Josef's Runway for a Rescue

On April 12th fashions finest came to the rescue at West End Jonnies to support Aimee Takaha’s Animal Sanctuary.

Last year iconic dress designer David Josef created a runway event, “Fashion to the Rescue” after falling in love with Petunia, a pig on Amiee’s Animal Sanctuary. The heart of gold designer brought in top designers and models to The Beehive and raised approximately 20,000 which in turn went into buying a new truck to transport food and the rescued furry little critters living on the farm.

This year Josef brought the show to a new venue at West End Jonnies. Josef again called on elegant and timeless designer Denise Hajjar who walked in the previous show as a model and this had designed a special collection just for the event. Also added to the lineup was I am Kreyol a new local company making their way in the industry recently showing at Macy’s for New York Fashion Week. By the night of the show tickets were completely sold out and the RSVP list from the cities glitterati was the classiest of the year.

The wall to wall packed event began with host and creator David Josef taking stage by thanking all of the amazing support here in Boston from the industry and friends. You know the fabulous fashionistas are out when faces like top photographer Iggy Barskov, Gustoavo Leon his partner in crime Erica Corsano, Angela Menino, and the lovely Yoland Cellucci along with many more. Following was a heartwarming video on all the work that Amiee does all from the heart and left the guests in tears.

The runway portion of the evening started with Denise Hajjar stetting a standard with her cohesive spring collection created just for the show that featured pink and stunning patterns. Next to hit the runway was emerging designer I Am Kreyol with their modern and urban styles for the season. Closing out the fashion portion was the elegant dress designer and sanctuary savor David Josef. Josef also produced a collection exclusively for the show. The line featured special occasion gowns and dedicated presentations in-between each piece. The show was high class all the way and designer threads were draped on the cities celebrity models like; Jane Conway Caspe, Linda Cole Petrosian, Kathy Benharris, Simone Aptekman and many more.

Closing the event was an live auction featureing animal paintings from Aimee's Farm, reservations for six at West End Johnnie's legendary Sunday Brunch, trip to Las Vegas for two, which included airfare on Jet Blue, two nights at the Bellagio Hotel and two tickets for Magician Mat Franco, Winner of America's Got Talent that included a backstage meet and greet with Mat.

Scene&Style caught up with David Josef post show and was able to get insight of his gratitude. Josef expressed, “The love that was in the room was palpable. To be surrounded by 300 friends all there to salute Aimee and help her with her sanctuary work for these beautiful animals, was life-changing. My amazing friends and clients Brian and Kathy Stevens were so generous in matching all of the donations that we took in last night to tap out our evening at just over $200,000. Last year's fashion to the rescue 2015 benefit took in a total of $20,000 so we really did make a great big jump."

Josef praised on by saying, "To have dignitaries from both side of the aisle represented last night from Senator Scott Brown to the entire Thomas Menino family was profoundly humbling. Every top model in the city celebrities and even my clients worked the room last night to raise funds for Aimee and the farm.”

The benefit fashion show for Aimee’s Animal Farm was a huge success and even more a big staple event in the city of Boston and the generosity of our community. Aimee's Farm Animal Sanctuary is a Non-Profit 501(c)3 entity. All funds raised at this event go directly to Aimee's Sanctuary which Rescues, Rehabilitates and Rehomes neglected, abandoned and abused animals. The sanctuary provides them with temporary and long-term shelter in a caring, safe environment with proper nutrition and medical attention. If you would like more information or to make a donation please visit www.amieesfarmanimalsanctuary.com