Mass Appeal rocks the house

I cannot say this enough – Friday night’s Mass Appeal fundraiser for the Elmwood Village Association was a spectacular night out, probably the best of 2008.  The show, staged by local fashion goddess Erin Habes (Sweet & Dirty, Krudmart) staged a show of unexpectedly massive proportions in the beautiful and graciously available Lafayette Ave. Presbyterian Church.  Habes, Block Club publisher Patrick Finan, EVA director Justin Azzarella and many others made this night one that showed our city off in the best possible light.  And what’s even more incredible is the lasting power the event had, and will continue to have, on the Elmwood shopping district and other local retailers.

The show promoted a couple dozen clothing retailers and salons, as well as jewelers and accessory retailers, to give a boost to this year’s holiday shopping season.  By shopping locally, we give back to ourselves in ways we can’t possibly imagine -– dollars are spent here, which means dollars are kept here, and stores (are helped to) remain open.  It’s so easy, and so beneficial.

As far as events go, this one was smooth and polished as expected.  Habes’s last fashion show, April’s The Runway, was exciting and new but paled in comparison (meant in the best possible way, as The Runway was awesome) to Mass Appeal.  The church was transformed, physically and atmospherically, into a high-end runway event.  Colorful lights were brought in, candles were lit, music was DJed by the Shock and Awe ladies from the podium, goodie bags were filled with fun from Sephora and local retailers, even the choir loft was utilized as a VIP den.  The show did not disappoint.  Those in the pews were wowed, by all accounts, at the fact that here we had 70 young WNYers involved in an event that was meant to further propel the local economy and community spirit.  The show was produced by young, creative minds with sights set for results never previously thought possible in a town like Buffalo.  A friend of mine who has since moved from here to go west replied to my Facebook photos saying, “Is this really in BUFFALO?”

Yes, it was.  And it’s about time, because we deserve it.  We’re worth it.

Now go shop.  It’s time to give back to ourselves.

Carlie Todoro-Rickus and her guys made the sanctuary shine.  What a beautiful job, Carlie.

The room was all aglow in autumnal colors.  Stunning.

A model rehearses her walk Friday afternoon.  More than 70 models, all youngsters living in WNY, walked clothing, shoes, jewelry and accessories down the aisle—er, I mean runway.

All these Buffalonians, all red and all excited....it was electric.

Pastor Drew graced the runway before the show started.  His generosity and hospitality made this event possible.  What a visionary.

And now, the models…

Posted by on 11/17 at 03:27 PM