Beats For Boobs 2nd Annual Fundraiser

Fashion shows are typically invite-only so it’s always a treat when the public is given the opportunity to check out new styles and trends that are on the horizon. Celebrating its second year in Los Angeles, Beats For Boobs held its annual fundraiser at the historic Avalon in Hollywood.

Each year the event (which is also held in San Francisco and Seattle) brings together a diverse group of artists and activists in order to honor and remember those who have been impacted by breast cancer. Attendees were treated to a fun night filled with art, fashion, food, and music.

Upon arrival guests were given a ticket for a free spin at the Boobie Wheel for a chance to win a number of cool prizes. Raffle tickets were also available for those who wanted a chance of winning one of the many great prize packages. 

Food and treats awaited in the VIP area. Jackson Market and Deli provided sandwiches, wraps, and Guinness cupcakes. Large Marge Sustainables offered healthy side dishes. The brownies by Secret Marmalade were sinfully delicious. Juice on the Loose gave out samples of their healthy juices, and Drunken Udder provided samples of their decadent alcohol infused ice cream.

Various artists had their work on display. Abe’s colorful caricatures caught my eye.

The street art inspired tees by IWUZHEREFIRST were very cool, and I really liked the girly tanks by Kym CBS.  Art and photography by Sasha Vom Dorp, Janet E. Dandridge, Cerreah Laykin, and Chamane could also be seen throughout the venue.

Before the runway show started a representative from Beats For Boobs came out and introduced individuals from the organizations benefitting from tonight’s event – Boarding For Breast Cancer Survivor Scholarship Fund (B4BC), The LA Gay and Lesbian Center Breast Cancer Support Group, and the Busted Foundation. 

The first designer to present for the evening was International Citizen Design House. Founded by Sheena Gao and Laura Krusemark, ICTZN is dedicated to promoting the power of universal oneness through unique men’s and women’s fashion. 

Modern Archives designer Mae Ho strives to create beautifully constructed clothing that is chic and effortless. The collection was fun and had a laid back feel. Mae’s pieces are for those who enjoy expressing their personal style.

Designer Rey Aquino (Reynaldo Aquino)specializes in contemporary men’s apparel. He has a knack for constructing well-tailored suits and stylish separates for casual every day wear.  

Coral Castillo enjoys designing cocktail dresses and evening gowns that are edgy, chic, and sexy. She recently graduate from the Art Institute of California – OC and was the winner of the OC Fashion Week Student Designer Competition in 2011. She also interned with Rey Aquino. It was evident from her collection that Coral has a promising future ahead of her. 

Kucoon closed out the runway presentation. Designer Andrea Spratt enjoys transforming ordinary every day wear for men and women into something that is extraordinary. She presented a number of feminine and flowy pieces that were accentuated by elaborate headpieces. 

The party continued after the runway show was over and guests spent the rest of the night dancing to the hot tunes spun by DJs Marques Wyatt, Mr. C, Justin Sloe, Jimmy Maheras, and Jeniluv.

A number of individuals donated their time and skills to make this event happen. A big thank you to all including Carrie Macy (RPM Talent), Stella Scaldalan, Eric Charles (Photography/Video), Peter Shenouda (Video Editor), Shellena Gomez and her very talented hair and make-up crew.

I have to say that I loved Stella’s outfit for the evening. She always looks amazing when I see her.

If you missed this cool event but would still like to help the cause in educating and finding a cure for breast cancer the Busted Foundation is holding their 8^th annual fundraiser Bowling for Boobies on Sunday Oct 21^st at Julian’s Hi-Life, Universal City Walk. For more info and tickets visit www.bowlingforboobies.com

 

 Narrative and photos by Nikki Neil. Intro photo and photo of Stella courtesy of Eric Charles.