Anastasia Lucero

While fashion is always something to get excited about, supporting local fashion for a cause is even more inspiring. The Walk the World Charity Fashion Show, organized by Anastasia Lucero, Shawn Portwood and Robert Adams, will raise awareness about domestic violence while also benefiting SafeHouse Denver (an agency that helps battered and abused women and children get back on their feet). The European-influenced show takes place on Feb. 24 from Noon to 4 p.m. at 734 Santa Fe Dr. in conjunction with Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.

“We chose to work with SafeHouse Denver because of the wonderful work they do helping mothers and children get back on their feet after abuse,” says event coordinator Anastasia Lucero. “I also am a victim of abuse. It was a hard thing to overcome, but, with art as gift, I was able to see the sun. Showing fashion from different countries brings some diversity, and it’s a fun way for people to meet and spread the word.”

Maegon Coble, Miss Colorado North America 2012 is the celebrity host for the event, which also will feature a mimosa brunch and a silent auction. Looks on the runway will highlight high-end, multi-country themed fashions from local designers and boutiques, and each group’s fashions will focus on a specific region of the world. “The regions will be Asian, American and European,” Lucero says. “We thought of the idea because domestic violence is a global issue. We are doing makeup with a simple kind of nude look to blend it all together as well as with hair.”

Designers who are taking part in the show are KimonoDragons Designs by Francis Roces, Fashions by Rae Marie and Amore Loves, and the participating

Shawn Portwood

boutiques are Eve, Apricot Lane and Denim One. “We spent an afternoon reaching out to the designers all over Larimer Square and calling boutiques in the Cherry Creek North area,” Lucero says. “The reason we chose the ones we did was based on the global theme, as well as the passion and excitement from each designer/boutique about being a part of this show.”

Domestic violence is an all too-common problem that affects adults as well as youth across the country and abroad. According to the National Resource Center for Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, nearly 1.5 million high school students nationwide experience physical abuse from a dating partner in a single year. In addition, the group to experience the highest risk of intimate partner violence is girls and young women between the ages of 16 and 24 (and it’s nearly triple the national average). Even more startling, some states currently do not include dating relationships in their definition of domestic violence – so youth victims cannot apply for restraining orders. The event organizers are expecting nearly 200 guests in attendance at Walk the World. Make sure you’re one of them.

 

 

 

Misty Milioto is affectionately known as Denver’s Fashion Gal. She covers haute trends and local designers in the Mile High City, all while keeping a close and critical eye on national trends that are currently rocking the runways and the major glossy magazines. Stay tuned for all the best in fashion that Denver has to offer.