Pink Rocks the Runway 2011 - Photo: Mahoganie Jade Browne
This update is a little more than a week late, 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 mentioned an annual fashion show that takes place that benefits breast cancer awareness/research and fundraising efforts. Can I just say, this year the people behind Pink Jams/Pink Rocks The Runway stepped it up and pretty much set the bar for future shows!
To recap a bit, I was introduced to Pink Jams a year ago and attended a February show, in which [professional] models and few regular folks that were associated with Pink Jams strutted in wears that included the color pink created by local fashion designers. While the cause was presented last year, I still wondered if spectators got it, or were just there for the fashion and party. Christa Floresca, the founder of Pink Jams, has done an awesome job in making sure the message and the cause is not lost as she and her crew amp’d it up this year.
The venue, the atrium at the Ronald Reagan Building, was much bigger and allowed for breathing room among the guests and the media. The VIP reception was chill with roving delicious delights; fried cheese with a fancy name is hard to turn down. I didn’t receive a swag bag this year but I can see that even the sponsors have stepped up their game with ultimate pampering goodies. However, the icing on the cake was the use of actual cancer survivors as models! YES! The show began with a video montage showing the models working with the designers and flashing some of their pictures showing their struggles with breast cancer.
Charm City Devils were on hand again to allow the models to rock out their shades of pink down a runway. Each model baring a smile and a confidence that said “I kicked breast cancer’s arse!” However, there was one model whose face bore an upsetting expression. I couldn’t tell if she was crying, in pain or perhaps sweating. For some reason I thought back to Samantha from Sex and the City and the scene in which Samantha is sweating profusely (thanks to chemotherapy) while giving a speech at a breast cancer function. Well before I could say -“She’s going to do a Samantha” – the model DID IT!!!!!! Before she took her exit, the model SNATCHED her wig off and revealed a beautiful smooth bald mahogany head. The crowd cheered and the model pumped her fist (with wig in hand) in the air. I noticed some tears falling from some faces, including mine.
Christian Siriano's Spring Collection - Photo: Mahoganie Jade Browne
As soon as that portion ended, it was time for the special guest designer to present their spring collection. This year’s guest was Christian Siriano, of Project Runway fame. Spectators oogled over the collection as models floated down the runway in shades of gray, a slightly dark lime green and a luscious ruby grapefruit tone. In the end, Pink Jams awarded the Capital Breast Care Center a special grant to help the center to continue to provide health screenings and mammograms for women.
You can click this link to see my full photo set of Pink Rocks The Runway.
Mahoganie: Musings East of the Anacostia River 
Posted on October 31, 2011
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