The Fashion for the Cure event held last Thursday combined some of my favorite things: fashion, celebrities and freebies all in support of a great cause. The benefit, held by the Susan G. Komen Foundation at Smashbox Studios in West Hollywood, had a theme of inspiration, in ways that specifically targeted those in the fashion and beauty worlds while promoting breast cancer awareness.
Jeannie Mai, photo courtesy of Long Vo.
Many celebrities attended the event in Diane von Fustenburg frocks and some walked the runway later in the evening for the designer’s show. Jeannie Mai, host of How Do I Look and Extra, alongside Mario Lopez, who she referred to as “Dimples,” wore a DVF dress covered in bright, multi-colored paillettes. As a model in the show, she revealed to us that “We should have seen the safety pin action backstage, because the dress was not created for someone 5-foot 4-inches!” Jeannie also shared her personal connection to the cause as she admitted, “I was never the type to feel my boobs, but when six of my friends were diagnosed with breast cancer, all under the age of 40, I realized this disease was really hitting the women that I knew and loved.”
Eliza Dusku, photo courtesy of Long Vo.
The event’s host, Eliza Dushku, looked stunning in a long black and silver one shoulder gown that she said might be her all-time favorite DVF piece. Dushku also expressed how this cause hit home, as her godmother lost her battle to breast cancer this past year. It was after experiencing this loss that Dushku is even more committed to educating others about breast cancer and promoting early detection.
Mya, photo courtesy of Long Vo.
Recording artist, actress and current contestant on Dancing with the Stars, Mya, walked the carpet and the runway in a blue sequined dress and a fabulous pair of strappy zebra heels – both by DVF. She revealed that she was exhausted from intense dance practices with Stars partner Dmitry Chaplin and also gave us the inside scoop for what she is looking for in her costumes this season. “I am really into costumes with fringe, because I love the way it moves when I jump around, and specifically during the jive.”
Like a true Hollywood party, the VIP area was the place to be and not just because of the celebs. The Jamba Juice “Feel Good Lounge” served smoothies in special glasses designed to withstand hot temperatures, which was much appreciated as the Los Angeles sun beat down.
Turning the corner from the pink carpet around the ivy-covered walls, the event was already buzzing with excitement. Tables were crowded as people bid on notable silent auction items like tickets to the Grammys, a Shangri-La Hotel ‘staycation’ package, and a Chef Tasting and Wine Pairing at Gordon Ramsay.
Walking inside the studio you entered a large room with an ethereal quality because of its white cloth-draped walls, illuminated in soft purple light. On my way to the bar I was stopped by my favorite weakness – cupcakes. They were provided by Famouscupcakes.com, whose slogan is “One is never enough,” words that rang true as I found myself sampling both the Velvet and Vanilla Chocolate for ‘research purposes.’ Their main location is in N. Hollywood, but these little bites of heaven are available for delivery all across the U.S.
Photo courtesy of Long Vo.
I then found my way to the Hypnotiq bar, which offered signature drinks like Roq Candy, Bubbles ‘N Blue and Blue Breeze. I was drawn to the Roq Candy, a blue cocktail made with Hypnotiq, vodka, pineapple juice, and served with a pink rock candy sugar stick.
The show began with Komen speakers and the Komen Foundation research award was given to V Krishnan Ramanujan for his work on a new breast cancer treatment that will reduce the need for chemotherapy. Ramanujan and his team have discovered that the process of reprogramming cancer cells into healthy cells, referred to as metabolic reprogramming, could be the way of the future.
Photo courtesy of Long Vo.
The greatly anticipated DVF show began with the classic Lauren Bacall whistle clip, from To Have or Have Not. (“You don’t have to say anything, and you don’t have to do anything… Not a thing, Oh maybe just whistle. You know how to whistle, don’t you Steve? You just put your lips together and blow.”) The show, featuring Furstenburg’s Pre-Spring/Cruise collection, continued the whimsical feel as the music started and models with oversized bows and sky-high strappy heels strutted down the pure white runway.
Photo courtesy of Long Vo.
Breast Cancer survivors walked the runway next to Greg Laswell’s “How the Day Sounds,” in colorful dresses that ranged from the classic DVF wrap dress to an updated sheath, to one shoulder dresses. They received a standing ovation as they made the walk that represented the incredible journey that had led them to this point, and was a true testament to their courage.
On my way out, I was lucky to score both the general and VIP gift bags. I scored dry shampoo from the evening’s hair sponsor, Unite hair care, a DVF leopard-print make up bag and a necklace and breast cancer pin from Sophia Fiori. Beauty products were abundant with a system pack from Ovation, items from Murad’s Pomegranate line and body lotion from La Dolce y Vito.
As I left the event, I was truly inspired by the Komen Foundation, Diane Von Furstenburg, Smashbox and all the celebrities who were in attendance. Seventy-five percent of funds raised were given directly to Los Angeles breast cancer research, while the remaining twenty-five percent were given to national efforts.
–Emily
and a big thanks to Long Vo at 944 Magazine & ClubDistrict for providing these photos!
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It is very inspiring and such a great event to mix fashion with non profits or charities. They always bring out the biggest names and generate the biggest donations. More importantly they make life changing things happen. Thanks for the post..