Almost immediately upon arriving at the Ames Hotel, one could sense that the holiday season had come to an end and the new year, filled with a roster of unforgettable events and beautiful memories, had ensued. Indeed it was there, on January 7th, that the first of several C.H.I.C. (Cure Her in Couture) events was held. Envisioned by Lisa Tocci of Ovations For A Cure as a benefit that allows local and international designers, hairstylists, and makeup artists, to showcase their work, C.H.I.C. offers a platform by which Ovations can reach a younger demographics and educate them on issues pertaining to ovarian cancer.
The three-hour affair took place on the second floor of the hotel and opened with a lively cocktail reception that flowed with easy conversation, and sparkling champagne . The highlight of the evening was a fashion show featuring designs by Daniela Corte, with hair and makeup provided by GrettaCole. The models stunned in pieces constructed using rich fabrics and striking details (think twists at the bust), and the show proved to be the perfect accompaniment for the reception. In teaming with Daniela Corte, Susan Patterson of Ovations explained that "When we contacted her, not only did she graciously agree to donate her time, but also that of her staff. Denise from Daniela Corte was instrumental in putting all the looks together to flow beautifully for that night."
Perhaps the only blemish of the night was the absence of a discernible runway. As the show began, models walked tentatively across the room, past pillars, past attendees milling at the bar, and finally towards the alcove where the photographers were stationed. Those who hindered the model’s progression were politely asked to move aside, including the photographers who had to continually reposition themselves whenever a model arrived.
Aside from this inconvenience posed by guests having to move every so often, the show was a visual success because of the ensembles one remembered. The way each Corte design seemed to convey a sense of demure sensuality, and how each of the models owned the hair, and makeup, which so beautifully enhanced their features.
As the first of several C.H.I.C. events scheduled to take place throughout the course of the year, Ovations for a Cure’s function at the Ames affirmed that fusing a fashion show with an awareness-raising benefit can prove to be a successful, and auspicious, maneuver. If future C.H.I.C. events take lessons from the first, the project will form a long-lasting impression on Boston’s fashion scene and enliven the creativity behind benefit production. Architect Susan Haifleigh echoed this sentiment when she expressed that C.H.I.C., “ was the most essential, pure, fashion statement of the New Year.” I absolutely agree.
For more information on Ovations for a Cure and to learn more about C.H.I.C. events, please visit www.ovationsforthecure.org. Kathy Benharris, who assisted with the planning and production of the event, offers services in show production, occasion management, and styling & wardrobe consulting, may be reached at kbenharris@aol.com
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