk enjoyed the Gala, from the front row, and has contributed her observations about this grand event.

The crowd gets bigger and more excited to get into each successive Little Black Dress event put on by Help Change My City (HCMC). Not only is the show something to see, but so is what the attendees wear, for instance Marika’s audacious boutique dress paired with Alexander McQueen earrings. Every show is set up in a different way, this year with a low stage, shorter runway and several screens to provide a view to all in the huge ballroom Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. a long time supporter of this black dress and black tie evening.

This November’s show entertainment included a welcoming jazz orchestra, opera songs, and belly, ballet and contemporary dance. The mandate of Help Change My City is to help underprivileged youth and three young people gave testimonials about how HCMC helped them and how happy they, and in one case their children too, were to be giving back to the community.

The fashion portion of the show began with day wear and gradually progressed to extravagantly embellished evening gowns. Twenty Designers set stunning collections to well blended fast paced musical beats. Virtually all the outfits could be worn by someone in the audience. Wearable Art for all! Showcasing so many designers allowed for a wide diversity of styles, models and variety of presentations, from classic to fanciful. The loudest cheers went to a curvy model sporting a flattering bathing suit by Bikini Empire, but more were heard for a confident little girl in princess frock and a pregnant model wearing a revealing, sequinned evening gown both by Tetyana Golota, with dazzling jewellery by Carolyn Bruce.

“BRAVO” to the designers who dared to show something different and “THANK YOU” to Help Change My City for a great evening out and a chance to wear our fancy apparel. HCMC’s cause is well worth supporting; check them out here.

Photos via Even Chen

Designers: Kim Legler, Bikini Empire, Jessica Redditt, Ghren, Shelby Wick, Pillar Heights, Yifat Jovani Designs, Couture Therapy, Tetyana Golota, Alison Kent Home/Aleen Ala Kazzam/Kaler Interiors, Shaghayesh, Susan Harley Unique Couturier, Nassren, Yuvil Alexjandra, Wendy Schindler, Carolyn Bruce