4th Annual Gala Event Recap
Stars of Fashion and Dance Shined Over Philly for "J'adore la Mode" Benefit
Our December 13th 4th Annual Benefit Gala, “J’adore la Mode,” (French for “I love fashion”) at University of the Arts Dorrance Hamilton Hall, was enchanting! More than 300 distinguished Evoluer House Supporters enjoyed an unforgettable evening and raised funds to support our Youth Workforce Development and Personal Development programs for at-risk girls.
Event Honorary Chair Sarah Dash of the star trio LaBelle and Supermodel and "Trailblazer Award" recipient Sessilee Lopez. (Photo: Kamile Kuntz)
Wilhelmina Philadelphia models. (Photo: Kamile Kuntz)
Radio/Television Personality Dyana Williams, Jeweler/Artist John Wind and Jennifer Francis, director of marketing, Philadelphia Museum of Art. (Photo: PhillyChitChat.com)
LaBelle’s Sarah Dash, of disco anthem “Lady Marmalade” fame, served as Honorary Chair of this year’s charity event. Guests who walked the red carpet in support of The Evoluer House included, “Project Runway” winner Dom Streater, Givenchy model Sheldon Verneil, Radio Personalities Dyana Williams and DC Todd.
Gala-goers enjoyed an array of Parisian-inspired hors d'oeuvres and signature cocktails, then took to the silent auction tables, where coveted items were bid upon and fought for in hopes of winning prizes like Jay Z Concert Club Box tickets and a diamond encrusted necklace!
David Forman, Rhonda Forman, Stacey Lee and Andrew Middleman (Photo: PhillyChitChat.com)
Opening number, "Then Their Were Birds," choreographed by famed dancer choreographer Anthony Burrell. (Photo: Kamile Kuntz)
The audience was dazzled with internationally renowned talent in fashion and entertainment. Celebrity stylist Kithe Brewster highlighted the benefit with a preview of his spring 2014 collection. Philadelphia-born star – supermodel Sessilee Lopez and international actress/model Anna Rezan-Kritselis, who was recently declared best-dressed actress at the Cannes Film Festival, strutted the runway in the evening’s highlight show. Lopez was also the recipient of The Evoluer House 2013 “Trailblazer Award” that evening as a pioneering model who persevered against the odds to leave her distinct mark on the international fashion industry.
The Kithe Brewster Collection - Spring 2014
The Kithe Brewster Collection - Spring 2014
The Kithe Brewster Collection - Spring 2014
The Kithe Brewster Collection - Spring 2014 (Photo: PhillyChitChat.com)
The Kithe Brewster Collection - Spring 2014 (Photo: PhillyChitChat.com)
Celebrity Stylist Kithe Brewster takes bow with finale model wearing a dress from his spring 2014 collection. (Photo: Kamile Kuntz)
We thank our event sponsors and partners, Always Best Care, Hyatt Regency Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing, Nicka K New York, Wilhelmina Philadelphia, Bailey’s Vanilla Cinnamon, Ciroc Amaretto, Original Bartenders Premium Selection "I'm Coconuts Over You," DermHA, Evolver Image Consultants, Capital Grille, Sampan Restaurant, Philly360.com, Kamile Kuntz Photography, Trilogy Night Club and Hookah Lounge, The Art Institute of Philadelphia, QueerTimes.net, Backstage Pass to Beauty and Mami magazine, for their generous contributions.
We salute our honorary chairperson, honorary committee, special guests, silent auction donors and the entire event staff and volunteers, who have given their time and genius to help give back and help someone along the way. And, of course, we thank all of you who joined us to support the empowerment of disadvantaged girls and helping them reach their full potential. Thank you for believing in the hope of a better world for our girls!
See more event coverage at the following links:
Empowerment programs for girls in Philadelphia. | The Evoluer House