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From:TheBahamasWeekly.com Service Organizations
Nassau, Bahamas - More than 300 persons filled the Imperial Ballroom at Atlantis for the third bi-annual Red Dress Soiree, powered by Aliv held on December 10, 2016. The event, whose silent auction benefits The Bahamas AIDS Foundation, raised thousands for the foundation’s work with adolescents affected by and infected with HIV/AIDS. The three part event – runway show, dinner and silent auction featured twelve of The Bahamas’ trailblazing women who showcased original designs by twelve Bahamian fashion designers. “It was an amazing experience and for such a worthy cause,” stated Leading Lady C. Kim Gibson who wore a regal off the shoulder gown designed by Patrice Lockhart. The magical night began with a red carpet experience and cocktail reception sponsored by Tyreflex Star Motors and Mercedes-Benz. Guests enjoyed a musical collaboration between The String City Violinists, a group of string musicians all under the age of 17, and DJ Ampero who provided a percussion accompaniment to the violinists.
The completely transformed ballroom – designed by Bahama Fantasies with lighting and audio by Zamar Productions, set the stage for the stellar runway show. From ruby red, one shoulder embellished frocks such as the Javotte Bethell design worn by Felicity Humblestone to the tulle and floral jaw-dropping design by Phylicia Ellis, worn by Alana Major - Bahamian designers wowed the cheering audience with their world-class works of art. The fabric for all of the gowns was sponsored by Commonwealth Fabrics. “This year was by far the best,” stated award-winning designer Theodore Elyett, who designed a gown for Leading Lady Marion Bethel and has designed for all three Red Dress Soiree events. “The decor, the entertainment and run-of-show, the magazine, everything was just superb.” Each leading lady walked the runway to a live performance by a Bahamian artist. Tingum Dem Band, led by Fred Ferguson was the house band for the evening and backed each artist. Performers included the Rhythm and Youth Rake & Scrape band, Willis of Willis and the Illest, Jonathan Farrington, Anja Bowe, Patrice Murrell and Nevandria Rolle. Poet Yasmin Glinton performed three spoken word pieces throughout the night, telling the story of a woman affected by HIV/AIDS through the eyes of her daughter. The robust entertainment line-up was made possible by Ruby Sponsor, Percy’s The Island Game. Guests also received RED, the official event magazine that showcased intimate feature stories on each Leading Lady, written by Noelle Nicolls, Ianthia Smith and Paige McCartney.
The runway show was followed by a three-course dinner, dancing and silent auction. Guests bid electronically, from their smartphones on more than 30 silent auction packages featuring private island getaways, spa packages, fine jewelry and more. Guests were also able to bid on exceptional art pieces by renowned artists Allan Wallace, Kishan Munroe, Jordanna Kelly and Ellery Deveaux. All proceeds from the silent auction will be donated to the Bahamas AIDS Foundation. The twelve leading lady honourees included: Kim Aranha, Andrea Archer, Marion Bethel, Kayleaser Deveaux-Isaacs, C. Kim Gibson, Felicity Humblestone, Dr. Kim Johnson-Scriven, Janet Kemp, Christine King, Charlene McPhee, Alana Major and Neulessa Major. Creating one-of-a-kind gowns for each leading lady were twelve designers including: Apryl Burrows, Gillian Curry-Williams, Theodore Elyett, Anthea Bullard, Patrice Lockhart, Javotte Bethell, Brynda Knowles, Rudolph Brown, Myrlande Julien, Ria Georgina, Phylicia Ellis and Kathy Pinder. This year, The Red Dress Soiree introduced the Legacy Award, which recognizes and affirms one Leading Lady who has made significant contributions to community advancement in The Bahamas. Marion Bethel was awarded the honour this year. Community minded corporate sponsors of the event included Aliv, Percy’s The Island Game, Zamar Productions, Tyreflex Star Motors and Mercedes-Benz and Commonwealth Fabrics.
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