On December 4th, 2016, Better Together Gala and Fashion Show Fundraiser took place at the Pier A Harbor House in New York City. The event benefited the National Breast Cancer Foundation, an organization dedicated to cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones that focuses on raising awareness about breast cancer. The gala was dedicated to Alexis Schroeder’s mother, Diane Boughton, who is currently fighting breast cancer. “It is incredible to see so many caring people come together to support one another. I will never forget this day as it has continued to fuel my fight to beat the big C again!” said Diane.
The event featured two premium open bars sponsored by Fox Runs Wines, Teeling Whiskey, Union Beer & Slow & Low. There was live entertainment by Arthur Murray Dance Studios as well as a silent auction. Guests had a chance to bid on several dresses from designers Lulu’s & Pia Gladys Perey and items including: 2(X)IST, SoulCycle 5 Series Class Pass, Caterina Jewelry, Luichiny shoes, LeSportsac bags, Dahlia Design Co., Arthur Murray, Kramer Portraits, vacations to Belize, Italy and many more.
The highlight of the event was a runway show produced and sponsored by Fashion 360 Magazine featuring three designers: K. RaShae, Lulus & Pia Gladys Perey. The show was unique and powerful in that each designer had been affected by cancer. Designer Kalisha Hall of K. RaShae opened the show with her collection dedicated to her grandmother Doris Caldwell. Doris was diagnosis with breast cancer in 1994 followed by a mastectomy, and a series of radiation therapy and chemotherapy. An inspiration to her family, she departed this life on February 5, 2000. Kalisha opened her show with her bomber that read “Prettiest Fighter You Ever Will See”, a strong message to all and the reason Ikponmwosa Edorisiagbon (Ik), the Style Editor of Fashion 360 Magazine invited her to participate in the show.
Following Kalisha was ecommerce brand Lulu’s, who partnered with Ik for their segment called “Ik’s Holiday with Lulu’s”, which featured curated looks from their 2016 holiday collections. Ik worked closely with Lulus in selecting looks that would be a hit at any holiday event. Lulu’s graciously donated every dress to auction after the event. Ik dedicated the show to her two aunts lost to breast cancer, Cheryl Denise Amadasun and Philomina Iyalekhue. Models wore wigs, which they replaced with silk scarves from Mila & Such for the final walk. Mila & Such was created by breast cancer survivor Mila Sohn to hide the side effects of chemo. Ik wanted to include this powerful message of Mila creating something positive from her illness. The final walk lasted four minutes so attendees could take in this profound statement. Mila also donated two beautiful scarves that sold at the auction.
Closing the show was designer Pia Gladys Perey, who included 4 breast cancer survivors in her show and created a special gown just for the event. Pia stated “As a female CEO, I am proud to stand with the Better Together Gala...Growing a brand for women, I choose to champion this cause that’s close to my heart and women the world over. Being a cancer survivor myself and losing my beloved grandmother to this dreaded disease at a very young age, I want to make sure that in my own small way, I am able to help create more awareness through my craft by embracing the strength of every woman who fights the battle with the big C.” All survivors were gifted their dresses by Pia who also donated four beautiful gowns for the auction, which sold out in minutes.
NEXT, Q Models, and other models sponsored their time for the show. They walked down the runway to the beats of DJ FATI. Hair and makeup were lead by celebrity hair stylist Dior Sovoa for Janet Collection and celebrity makeup artist Latisha Rankin for Vera Moore Cosmetics. Nails were sponsored by Priti NYC. VIP guest received gift bags with sponsored products fromy ICE+JAM, LeSportsac, Chapstick and K.RaShae.
The show was followed by an after party complete with delicious hor d’oeuvres and cocktails.
