WINGS will debut a new fundraiser, “BLOSSOM,” a fashion show at 21c Museum Hotel Chicago, 55 E. Ontario, on Thursday, April 25. Produced by ZZAZZ Productions, the runway show will feature the Spring ’24 collection by popular, local designer Elda de la Rosa.
The show will be hosted by Nigel Barker, internationally renowned photographer and judge on the hit TV show ”America’s Next Top Model,” and feature a musical performance by jazz dynamo Elaine Dame and honor media personality Candace Jordan.
The runway will be shot by internationally published photographer Lori Sapio with all proceeds benefiting WINGS, the largest agency in Illinois to support survivors of domestic violence. One in three women and one in four men are affected by domestic violence in their lifetime, according to the CDC’s Division of Violence Prevention. Despite the statistics which prove this is a pervasive global problem, it is still a subject that is very difficult for many to discuss.
“If I invite a group of women to come and listen to me speak about domestic violence, the result would be an empty room. If I invite this same group of women to come to a beautiful couture fashion show, the room would be packed,” said Tracey Mayer, a development consultant for WINGS, and a survivor of domestic violence. “It’s time we begin talking openly about domestic violence and encourage everyone to join us in our movement.
“Domestic violence is a huge problem to tackle, but we believe we can solve it if we all work together. WINGS is jumping on the momentum that is being built in the beauty industry to bring awareness to domestic violence: like YSL Beauty UK ‘Abuse is not Love’ and Sephora CARES ‘You are not Alone’ programs,” said Mayer.
The mission of WINGS Program, Inc. is to provide housing, integrated services, education, and advocacy to end domestic violence.
Sponsorships and tickets are now available for BLOSSOM here. Guests will enjoy drinks, appetizers and a special gift. To learn more about the event, click here.
(A preview party for this event will be held at Veronica Beard, 11 E. Walton, on Thursday, April 11, from 5:30 - 7:30 pm. 15% of the proceeds will benefit WINGS. Please RSVP here: [email protected])
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