Hello,
There's something to be said for consistency, and GMHC's annual Fashion Forward*** has it! Is it possible to get BIGGER and BETTER every year? Well apparently it is. Fashion Forward 2009 this year took place at Chelsea's Metropolitan Pavilion, and while not a new venue to most of the attendees, what the Tim Gunn hosted event had to offer was nothing short of spectacular. This year, the Bank of America sponsored event, featured top designer looks from Saks Fifth Avenue's 2009 Resort Collections. However, before the runway show began, the generously timed cocktail reception provided a grandeur worthy of mention. Attendees enjoyed a myriad of gourmet delights with fresh lobster croquettes being particularly enticing, alongside a tremendous cocktail selection.
Luxurious auction items were to be had as part of both live and silent auctions. Silent auction items such as a complete wardrobe from design house Ports 1961, or a once in a lifetime opportunity like lunch for two with Tim Gunn (to talk fashion, celebrities and all things fashion) lined the reception area. Standout live auction items included: Copenhagen Dreaming--valued at $6,000, South American Exploration-valued at $15,000 and a Grand Prize of attending Paris Fashion Week--priceless.
We spoke with Designer and former Project Runway alum Jack Mackenroth in regards to his ties to GMHC for the evening -- "I used the resources of GMHC for twenty something years-- when I first moved to New York I was super poor and I used their legal services, and their advocacy services, so I'll do anything to support them...they saved my life."
The red carpet dazzled with fashion, entertainment, and corporate darlings including, America's Next Top Model Judge J Alexander, Queen of All Media Wendy Williams, and of course Project Runway Host Tim Gunn, GMHC CEO Dr. Marjorie Hill, and Bank of America's NYC President Jeff Barker.
The piet de resistance of course was the runway show featuring Resort 2009 collections from the likes of Burberry, Diesel, Dolce and Gabbana, Gucci, Michael Kors, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Alexander McQueen, Rag & Bone, Vince and more.
Another magical year... another MAGICAL evening.
***-launched in Fall 2007, Fashion Forward is a high-profile event created to salute the fashion industry's long standing commitment to the cause while continuously working toward increased awareness of the HIV/AIDS crisis.
*photos by The Quest for "it"
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