Bravo's Real Housewives of New York City Alex McCord wearing an Aidan Mattox gown
Royal Pains' Reshma Shetty in Adrianna Papell
3xNBA Champion A.C.Green wearing pants by Sam Roloff
Singer Elliott Yamin and girlfriend model Jaime Paetz (wearing an Anika Brazil bikini) on the Purple Carpet
Host Jillian Harris wearing Bibhu Mohapatra
All Photo credits: Anna Thiessen
September 10, 2009 was a jam packed day in New York City, with the start of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Sure I went to a few shows and a few in-store parties for Fashion’s Night Out, but the highlight of the night was The Purple Event, held at the Sony Plaza Atrium. The Purple Event was a fashion show fundraiser benefiting The Anita Kaufman Foundation’s Fifth Grade Epilepsy Education Program, offered free to schools across New York City.
The fashion show featured over 60 purple-inspired looks, from designers including some of my favorites – Loris Diran, Binetti, Tibi, MaxMara, Nicole Miller, Nanette Lepore and Elie Tahari. Swarovski, Nine West and MAC Cosmetics accessorized the show.
Purple happens to be one of my favorite colors and the “it” color this fall, but it also has a deeper meaning. Purple is the international color associated with epilepsy – a condition that affects over 3 million Americans.
Celebrities took part in walking the runway, including host for the night - Jillian Harris of The Bachelorette, Ugly Betty’s Mark Indelicato and Ana Ortiz, New Jersey Net Devin Harris, model Kelly “Isabella” Falk of America’s Next Top Model, cycle 12 and Alex McCord of The Real Housewives of New York City and many others.
The event just didn’t include fashion, but incredible food from Solo Restaurant, Mediterranean restaurant Barbounia, Scandinavian restaurant Smorgas Chef and dessert from Corner Bakery and Café, Fairytale Brownies and Tate’s Bake Shop.
There were some incredible items included in the silent auction, including a green croc leather Marc Jacobs bag and oversized purple leather Longchamp bag. American Idol recording artist Elliot Yamin closed the night with a live performance. Debbie Reimer did an amazing job of organizing this event. Thank you for inviting fashionablypetite to attend!
The Anita Kaufman Foundation educates the public on epilepsy and seizures through various initiatives and events across the country, including the 5th grade education program, public educational outreach program, free education materials and actively sponsoring Purple Day, which is March 26th.
- Kim Weling
