FASHION ALERT: Forte Charity Event Takes Over New York Fashion Scene
On Wednesday, October 21st, fashion and charity were brought together as SEAM COLLECTIVE, Inc. hosted “Forte” - a one-of-a-kind groundbreaking fashion show – at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City.
The event showcased the Spring/Summer 2010 collections of the latest emerging female fashionistas including Project Runway finalist and Forte headlining designer Kenley Collins, as well as RisSA by Marissa Erskine, Elizabeth Rynish and Sheila Frank. They all came together to raise money and awareness for Gilda’s Club NYC – a highly respected charitable organization providing help and support to cancer victims.
Kenley Collins premiered her never-before-seen Spring/Summer 2010 collection, which featured her signature vintage-style dresses accessorized with quirky feather headpieces. Sheila Frank captivated the audience with her collection intermixing striking patterns and a variety of floral prints. Inspired by the style of the 1960s, Elizabeth Rynish, who is also creative director of SEAM COLLECTIVE, incorporated a variety of cheerful vibrant colors reminding the audience that, even though we are on the verge of winter, spring is right around the corner. Finally, Marissa Erskine’s new line caught and kept the attention of the audience, presenting eye-catching tulip-like silhouettes, trademark of the RisSA label, that compliment the female body, accentuating on its natural shapes and curves.
As the host of Forte, actress Sinsu Co (New York, I Love You; Paris Hilton’s My New BFF) gave the show its start with a brief introduction about the organizers and sponsors. Before seeing the designers’ new fashion lines, though, the audience was shown a short informational film about Gilda’s Club NYC followed by welcome speeches from Gilda’s Club New York City CEO and Seam Collective founders.
In addition to donating 50% of ticket sale profits to Gilda’s Club NYC, SEAM COLLECTIVE had also arranged a silent auction featuring garments by the designers featured in the show. All of the proceeds from the auction were given to the organization.
Throughout the night guests were able to find out more information about SEAM COLLECTIVE, Inc. and Gilda’s Club NYC as well as the event’s sponsors at designated booths situated throughout the venue, while enjoying complimentary cocktails courtesy of Berkshire Mountain Distillers.
About SEAM COLLECTIVE, Inc: Established in 2005, SEAM COLLECTIVE, Inc. began with a group of female business professionals in New York City dedicated to promoting the advancement of female designers and facilitating their growth by providing access to a wide range of resources and publicity. Throughout their endeavors, SEAM is dedicated to not only discovering fresh talent, but also nurturing the designers throughout the process so they can achieve their long-term goals.
About Gilda’s Club NYC: Gilda’s Club New York City creates welcoming communities of free support for everyone living with cancer – men, women, teens and children – along with their families and friends. Their innovative program is an essential complement to medical care, providing networking and support groups, workshops, lectures and social activities, all free of charge.
