CMT's Katie Cook to emcee November 7 Faux Fur Fashion Fling benefitting The Animal Resource Center

November 4, 5:20 PMNashville Entertainment ExaminerJonathan Pinkerton

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Katie Cook models one of Helen's Genuine Fake creations

Nashville-based designer Helen Newman's Genuine Fake line of exquisite faux fur jackets, coats and wraps will be spotlighted this Saturday, November 7 as local celebrities and models walk the runway for a good cause.  Faux Fur Fashion Fling , benefitting The Animal Resource Center will take place Saturday afternoon from 3-6 at Franklin's historic Red House located at 138 3rd Avenue North just off the square in downtown Franklin.  

CMT's Katie Cook will be on-hand as emcee and one of a number of local celebs modeling Helen's designs.  When not working the Red Carpet and interviewing the who's who of country music for her popular weekly entertainment news series, CMT Insider, my friend Katie Cook is a tireless advocate for four-legged creatures.

As Helen prepared for this weekend's show, I had the opportunity to chat with her about the event, and its primary benefactor, The Animal Resource Center.  When asked what lead her to begin designing using faux fur, Helen remembered noticed back in 2005 that some of the major fashion houses such as Chloe, Dior, Fendi and others were again pushing real fur in the Winter lines.  "That is something I have fought since I was a teenager in London when I found out the facts behind trapping and fur farming," recalled Helen.  Her love for animals dates even further back, "I have been rescuing animals and helping in the world of abused animals and educating people about that since I was a child."  

Helen's love of fashion and love of animals brought about the perfect marriage of the two when she founded her Genuine Fake line of faux fur outerwear and the company I Fake It.  The Faux Fur Fashion Fling's primary benefactor, The Animal Resource Center seemed the obvious choice for a charity event.  "I was approached by one of the board members to put on a fashion show," said Helen.  "We animal lovers are a network, you know! It is an organization to reduce overpopulation of dogs and cats by helping with spaying/neutering costs, and to raise awareness."  Of featuring her line of faux fur/animal cruelty-free garments in this way, Helen admitted, "Every year things take a different shape.  It is a fascinating journey I feel I was meant to take.  I am learning and growing but I will not compromise."

Genuine Fake designer, Helen Newman

In addition to lining up Katie as host, Helen has also enlisted the help of other local celebrity friends and models.  "Modeling, I have Benita Hill, Clara Oman, Memarie Gayle, Mysti Moon, Julee Jones and Caitlan Caulkins," revealed Helen.  Those of you who read my column with any regularity know my friend Benita Hill, as she is one of the most talented singer/songwriters this town has even seen.  Clara Oman is a self-produced singer/pianist also based in Nashville who's latest project is titled, Coloring a Rhapsody. Singer Memarie Gayle gained notoriety earlier this year as a finalist on CMT's popular music competition series, Can You Duet.  Mysti Moon is an exotic raven-haired model who hails from Phoenix.  Julee Jones is a well-known pilates instructor in the Nashville area. Caitlan Caulkins, a beautiful blonde model, is also based in Nashville.

Several signature pieces will be featured in the show, including the stunning red wrap Katie is seen wearing in the above photo, which attendee's will have the chance to win.   "Every garment is made in the USA. The fabrics are made here and every garment is hand finished," Helen explained of the process behind the creation of her Genuine Fake label.   Helen gets inspiration from vintage garments, in particular, the details. She further revealed, "I love vintage designs and the way garments were lined and finished, my jackets and coats all have fabulous linings and little pockets for your cell phone."

Faux fur show to benefit local animal organizations

A new design that will no doubt make it on several holiday lists this year is the warmly named and economically priced The Hug.  " I have a new design taken from a vintage coat...The Hug. Everyone needs a hug...Give her a hug for Christmas," Helen said with a wink.  The Hug retails for under $200.

Looking beyond this weekend's fashion show, Helen's hopes for the future include being able to continue to contribute to The Animal Resource Center, Happy Tales, Walden's Puddle and others that, as Helen says, "do so much for the welfare of animals."  

Tickets for Saturday's event are $50, which includes the fashion show, as well as complimentary wine and gourmet appetizers.  Tickets are available HERE. In addition to the event benefitting The Animal Resource Center, a percentage of sales of items featured in the fashion show will benefit Happy Tales and Walden's Puddle.