Ripping up the Runway

The Shoppes on Main and The D1124 Accoutre Boutique which are both located in Stroudsburg, PA held their Rip the Runway Fashion Show Extravaganza on Saturday July 13th to benefit The Pediatric Cancer Foundation of Lehigh Valley (PCFLV) at SOHO in The Burg in Stroudsburg, PA. It proved to be an evening filled with glamour and delight along with the knowledge one was doing something to enhance the life of a child in health threatening circumstances. However, prior to the event, I spent my day performing some errands which were completed a bit earlier than expected leaving me with a considerable amount of spare time before the venue was open for visitors.

So, I walked about the town meeting up with fellow strollers who didn’t recognize me at first since I decided to dress up a little for the Fashion Show. I eventually wound up sitting on a bench at the town’s courthouse square to enjoy the gentle breeze that was a part of that beautiful day. I began my time there alone but this was not to be the case for very long as a number of people suddenly appeared holding flags and wearing shirts denoting a gathering of like minded people were coming together for a singular purpose.

I soon learned the symbols on the flags and clothing represented the nation of Turkey with subsequent signs and banners indicating a political rally was afoot. I also learned from one of the participants the group’s endeavors was to bring awareness to the people living in the Commonwealth of PA that a man named Fethullah Gullen seeks to turn Turkey from a secular Moslem state to a more fundamentalist religious one and is presently establishing charter schools throughout the Moslem world and the United States to gain support for his afenda. It is further asserted he is “the most dangerous Islamist on Planet Earth,” is being protected by the Obama Administration and is presently living in PA. As time for the fashion show to begin came upon me, I could not stay for the rally or the clarifying speeches it promised to share. But, I did take a number of photographs and included it in this article as I thought the recording of the event was a worthwhile endeavor to pursue.

So, back at the SOHO, I found a number of people sharing conversations and Hors d’oeuvres with one another. A fashionable atmosphere ensued as the company permeated each word, gesture, and bite with laughter and good will. An assortment of items were on display for attendees of the event to explore which included Jewelry created by Shelleez Dexynz and Angela’s Pieces along with a number of beautifully decorated pocket books. Information and small gifts were given out by Carrie Gofberg of the PCFLV and her daughter and a box was provided so free will donations of cash and/or toys could be given to the organization. The Hors d’oeuvres were provided by The Willow Tree Inn, Quench Café and Fruit Bar, Chef II Go, Spreading Joy Handmade Gourmet Sweets, and King’s Cuisine.

The chatter of the large crowd that gathered as the evening progressed soon found it time to take their places in the seats provided along the runway as the fashion show was ready to begin. Bridget Williams of The Shoppes on Main (who served as the event’s coordinator) took the stage to welcome all who have come to support the event and to share its desire to help support the endeavors to care for children afflicted with cancer. Her words concluded with the arrival of Dawnell Exil of The D1124 Accoutre Boutique (who also served as the event’s coordinator) to share her welcoming remarks and to begin her service as the commentator of the fashion show. The rhythmic beat of the music provided by DJ Mali began as the first of the models began their walk down the runway.

Excitement energized the audience which was built upon by each step that was taken by the models who seamlessly combined elegance and sensuality into every move and gesture they made. Their individual and combined beauty adorned the clothing and other apparel they attached to their perfect forms inspiring many to greet their attire with cheers, laughter, and tears. The styles ranged from the domestic to the international with each interpretation of the piece presented was done in a flavor made unique by each model. Yet, combined, the models’ talented endeavors blended together into one colorful landscape creating a wonderful horizon for all who experienced it.

After a time of breathless abandonment, the audience was given time to compose themselves during a break which ensued after the first movement. It was after this time the event’s guest speaker, Carrie Gofberg of the PCFLV, shared her reflections of the event along with information about the foundation and it’s desire to provide every child they encounter whose life is filled with the tears accompanying the life taking disease of cancer with a smile and a hope for a tomorrow. Ms. Gofberg’s words would linger in many hearts after they had ceased but, when they did, Dawnell Exil respectfully retook the stage so the second movement of the fashion show could begin.

As impossible as it seemed, the second wave of textiles to grace the catwalk was a more exuberating experience than the first. An increased amount of playfulness was added to the elegance exhibited in the previous movement as there was also a sense of naughtiness mixed into their sensual expressions. All this was welcomed and encouraged by the audience as their frequent standing ovations indicated their immense approval of all they experienced as the show progressed towards its grand finale. You’ll find more photographs taken during the Rip the Runway Fashion Show Extravaganza in the Stroudsburg Art District 2013 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151420282390421.539464.636000420&type=1.

The stores and designers who participated in the Rip the Runway Fashion Show Extravaganza included The D1124 Accoutre Boutique, Angela’s Pieces, Pecan Brown, and Rudy’s Timeless Treasures which are located in Stroudsburg, PA along with Nandra Designs in Mt. Bethel, PA and Treasure Finds in South Orange, NJ. The models included the stunning talents of Alexa Daniel, Allen Schiafino, Amber Anderson, Amy Zanicky, Brianna Saccheri, Claudia Williams, Crystal, Denise St Clair, Jonathan Suda, Katie Stapes, Katelynne Beaty, Marilyn Self, Naomi Phillips, Nicole Ford, Ryan Lindner, Sara Jacobson (who also served the event as its Video/Media liaison for www.TVPocono.com), Sophie Vodounou, Sonia Booker, and Torian Hopson. Those who served the fashion show as its ambassadors were Delores Hart, Linda Lieberman, Linda Schiaffino, Wendy Cole, Sheila Gaton, Sherryl Moore, Karlene Desilva, and Cherriann Crabtree. The official photographer for the event was Jim Chesnick.

The D1124 Accoutre Boutique is located at 580 Main Street in Stroudsburg, PA offering “Savvy Chic Styles with a Concierge Appeal.” The retail store displays unique fashion featuring upscale styles for women, men, and children. In addition to clothing, they also provide a variety of Jewelry, Handbags, and more at affordable prices. You can learn more about The D1124 Accoutre Boutique by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/D1124AccoutreBoutique.

The Shoppes on Main is located at 580 Main Street in Stroudsburg, PA and encompasses a variety of business within its complex including merchants who sell fashionable apparel, jewelry, art, and a dining area. Several events take place throughout the year including Artists’ Receptions and expos. You can learn more about The Shoppes on Main by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/ShoppesOnMainStroudsburg?fref=ts.

The Pediatric Cancer Foundation of Lehigh Valley (PCFLV) is a non-profit organization located in Whitehall, PA seeking to support the entire family as it battles pediatric cancer while making a difference in the lives of children diagnosed with cancer and their families through ongoing programming, support, and resources which enable children to live their lives as fully as possible. The PCFLV organizes events such as Golden Days and the Chemo Circus. You can learn more about The Pediatric Cancer Foundation of Lehigh Valley by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pcf.lehighvalley.

SOHO in the BURG in Stroudsburg, PA is an extension of the Backstreet Studio and Art Gallerie which opened its doors to the public in April of 2012. In addition to hosting the Rip the Runway Fashion Show Extravaganza, the gallery is presently presenting the “Farm Field Forest” exhibition featuring the work of Patricia A. Griffin which will continue to be on display until July 21st. The next exhibition presented at the Gallery will be their Water Show which welcomes artists to submit their work depicting Boats, Bridges, Beaches, or any subject relating to water. The Artists’ Reception is scheduled to take place Saturday August 3rd beginning at 4pm and will continue to be displayed at the Gallery until September 16th. You can learn more about SOHO in the BURG and all their creative endeavors by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/BackstreetStudioAndArtGallerie.