Pink Jams 2010 at Long View Gallery in Washington, DC - photo by Mahoganie Jade Browne (Tiffany Browne)
In a few days I will be attending a fashion show that celebrates survivors, remembers those affected and raises money towards the efforts of breast cancer research and awareness. A year ago, thanks to my cousin, I was introduced to Pink Jams, a non-profit started by Christa Floresca that puts on the annual fashion show. It was actually my starting point in which I began to look deeper into DC’s fashion scene. However, I always recognized that Floresca’s efforts are deeper than fashion.
Inspired by her best friend’s fight with breast cancer, Florseca started Pink Jams after her friend lost her battle in 2007. Combining her love for her friend, fashion, rock and roll and her passion concerning breast cancer awareness Floresca puts on a show. When I walked through the doors of the Long View Gallery a year ago, I had no idea what I was in for as I sat in the media corner ready to take notes. Before I knew it, the Charm City Devils took their place on stage and at the sound of the first guitar cord models were strutting down a pink carpeted runway in wares that incorporated the color pink. The showcased fashion was created by local designers with the height of the show featuring a preview of Betsy Johnson’s latest collection after a viewing of a video message from Betsy; who sent her regards for wanting to be there but was unable to.
From Pink Jams 2010: Designer Kenny Flanagan (Kas Collections) and Pink Jams founder Christa Floresca - Photo by Mahoganie Jade Browne (Tiffany Browne)
Even though part of Pink Jams’ attitude is;
“We firmly believe that breast cancer awareness is a serious topic, but it doesn’t have to be a somber one.”
I remember pondering off and on if Pink Jams spectators actually were inspired or affected in some kind of way by the disease. When it comes to charitable events such as this, I can’t help but to think back to a symposium I attended on AIDS/HIV. Model and AIDS/HIV awareness advocate Melyssa Ford made the comment that too often such events are more so about the party than the cause. She described the feeling of walking into a charity event only to see the message of the cause lost, because people are more concerned about the party atmosphere. Now, I’m not saying that those that attend Pink Jams are guilty of this and I agree with the organizations approach to not make it a “somber” event. However, I still wonder who gets it and who doesn’t. Do I even get it?
A few entries back I briefly mentioned fellow blogger Nicole McLean, a breast cancer survivor that pens the blog My Fabulous Boobies. Her latest post expresses her blues over “Pinktober.”
“I feel that Pinktober is important. I think that it is important that people become aware of this disease and how wide the impact is. However, I really need people to remember that behind the pink ribbons and charitable events… are women and men who are struggling with this disease. People who are facing devastating choices in an attempt to save their lives. For those of us who do survive and then progress on to have wonderful and fulfilling lives… I know that very often we make this look easy. Know that its not. Its simple to brush aside the thoughts of the downside of breast cancer. And to be frank, I understand needing to do that. Focusing on human tragedy isn’t pretty and who wants to run around feeling badly all the time? ” – Nicole McLean
There’s only been one person in my life that I know that was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was one of my great aunts and my cousin’s grandmother. My aunt’s loosing battle was my cousin’s motivation to become involved with Floresca and Pink Jams. Still, I have to admit that my aunt’s passing didn’t affect me nearly as much as it probably should have or as close as I know it did her immediate sect of the family. I wasn’t around her when she was fighting it. I never saw the nastiness of it. My only memories of my great aunt are talking to her over the phone and after church services she nearly rushed across the sanctuary to give me, my mother and my grandmother a hug and kiss on the check as she smelled like sweet deliciousness. Yet, through all the school projects I did on breast cancer, spotting the survivor’s story, reading up on the latest statistics and attending events that benefit the cause, I still find that I have to keep myself in check to go beyond the surface of the presentation.
Since the last Pink Jams show, Floresca has received and welcomed an outpouring of support. After the models have stalked home, designers have returned to their workshops to create and the flash of a camera has quieted, Floresca stays busy for the cause throughout year. Her fundraising efforts runs with a series of artist showcasing events at Hard Rock Cafe; giving local/regional bands a platform and exposure. With the fashion show, while last year it was held in February, for this year she was able to have it in bigger venue and in October during breast cancer awareness month and switched up the name to Pink Rocks The Runway. Again, it will feature designs in pink by local fashion designers, the Charm City Devils are performing and Christian Siriano is the special guest designer. What’s even more special, some of the models are cancer survivors or are currently living with breast cancer.
As I continue to push stories about DC’s fashion scene to the national front, it is my hope that eventually I can and will able to share Floresca’s story as well as the participants behind Pink Jams. There’s so much more too it than just fashion.
Mahoganie: Musings East of the Anacostia River 
October 31st, 2011 → 10:47 am
[…] but I still wanted to get it out there in case there are some that wanted a follow up. So, remember what I said a week or so ago when I pondered if people who attend Pinktober events really got the message? In particular I […]