Fashion Forward was conceived three short years ago through the creative vision of some of the most innovative and warm-hearted people in Los Angeles -Aloma Ichinose, Kathleen Chamales, Ann Petersen, James Campbell, Peggy Albrecht, Nicholas Vrataric, Ron Fudge & Janet Meyers. These amazing visionaries have all come together to make Fashion Forward one of the hottest fundraisers in Los Angeles. SAMA eyewear’s, Sheila Vance has also been one of the strongest and most generous supporters of this very important cause.   

Friendly House is a non-profit residence for women in recovery from alcohol and drug addiction. The first house opened in 1951. They now have two houses located in the Los Angeles area with plans for a possible third. What most impressed me was that 72% of women who enter Friendly House recover, as compared to the average hospital rate of only 35%. Peggy Albrecht, the much loved director of Friendly House said, “We are sold out again tonight! With two foundations working together to put energy behind this and the many wonderful people who are willing to be our supporters, it really is phenomenal.”

The CLARE Foundation first opened almost 35 years ago to help men and women in recovery and now has over 200 beds and will treat anyone, regardless of their ability to pay.  Director of CLARE Foundation, Nicholas Vrataric said, “This is a great event for us as difficulty with public funding becomes more and imminent, these kinds of events where people come out and private funding to support our efforts becomes ever more important.  We’re really grateful.  It’s a great event.”  Amber Valletta adds, “It’s saving people lives. It’s great when you have a place like Friendly House and CLARE Foundation to get help.”

The atmosphere on the fifth floor of Pacific Design Center was inviting and warm as the 500+ guests mingled and shopped the enticing silent auction which included original artwork from David Hockney, Ed Ruscha, Dennis Hopper & Rachel Lachowicz, fabulous outfits from London/Hong Kong designer, Flora Zeta, along with a variety of designer bags, shades and much, much more.

The fashion show opened with Jamie Lee Curtis enthusiastically strutting her stuff on the catwalk -something she has always wanted to do. The crowd loved it! The runway show featured some of LA’s hottest designers including, Pamela Barish, Society for Rational Dress, Costa Nostra, Howe, Shay Todd (fab swimwear that can be seen on Paris Hilton in her newest commercial – is that hot?), and New York based brand Badgley Mischka, whose eveningwear closed the show with stunning gowns that will no doubt be seen on the most striking red carpet beauties. 

The entire show feeling was that of sophistication, glamour and luxury with just enough modern edge. The models looked oh-so hot with teased hair on top pulled up and away from the face and sleeked on the sides; big eyes were emphasized with very long exaggerated lashes. Direct from Milan and never before seen, SAMA’s  Loree Rodkin eyewear collection was absolutely fabulous and appropriately named after icons or clientele who provided the inspiration –Cher, Loree, Brad, Elton, Peace & Skull. Each sunglass was chosen to project the same feeling as the designers clothing pattern textures and they’re sure to be seen on the most famous faces this season!

The focus and energy that is generated by the wonderful people from Fashion Forward, Friendly House and CLARE Foundation, along with the generous support from Sheila Vance, the Annenberg Foundation and countless more is truly an inspiration to all around them to also do what they can to give support in the effort to make a difference and indeed make the world a better place. 

At the end of the night, the money raised far exceeded last year’s event with over $300,000! Fashion Forward will certainly provide an incredible amount of support for these non-profit organizations. I hear that next year’s event is going to be even bigger! With producer James Campbell already working on it, it’s sure to be a smash!   

For more information on Friendly House contact:  www.friendlyhouse.net

For more information on the CLARE Foundation contact:  www.clarefoundation.org

Annette Dominguez: annettedominguez@socal.com

Photo Credits: Jill Johnson/JPI & David Longendyke/JPI