FASHION CONSCIENCE
June 2oth • Cocoran Gallery of Art
PHOTOS BY RACHEL SMITH
BY MEREDITH LAPIER
As a successful commercial real
estate broker, I am passionate about
the Washington region and giving
back to the community. That's why
I feel that I closed one of my best 2deals" four
years ago, when I introduced Nordstrom and
CharityWorks. Ever since, I've had the privilege
of chairing one of the area's most fun and
fashionable events. Importantly, I'm proud to say
that the event has provided CharityWorks with
an exciting platform for increasing awareness of
its mission during those four years, Nordstrom
has helped CharityWorks raise more than
$150,000 for the charities it works with.
Nordstrom always thrills us ... the invitations
are original works of art, the décor sumptuous,
and the music sets the tone for spectacular
collections from world-renown designers.
The women who attend are committed to
having a wonderful evening connecting with
one another, planning their fall wardrobe, and
supporting community-building. They know
CharityWorks is a high impact organization that
transforms the lives of children and families. It's
the perfect combination of charity, community
and shop-till-you-drop! In the end, it's the true
intersection of fashion and consciousness.
Designer Preview Fall 2006 Event Chair
Meredith LaPier is First Vice President of CB
Richard Ellis, Inc.
NORDSTROM'S
DESIGNER PREVIEW FALL 2006
WITH CHARITYWORKS
June 2oth • Cocoran Gallery of Art
PHOTOS BY RACHEL SMITH
THE EVENT
Dressed-to-impressed, fashionphiles dashed to the Corcoran
to appreciate a diff erent type of artistic collection - one you can take off the
rack and wear. The high-heeled clientele spent the fi rst part of the evening
sampling hors d'oeuvres and milling through Fall collections by Missoni,
Jil Sander, Ralph Lauren, Dolce & Gabbana, Donna Karan, Michael
Kors, Sonia Rykiel, Valentino, Bluemarine, and Christian Dior. The event
benefi ted CharityWorks and its 2006 partner, The Higher Achievement
Program. It was not a night to dress down.
THE SCENE
With its high ceilings
and Romanesque grandeur, the Corcoran was the perfect venue for a chic
runway preview. As the lights dimmed and music cued, guests put their
best fashion face forward and meticulously examined, from bootstrap to
fedora, the ten designers' looks touted for Fall. Champagne and chocolate
delicacies closed the night.
THE GUESTS
Meredith LaPier, Pamela
Sorensen, Vicky McWilliams, Marcia Carlucci, Faye Morrissette, Olga
Ryan, Judy Esfandiary, Nancy McGovern, Rosemary and Mike Laphen,
Amy Chao, Judith Beard, Sue Falk and Randy Odeneal.
In his role as PwC Managing Partner, Fernando
Murias is an active civic leader who holds board
positions in 12 different civic and business
organizations throughout the Greater Washington
Metropolitan Area. He is also co-chair of the CharityWorks
Advisory Board. Recently, Murias was asked to join
CharityWork's Leah Gansler in opening the annual fashion
show hosted by Nordstrom. During the briefi ng, event chair
Meredith LaPier told him he might have to go backstage
with the models for a few minutes. Not one to shirk his
responsibilities, he humbly noted, 2it's all for the kids!" One
of the unique things about CharityWorks is the creative way
it raises funds for kids each year. This year's CharityWorks
partner, Higher Achievement, was the benefi ciary of the
recent Nordstrom's fashion show at the Corcoran Gallery of
Art. The Higher Achievement Program offers 9 to 14 year
olds in Washington's most distressed neighborhoods a chance
at a great education.
As Murias was escorted backstage to complete the
grueling task of meeting the models, he kept focused,
commenting: 2The partnerships CharityWorks create each
year are unique in the community service arena. It is very
rewarding to know that our efforts here - and the hard work
of all the CharityWorks and Nordstrom volunteers -will help
contribute to a future brighter for low-income 5th through
8th graders." Model citizen, indeed.
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