“If fashion is indeed art, then nowhere can you find a more diverse collection of fashionable art than at Goodwill of Greater Washington retail stores – where styles, genres, colors, patterns, brands, generations and genders are so universally represented! That’s why the popular Fashion of Goodwill Runway Show and Gala will return with an imaginative theme: The Art of Fashion! ”

Last Tuesday I had the privilege of attending “The Art of Fashion”, the 2013 Fashion of Goodwill Runway Show and Gala for Greater Washington DC.  It is a fabulous event that highlights some of the wonderful work of Goodwill along with some of their great fashion!  Since this years theme was Art, they also did a wonderful job of tying in the gallery exhibits as well as some local young artists! Each ticket included one fashion show general admission seat, access to the trunk show, cocktail reception and heavy hors d’oeuvres, access to gallery exhibits, and free parking in attached garage (cause as much as I am a metro girl, this was a night to drive lol). When we first entered we were greeted by a fabulous crowd of people and a delicious spread of food including my favorite, DESSERT!!

I had fight the urge to eat all the macaroons that were delicious!!! Once we had tried all the delicious treats it was time for what was really important… SHOPPING!!!

My first find was these Bebe shoes which I would have made mine if they had been my size – the only downside to thrifting is one of a kind means you miss out if it’s not your size but I managed to find a couple coats (post on those to come) that are going to be perfect for the upcoming season!!  After browsing we went to take our seats for the show!!

The President & CEO Catherine Meloy was our lovely host for the evening.  She is a delightful engaging and the right pick to move us through the night.  The runway was not the only featured art of the evening though.  In honor of the nights theme, Goodwill partnered with nearby Elizabeth Seton High School, whose students created their own works of art inspired by the Goodwill mission.

The students seemed great and their artwork was even better.

It is inspiring to see such promising young artists.

Also honored that evening was Gladys Lisanby, a philanthropist and longtime Goodwill supporter who had a Kevin Bacon relationship to Andy Warhol had an exhibit called Silver Clouds being hosted at the Artisphere.   Her brother-in-law Charles, was an Emmy award winning Hollywood production designer and mentor to the famed pop artist. She seemed like the sweetest lady and I enjoyed her humorous remarks.  After she was honored, the show began!!

Here are some of the runway looks from the night, styled by tu-anh, that graced the stage! It reminded me of looking in the mirror when I go shopping.  I saw some stuff I loved and I was definitely quick to head back up to the pop up to take some of the gems home!

I feel like the quote on the way up really fit the night!! After going through the racks, I ended up leaving with 3 bags of new clothes without breaking the bank which is why I love Goodwill!!!

The artwork I really wanted to take home was the fun pop art they had about Goodwill like the one pictured above.  They were one of my favorite parts of the night and definitely gave me a good laugh.

The artist did a wonderful job! I also had a wonderful time with my frequent and favorite event companion, Carlis of Spicy Candy DC.

She always makes a wonderful evening even better and I’m so happy to have her as my friend!Also shout out to Brendan Hurley, Executive Producer of the show. This show is one of the premier events in our nation’s capital and the 2013 Gala raised thousands of dollars to support Goodwill’s mission to transform lives and communities through the power of education and employment.  I was honored to be a part of this special night!

Thanks again for kicking off my fall wardrobe!