Front-Row Fashion In The Five Towns

Last Tuesday night, fashionable women from the Five Towns and beyond stepped out in their finest to participate in Couture for a Cause’s fifth fundraiser (CFAC NO5). Complete with a spectacular runway show, award ceremony, and red-carpet designer Christian Siriano sitting front row, the evening provided much glitz and glamour, yet was ultimately about more than the clothes.

Held at Temple Israel of Lawrence, the sold-out event of the fall season benefited breast cancer support organization Sharsheret. As October is fittingly Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the event paid tribute to Sharsheret founder Rochelle Shoretz, who passed away earlier this year. Executive Director Elana Silber spoke about the importance of emotional support in illness, expressing how dressing up and looking good can be an important factor in feeling well.

Co-chairs Esther Coco Berg, Michal Weinstein, and Breezy Schwartz opened the program. The Designer of the Decade award was presented to Christian Siriano, originally of Project Runway fame. Now dressing A-list celebrities, Siriano’s exquisite fashions typically tend to be ladylike and modest. Next up was the Insta-style Award, presented by “Fashion-isha” stylist Sharon Langert. Frumee Taubenfeld was chosen the winner from among 13 fashion bloggers, voted upon by fans in an online contest.

The music pulsed as little girls with hair teased high came down the runway in adorable dresses by Zoe Ltd., followed by ladies sporting Shevy wigs and designs by Pink Label. The finale featured a sampling of the best of Christian Siriano. The breathtaking runway scenery created by Birch Designs with staging from New York Fun Factory and music by mix-master Azamra DJ all came together to bring the entire gala to Fashion Week levels. The Jerry Meyer Studio captured every moment and livestreamed the event to hundreds of people watching from home.

This year’s Couture for a Cause proved to be bigger and better than ever. With donations still coming in, this year’s event is on track to surpass all previous totals. “Putting the fabulous in fundraising” since 2007, the team at CFAC is ready to start the planning again.