Image Used with Permission: Anna Bours founder of http://annabours.com/ 

This Week's Feature:The Compassion Fashion Project Youtube Channel Launch

Milan Fashion Campus

Click on the advertisement at the top of the blog to find out more about Milan Fashion Campus and their online courses.

Download Milan Fashion Campus Brochure  

Taking Control, By: Bessie Nicole Kostidis

Self-Defense Class for Women

Coming in to contact with Viet Nguyen, an instructor with Chicagoland’s Carlson Gracie Mixed Martial Arts Team, and Christina Belmont was a blessing as this led me to meet their more than gracious staff in Merrillville, IN.  I learned more about how they use their expertise to help women in need of self-defense skills.

This Week's Feature: Just Faux Fun

Designer, Jo Claire Dodson

Jo Claire Dodson is the owner of The Art School in Conway, Arkansas and her varied visual arts background has enabled her to become a well rounded emerging fashion designer.  Dodson recently showed her collection for her line, Just Faux Fun, at Little Rock Fashion Week 2011.  She is also one of our special guests at our next event, Your Girl Friend's Closet, and will be making a generous donation to Women and Children First.  Experienced and educated in art gives her line an edge with a creative eye for design.  She also enjoys fashion illustration and uses her sketches to create her pieces.  Hear what Dodson says about her new career in fashion design.  

New Artwork by Ebony Moore

Hand drawn by Ebony Moore.

Brand new artwork by Ebony Moore for The Compassion Fashion Project.  She is a great singer/songwriter and does much for her community as a domestic violence survivor and advocate.  This piece seen here is also the artwork for her song entitled, Detox.  We are so lucky to have found her.

"Your Girl Friend's Closet"

This Week's Feature: Chavon Shree is Style Eclectic

Designer, Chavon Sewell

I recently had a chance to interview fashion and jewelry designer, Chavon Sewell for Chavon Shree and I must say she is one cool cat.  Her designs are creative and fun as well as the photography that she has chosen to create her image.

Sewell showed her line at Little Rock Fashion Week 2011 and most recently participated in the charity event, Cirque de Couture benefiting SARPA (Sexual Assault Revovery and Prevention Agency) in Northwest Arkansas.  We love to show off the great talent in the fashion industry who are doing things for good causes, so I hope you enjoy the following interview as much as I enjoyed getting to know this lovely designer.

Buffering, Suffering, Learning, Leaving - Living, By; Suzanne Perry

Suzanne Perry, ContributingWriter

Intervention

I started to get creative and observe him in different scenarioes of the prison I called home. I watched his facial expressions, gestures and body language. I listened to where he emphasized words and syallables when speaking in the company of others.

I watched  the charming, witty, street-smart, savvy and compassionate "hero" hang up that hat and transform to a creepy, ugly, relentless slave driver who spat on his prized possession, kicked it and raped it.

Amazing that such an extreme array of emotion, anger, pride, love, and hatred could be contained in one disgusting human sack of flesh.

Fashion for a Cause, By: Bessie Nicole Kostidis

Photo by Bessie N. Kostidis

Friends Assisting Women in Need, Inc. did just that, in a most fabulous way, at their annual FAWN Dinner and Fashion Show that benefited Housing Opportunities in the budding town of Valparaiso, Indiana. Housing Opportunities is a HUD-approved and state certified housing agency that serves all of Northwest Indiana and empowers its clients whom are homeless, (most of which are so due to domestic violence), to gain life skills, self-reliance, job preparation training, and find housing options that are safe and affordable. Ultimately, their goal is to break the cycle of homelessness by providing preventative and crisis services.

Love Letters from the Editor

Me at Cirque de Couture.

Many of you may or may not know that The Compassion Fashion Project originally just started out as a blog to promote awareness and resources for domestic violence shelters.  Since our conception, I have received such support and positive feedback that we have expanded our mission and grown into a grass roots organization to empower women.  What and who we are is constantly evolving based on our readers, fans and supporters whom I thank dearly for enlightening me.  Not that we do not get negative feedback, but that is life and I make a conscious decision to listen, however I will not be swayed from my vision.

This Week's Feature: Designer Sheila Scott of N'chole Feroce

Cirque de Couture
Design by N'chole Feroce

Sheila Scott, designer for N'chole Feroce, is a fabulous lady.  Not only did she showcase her collection at Little Rock Fashion Week this year, she just participated in the annual Cirque de Couture charity event to raise funds for SARPA (Sexual Assault Recovery and Prevention Agency).  Scott has also agreed to be a Special Guest at our next event (to be announced soon) to benefit the non-profit Women and Children First and the women's shelter, The Dorcas House.  I had the opportunity to interview Scott recently and wanted to share with you a portion of this interview.

Cherysh's Charms Contributes to Cirque de Couture

Cherysh's Charms has been busily at work this week creating pieces for the much anticipated fashion designer contest, Cirque de Couture benefiting the non-profit SARPA.  We thought we would share Cherysh's favorite pieces with our readers.  Let us know what you think!  Although Cherysh will not be in attendance, she is sending her best wishes through her creations.

Ask Lizzard: Edition 1

The "Ask Lizzard" advice column has been produced by The Compassion Fashion Project to offer a bit of down-to-earth, friendly consultation from our Program Advocacy Director, Elizabeth Newell.  She has dosed her column with her common sensibilities garnished with humor.  Our very own on-site oracle, she is here to answer your toughest questions...this is not your mother's advice column.

Fashion Illustration by Margarita Warnke

"Fashion is Fierce" by Margarita Warnke

Margarita Warnke, based in Fresno, California, is a Stylist, Runway Editor and Fashion Illustrator.  She has generously donated a new fashion illustration, seen here, to The Compassion Fashion Project for our ever growing t-shirt line.  From this illustration I was able to create not only a new t-shirt, but also a darling tote bag.  Learn more about Warnke in the following interview.

This Week's Feature: Inner Fyre Jewelry Supports The CFP

Inner Fyre jewelry designer, Evelyn Salt.

Evelyn Salt, a jewelry designer from the U.K., has began her own line called Inner Fyre and set up a charitable portion through her website to support The Compassion Fashion Project.  Creating a one of a kind design, Inner Fyre offers these special pieces in an array of colors from the metalwork to the beading found here. 

Purchase of the official Compassion Fashion Project design forwards 50% of the proceeds to our organization.  

Please find the interview below and learn more about Evelyn Salt and Inner Fyre.

How did you start designing jewelry?

It was a few years ago when we went out for a friend's birthday.   We watched an expert making jewellery from silver plated metal wire and I found it fascinating.  From there I taught myself to make silver and gold plated wire components with bead work and my passion for it has only grown since.

Where are you from and what is the "style" like there when it comes to jewelry design?

I'm now based in Hampshire, in the UK, but I was originally born in Edinburgh, Scotland.  Long gold chains and brightly coloured semi-precious gemstones are currently in fashion here.  Strong colours coupled with fine detail is also a growing trend at the moment.

Compassion Fashion Project Hearts Set by Inner Fyre  

Who is your favorite jewelry designer and why?

I love the work of Monika Laskowska, who is a Polish jewellery designer.  She does very intricate metalwork and bead combinations and her design concepts have left me with a lasting impression of her work.

Where do you draw your inspiration from in your designing process?

Anywhere and everywhere!  I have even been inspired by the patterns I've seen in a swimming pool before!  Designs like those I've used in the "Celtic" and "Chain" sets have probably been around for as long as jewellery has existed, along with spirals and the ever-popular cross.  I tend to name the designs after whatever has inspired me.  Examples of this from my collection are the earrings I have named "Horseshoe" and "Dollar," which both take their names from my source of inspiration.  

I like that you show your initial sketches of each of your designs.  What prompted you to put your sketches on display with your inventory?

To show people what goes on during a design process and to try to inspire people to get creative.  Some people are not naturally creative and I thought they may like the idea of having some ideas available as a starting point to play with for themselves.  Because I work with components, I also wanted to get the message across that they can combine components they may not have otherwise thought to combine, so that if they want to, they can create a completely unique piece of jewellery.  I hoped the sketches might help people to do this.

Compassion Fashion Project Earrings by Inner Fyre  

What do you believe makes your designs or your process unique?

I would say that the most unique part of Inner Fyre is that the customer can do the desiging if they want to. Most jewellery websites only offer the finished product.  By openly including sketches for customers to be inspired by, I can offer the facility for a customer to design their own unique piece and some starting points for doing so, if that's where you want to go.  Of course, if they'd rather pick a design from a selection, that option is there too.

You have been working on a very special piece of jewelry for The Compassion Fashion Project.  Can you explain what thoughts went into this design and why you wanted to help us to help others?

When coming up with something for the Compassion Fashion Project, my inspiration was the word "compassion," which brought images of "people with a heart" to mind, hence the heart design.  As for why, I have had friends in similar situations as those described in the stories on your website and I know how difficult it can be for people feeling trapped to find someone to help them out, especially if there are children involved.  The kind of problems you help people with are probably more widespread than a lot of people imagine.

Is there anything that you feel people should know about Inner Fyre and how did you come up with that name?

The name was a combination of two things.  The first was from my past - a long time ago I created a fictional "fantasy" character called Innerfyre, whose main focus was helping people through healing.  Back then, the name was chosen to represent her strength of spirit and determination driven from within.  And then last year I went through an abnormal pregnancy, where I was bedridden with pain.  It was during that pregnancy that I reacquainted myself with healing crystals.  After the birth of my beautiful daughter, I started creating jewellery around the crystals I'd used during the pregnancy.  Since those crystals were what ended up being the source of inspiration for the website, and Innerfyre was a healer, I thought it fitting to split her name into two parts, and use Inner Fyre for the jewellery.  The Chinese symbols for the logo were chosen because I play (4 player) Mah Jongg in my spare time and I wanted to include that somehow.

Compassion Fashion Project Pendant by Inner Fyre  

How can people keep up with what you are doing?


Currently the best way to get the most up to date information is to "like" the Inner Fyre facebook page. I'll post on the Inner Fyre Facebook page any new designs, features, special offers, or other websites of interest.  I may sometimes remind people of the existing designs too.  Alternatively you can follow me at @InnerFyre on Twitter.  

Many thanks to Evelyn Salt with Inner Fyre for this special collaboration. 

With love~The Compassion Fashion Project

This Week's Feature: Ms. Magazine is Still a Staple of the Feminist Community

Back issues available at Ms. Magazine.
Photo provided by Annie Shields.

I recently watched the new documentary, "Gloria: In Her Own Words," which is a film about Gloria Steinem and her life from childhood to now.  I hate to admit it, but I really didn't know that much about Steinem other than the fact that she was a leader during the feminist movement of the late 60's and early 70's.  I thought it was funny that she said one of the lowest points in her career was when she had to write an article on "textured tights."  A journalist by education and profession, Steinem had a hard time finding publishers that would take her seriously in the 60's era and allow her to write about the things that she loved and was interested in: Politics, international issues, humanitarian efforts and an array of topics...but not "textured tights."

For me, feminism is really about equal rights across the board.  I have had friends scoff at the "feminist" label, but when I explain to them that feminism is really just supporting each other and allowing we as females to have the right to choose our own paths and not be judged for it, they go, "Oh, well, yeah I guess I am a feminist."  The fact that Steinem didn't want to write about textured tights makes me laugh, even though I am right now on the hunt for a pair of textured tights and wouldn't mind covering that topic, because this was about "her" and her interests.  I am sure she is not opposed to editors covering fashion as a profession, but it's all about the right to be able to "choose" (the operative word there) what they want to write about.

Back issues available at Ms. Magazine.
Photo provided by Annie Shields.

In 1971, Ms. Magazine was launched and Steinem took an active role in the production and launch of the magazine geared towards females and what they were NOT hearing at the time: The housewife's moment of truth, "de-sexing" the English language and abortion rights.  These were all subjects that were not being covered by mainstream media, because a woman was expected to know her place and cook, clean and breed only without question or any intellectual ambiguity.  People laughed it off and said the publication would never make it....But, alas, they did!  And they are still in production to this day reaching the masses of women in our society and proving that as times change, so do women and what we want and frankly what we expect.

I am pleased that Ms. Magazine has collaborated with The Compassion Fashion Project to deliver some Ms. t-shirts that we will then distribute to our local women's shelters.  Thank you Ms. Magazine and thank you for making this "textured tights" gal smile.

Ms. t-shirts available at the Ms. Magazine online store!
Permission to use photo by Annie Shields of Ms. Magazine. 

Suzanne Perry: From Victim to Victor

Meet Suzanne:

(Middle) Suzanne Perry.  Photo provided by Suzanne Perry.

Can you describe your non-profit, OP Musichouse and the services you offer?


I have always been a serious music lover. The energy of live music is what I chose as my medium and I hold live music events all over Western New York as a means to promote some fantastic talent while using my own story to raise awareness about the realities of domestic violence.  I saturate the media focusing between music and domestic violence and the do-gooders in the community that mainstream hasn't caught wind of yet.

We provide moral support for men and women impacted by domestic abuse and violence: parents, siblings, coworkers in all kinds of scenarios.  We also give physical product to people coming out of an abusive relationship called "take your reins" care packs.. it's custom to each person's needs from food to diaper coupons to toiletries to household items or clothing. (No cash is dispersed.) Aside from that, we offer a network of support and referral services custom to each individual's needs.

Our big event of the year is the "EXPOSURE Concert: Because love shouldn't hurt" which is a 3-day live show with over 40 bands, uniting against domestic violence and abuse. It streams live around the world to expose the issue. It's been watched from 8 countries and 34 states and continues to grow in popularity.

You were married to an abusive partner, but were able to finally leave.  What gave you the strength to get out?

I was with my abuser from the time I was 17. At 20 we had our first child and 6 months later I fled.  He cajoled me into taking him back and I returned. This happened twice more and then I married him.  The final time I was feeling pretty trapped and the beatings got more intense and frequent. Our daughter, then 16, said to me "It's him or me, I can't take living like this anymore."  I couldn't let my girl run away! We made a pact right then and there that she could call 911 but ONLY when I told her it was okay.  It happened about a week later. It was the last time I would ever be beat up by him again. The fighting was well underway when she came home from a friend's and she was ordered into her room.  My husband continued to throw me around, shouting and swearing, kicking and spitting, slapping and throwing me into walls and smothering me in our bed.  After passing each other and she pleaded for me to give the OK to call, on the 3rd time I finally said OK, call now.

A short while later, the Buffalo police came and scary enough it was all calm when they arrived.  It was about 11pm on a Thursday night and he sat on the couch with a can of beer in the dark, the long living room only being illuminated by the blue of the TV. They asked about a disturbance.  He very calmly and smoothly said to the officer that nothing was wrong, and that he was, "Only having a beer with my wife, tell him, Honey..."  The officer shined his light into my husband's face as he spoke, then on the can of beer.  He moved the light to me standing back to the wall at the far end of the room, noticing the blood dripping down my jaw, blood on my clothing, and the bright red hand print on my throat.  They said, "Come on, asshole, you're coming with us."   Our daughter and I went down and filed immediately for orders of protection and because I promised the kids this time, I never looked back.

Suzanne Perry in good spirits!

Can you give an example of the type of abuse you endured?

I am a generally optimistic person and in a good mood. But it was usually fear driving home worrying about what level of drunkenness I would find him in, if we got "bad mail," who he encountered, how he was feeling or if he would be in some ridiculous tangent for no good reason at all.  Nothing I did was good enough for him, and he was only happy when he felt completely in power and nobody was "talking back."  Everything had to be just so.  The feeling that he was the only person in the world I could really trust; I was supposed to confide in him only - it was a slow brainwashing. 

 I needed to ramp up for a month just to go to K-mart.  He would constantly tell me how fat and ugly I was, how stupid and disgusting I was and how nobody would ever want me. He would rape me and insist that that's all I was good for. He peeled every layer of my being away, leaving me isolated from family; my own mother wasn't even invited to our wedding.. friends were non-existent.  He would accuse me of cheating on him, lying to him and when I would numb myself to his insults, he would verbally attack the kids. He would tell our daughter that he would make sure she would never get her driver's license or a good job, that she was fat and moved like a slug, he told our son he "sucked for a son."  When I stepped up in their defense, I was kicked, spat on and literally thrown to the floor. Scared to leave and scared to stay -  It was pure hell. 

Bracelets raise funds for OP Musichouse.  Purchase here for $1.00.  

What is your personal opinion of how we treat domestic violence in our society and what changes would you like to see?

Domestic violence is grossly misunderstood. Victims need to be identified and supported, not treated like second-class citizens or hushed up. For a person to finally get the strength to go for a protection order and the courts closing earlier, is unacceptable. For a person who did make it and has to go to court against the abuser, so sitting in the same waiting room especially unsupervised, is a recipe for disaster. It's not rocket science, protect those who need it, we do not ask for anything unreasonable - only for the law to enforce and protect the rights we are born with - life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.. not to be insulted, beaten, and held prisoner in our own homes, our paychecks taken, our fingers broken and our compassion mutilated.   Shelters promising confidentiality being constantly found online or otherwise, resources who outlived the nonprofit life-cycle, it seems more and more the protections are less and less and that we are a neglected population.

If someone is reading this and feels "stuck" in an abusive partnership and does not see a way out, what advice would you give them?

I hope my story will inspire exactly those people - to recognize behavior markers that can spark danger. Extreme jealousy, barring you from doing things you love - these are huge warning signs.  A healthy relationship is one in which each partner supports the other.  Not putting the other down to feel better about their self.  If you suspect something isn't right, go with your gut.  Our intuition is almost always the voice of reason and sometimes what appears to be love masks out some real red flags.  Don't even walk, RUN from the relationship - and they will try to do things like cry, threaten suicide, some very irrational things to get you to return... don't take the call, don't allow any explanations. Get out and stay out, it very well could save your life.

More bracelets from OP Musichouse.  OP Musichouse Store  

Why do you believe that creative outlets are an integral key to survival and awareness?

We need to be able to express ourselves -  vent.  It's healthy.  To keep a journal/write, draw, paint or other means of expressing our feelings and situations is how we can cope and identify our innermost emotions.  Usually in an abusive situation, the perpetrator discovers and destroys the "proof" of the feelings and experiences.  This underlines their power and control over their victims.  To be liberated and allow to express freely, without reticule, chastising or violent outbursts is nirvana for a survivor.  Then to meet other artists and musicians who have shared similar horror paths helps us to realize we aren't alone, and can relate.  It's very therapeutic to let those emotions flow through their chosen medium.

The Compassion Fashion Project raises personal care products, clothing and accessories for women's shelters.  How important do you think this is for women trying to start their lives over?


I love the idea. Creativity rocks.  To share collective creativity with people who are scared and may feel unattractive, confused, numb and helpless - this is perfect.  It shows love, caring and beauty, because they are receiving items crafted with people's very hands.  Hand-made items spell LOVE. Someone took their time just for you.  It shows compassion.  People who reach the shelter are still "in shock" and they often feel like nobody cares, while waiting for scary court dates and learning how to cope; receiving warm items from the heart to make them look better, feel better and start anew is priceless.  Often people at a shelter only have the clothes on their back... to receive a nice robe, purse or something personal to call their own is very important at this stage.  I am so happy to have found your project online and that you have found me, and I look forward to a collaborative effort in the near future.  It's a beautiful thing that you do and you have my full support!


Where can people find you/your non-profit to keep up with what you are doing and how can someone get involved?

I have a few monthly radio programs, "Suzapalooza's Spotlight" is a 90 minute show that I invite original bands on to be interviewed and we promote their music and upcoming shows which is on WBNY out of Buffalo ( http://www.wbnylocalshow.com/schedule.html) , and "Pied Piper of Positive" on Think Twice Radio ( http://www.thinktwiceradio.com/suzanne-perry/suzanne-perry.html ) as well as Suzanne Perry: Victim to Victor on Blogtalkradio (www.blogtalkradio.com/suzanneperry). Also I love to get email... I actually got a piece of fan mail in the US Mail... and I framed it after wiping the tears from my eyes.  

Our website is www.opmusichouse.org 

Please write to me personally at enoughofit7@gmail.com or fill out the contact form on the OP Music House page.  I personally read and respond to every single message, it means so much to get feedback and continue to support each other!

I reach as far and wide as possible and am trying very hard to raise money to support a 32 town tour next summer.  I feel like I'm running in a vat of molasses trying to reach people with the voice of hope, and optimism that all CAN live a productive life outside of control and violence.  We need to expose the abusers and stand up to bullyish behaviors!

Watch this Slideshow:

 Suzanne perry11 22-10

View more presentations from Suzanne Perry

This Week's Feature: Vote for Non-Profit One Warm Coat

• Nearly 1 in 5 children live in poverty in the U.S.

Source: 2008 U.S. Census

• 1 in 3 homeless persons is a child under the age of 18

Source: National Coalition for the Homeless

• • The recession has wiped out upwards of 8 million jobs since it  began in late 2007

• Source: (2010, April). Why the Unemployment Rate
  Refuses to Budge. U.S. News & World Report.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  One Warm Coat started out in 1992 as a Thanksgiving Weekend coat drive in San Francisco. 
  Since then, more than 1 Million coats have been donated in thousands of local communities across North America. Each coat drive has the same intent -- to collect coats that will be GIVEN to those in need.

  

  Photo provided by One Warm Coat Photo Gallery  

  
  
  The Compassion Fashion Project worked with our local One Warm Coat agency, The 10/20 Project, this past winter and they are a wonderful program.  You can read about our collaborations here and here.   We filtered coats, gloves and personal care products donated by Burlington Coat Factory, Old Navy and individuals to our local women's shelter, Hope Cottage.  

  

  Photo provided by One Warm Coat Photo Gallery  

  
  
  NOW THEY NEED OUR HELP!
  One Warm Coat Selected by Tom’s of Maine to Participate in its ’50 States for Good” 
  
  
  Online Voting Project One Warm Coat to vie for $50,000 From Philanthropic Natural Products Company

  

  Mini Cooper photo provided by One Warm Coat Photo Gallery  

  
  
  One Warm Coat, which collects and delivers warm clothing to Americans in need, has been selected as one of 20 non-profit organizations competing for up to $50,000 in Tom’s of Maine third annual “50 States for Good” contest.

  

  Photo provided by One Warm Coat Photo Gallery  

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  LET'S HELP THEM WIN!  SHOW ONE WARM COAT WHAT WE CAN DO BY CLICKING THE "TOM'S" BUTTON ABOVE AND VOTING FOR ONE WARM COAT TO WIN!
  
  
  *Post the link to your Facebook/Twitter page*

Weekly Feature: Cirque de Couture

Photography and design by Austin Robertson with Phasionation Photography and Graphic Design  

SARPA (Sexual Assault Recovery & Prevention Agency) has a spectacular event coming up on September 9, 2011 to raise awareness and funds for their program called Cirque de Couture.  Cirque de Couture is established as their second annual fashion designer contest and fashion show to raise awareness and funds for the 501(c)3 non-profit (Tax ID#: 71-0567897). Here is a breakdown of all the services they provide:

Direct Survivor Services:

• 1-800 crisis and referral hotline
• one-on-one advocacy
• semi-monthly support groups
• 24-hour advocacy escorts (medical/police/legal)
• volunteer program

Education and Prevention:

• 1-800 education hotline
• educational seminars and presentations
• trainings to professionals
• awareness activities
• public resource library
• volunteer program

Adult Sexual Assault Response Team with a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Clinic:

Utilizing a collaborative and multi-disciplinary approach, SARPA works with various disciplines to coordinate a response team when survivors need immediate assistance.

This 24/7 program is an alternative to going to the hospital or another medical clinic. SARPA provides a private community based clinic, where a survivor can receive support, advocacy, education, referrals, and a medical examination by a certified or qualified Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE), who is specifically trained to work with sexual assault survivors and gather evidence for the police and prosecution.

Photography and design by Austin Robertson with Phasionation Photography and Graphic Design 

Now more about this fabulous event!

As the non-profit states, "SARPA fashion design competition entails about 200 guests who enjoy a culmination of music and fashion. Last year local musicians “Hardaway & the Commoners” performed on the runway as designers showed looks. Audience vote determined a winner. The fashion show highlights the designs of local designers with interest greatly expanded this year.  Many designers from Little Rock, Arkansas have expressed interest in participating in the competition. One important appeal to designers is the presence of many local store owners/managers and providing a venue for exposure to many retailers at once."

Photography and design by Austin Robertson with Phasionation Photography and Graphic Design 

                    They are still looking for sponsors and I would encourage anyone with an interest in helping the safety of their community living in Arkansas to participate in the sponsorship program.  This event will also generate more interest in the fashion industry as a whole.  If you or your company want to promote the fashion scene locally, this is an opportunity to get involved and encourage more events like this.  Fashion shows and design competitions get great response in Arkansas, because it is what the public wants.  When you have the chance to not only attend an event such as Cirque de Couture, but also to become involved and have your name/business attached, take this occasion to rock it out and go for it!

Nicole Linn with SARPA and event promoter says, " I tell all the people involved don't think of this as a fashion show, think of it as a production.  The models are going to have to look alive out there, because they may have to dodge a stray balloon or beachball." 

Photography and design by Austin Robertson with  Phasionation Photography and Graphic Design 

Sounds like a blast to me!  I will be there and I hope to see you all there, too.  $10 general admission pre-show tickets and $12 at the door.  Reserved seating and VIP tables are available as well.

SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION

Contact Nicole Linn at: alananici@yahoo.com