Designers Ignite Fashion on Fire

For the second year in a row a charity gala made its way onto the Boston Fashion Week calendar. Producer Olga Kwasniewski put together a beautiful benefit for the 2017 season and this year she most certainly lit the “Fashion on Fire.”

The word went out the night before the big show that all seats had sold out and became an exclusive evening. Again, hosted at the marvelous Hilton, Woburn the space was lined with sponsors, light bites, auction tables, red carpets with plenty of high-end gowns worn by guests.

With a keen eye Kwasniewski changed the runway setup from the previous year in the elegant ballroom for fresh look. The entertainment began with the Blessed Sacrament Color Guard showing off their flash with the flag. Welcoming remarks came from host Antoinette Antonio, Anchor with News Channel 5 Boston.

Local rising star Madeline Ventresca opened the runway with looks from her latest collection featuring dresses with a leather bustier, a risky see through lace, pops of teal and silk beiges. Following was the first appearance of designer KHANGLE and his men’s collection. Out after was a live performance by vocalist Patrice Peris. Brining the style back out on the runway was a metallic look from the Lalla Bee Collection. Memorizing the attendees was Kristina Danga an electric violinist who brought a modern sound to a classical art while swaying to the sound in her sexy chic attire. A Midnight Glow of elegance and sparkled style from designer Jaclyn Robichaud Doyle brought the attention back to the trends. Just before intermission, The Ruchita Dagli Collection revealed a Middle Eastern sashay with an edgy take on a traditional style.

As guests made way back to their seats the show reopened with an easing performance from the soul of mother nature by the Dance Artists Ballet Academy. Storming out next was designer Em Watson making an American statement with authentic African fabrics and a modern twist. Following was, the future of fashion Boston Arts Academy Fashion Design and Technology School with a robotic movement and collaboration from students to present “The After-Party Collection.” Creator Yetta Procope showed a Caribbean flavored collection of neon tones, twisted head wraps and skin-tight highlights. Closing out the fashion portion of the evening was the return of famed designer KHANGLE with his women’s collection giving a dark vietnamese drape of golden shadows.

The evening was a solid success from the performances, designs and the passion behind it all, to benefit Project Smile.

Project Smile is federally tax-exempt non-profit organization which donates stuffed animals, coloring books/crayons, small toys and children's reading books to police and fire departments for police officers, fire fighters and paramedics to give to children involved in traumatic situations. Project Smile has recently launched the Operation Elder Care program which provides stuffed animals to elderly people who are making the difficult and frequently traumatic transition to life in a nursing home. Established in November 2003, Project Smile was founded by Catherine Pisacane. For more information or to donate visit projectsmile.org .