UNITED COLORS OF FASHION GALA

"Be Glamorous: Glamour Gives"

Music legend Dionne Warwick, honorary co-chair of the event, was unable to attend due to her present tour, as was celebrity stylist Phillip Bloch, but honorary chair Nigel Barker was there with bells on, along with supermodel Pat Cleveland and Miss Jay Alexander of America’s Next Top Model.  Another honoree was former model and muse to Givenchy, Sandi Bass, who was honored as UCOF’s “Casting Director of The Year” for her efforts at the event. House of Diehl styled the show gorgeously.  Famous for their “style wars” across the country, the talented duo definitely helped to make a great event.
            The UCOF aids New York’s underprivileged and aspiring artists in becoming successful professionals in the real world.  UCOF partners with South African aid organizations to provide relief to children with HIV/AIDS, sickle cell anemia and paralysis with their proceeds.  Taking place at the Museum of the City of New York, this esteemed event acted as a reward to UCOF supporters, philanthropists, esteemed members of the fashion community, and celebrities. Broadway stars Kaye Tuckerman and Thuli Dumakude hosted the gala, which was a packed house.  Fashion designers from across the globe showcased their talent on the runway, and the show featured supermodels Sessilee Lopez, Pat Cleveland and Ajak Deng, as well as others.  Leila Lopes, international ambassador and Ms. Universe 2011, also lent her support.  In addition, Season Nine Project Runway winner and star Anya Ayoung-Chee participated as one of the designers of the evening.
            We passed Miss Jay posing on the red carpet as we made our way to the gorgeous front hall, where attendees were enjoying the open bar and live music.  It took a while for everyone to settle down before the event, but once the formalities began, people became connected with the cause and purpose of the evening.  All in all, it was a great night with a fantastic message, raising awareness and funds for UCOF.
Special thanks to House of Diehl and Janiece N. Rejba.
            Visit www.unitedcolorsoffashion.org.

- LAUREN WEIGLE

From left to right: Miss Jay Alexander, Pat Cleveland and Nigel Barker at the United Colors Of Fashion Gala.
©HungOver Amateur Photography