I love all things fashion. However, it is very gratifying when fashion can be leveraged to benefit a worthy cause. Last night, the YWCA of Metropolitan Chicago hosted an amazing fashion event called The New Look of Leadership. Held at Bloomingdale's within the upscale shopping mall at 900 N. Michigan Ave., the show focused on fashion-forward professional attire. The models chosen are successful leaders from across the city like Malik Murray of Ariel Investments and Ticha Penicheiro of the Chicago Sky.
The show was fun and energetic. The models did their thing and the crowd was rooting them on. My friend, Kali Raoul of The Image Studios, was one of the fashion show MC's along with Rachel Canis from Bloomingdale's. Their colorful commentary garnered smiles and laughs throughout the event. Between the show, the appetizers, the cocktails, and the networking, everyone was clearly enjoying themselves.
Participants made a $25 donation to attend the event and were encouraged to shop afterwards as 10% of each purchase that evening would be donated back to the YWCA. Everyone also received a goodie bag filled with cool give-aways from local sponsors, which included donated copies of The Girl Rules. (When asked, I was happy to donate my book). In addition to Bloomingdale's, the other event sponsors were Ariel Investments, The Image Studios, Shopedropoff.com, The Seneca on Chestnut, and PWC.
Below are pix from the event.
Enjoy!
Tamika
itgirlrules.com
The one & only 900 North, baby!!
Model Rohini Dey of Vermilion Restaurant werking it on the runway.
(Yes, werk with an 'e'!)
Model Cheryl Pearson-McNeil from The Nielsen Company
looking very regal in her ensemble
The crowd enjoying the show
The final parade is about to begin with
model Malik Murray of Ariel Investments
The final parade:
Models Cheryl Pearson-McNeil, Rosemary Gullikson of SNR Denton,
and Quintin Primo of Capri Capital Partners
Quintin Primo & Ticha Penicheiro from the Chicago Sky
Program was closed by Cindi Cervone Carlson
of Challenger, Gray & Christmas
and Cindi is on YWCA's Board of Ambassadors
Great job MCing, Kali!
(Fierce look, my friend)
Hadassah Hickman & Carol Bullock,
both on YWCA's Board of Ambassadors
Friends Tamara Dervin & Erika Summers
w/ Cheryl Pearson-McNeil post show
She's still bringing it. Her style is haute!
Jill Brooks, Jen Ryan, Sara Maaske, Anjali Doshi,
& Alex Botsford - clearly enjoying the event!
Fellow fashionista, Maegan Zarley of The Image Studios
New friends Chrissy Hansen, Michael Carlson, & Emily
Just the girls....
Silvia Snowden, Illinois State Representative Marcus C. Evans, Jr,
Jasmine Guy (yes, for real - that's her name) & Lydia Snowden.
All looking stunning. Loving the bright pink lip, Ms. Lydia
Matthew aka DJ Chocolate Thunder on the 1's & 2's.
(ha! - I'm not commenting on his stage name)
ⓒ It Girl Industries 2012
