Fashion Rocks!

On a hot May 16 Saturday night, throngs of the city’s see-and-be-seen crowd lined up at one of New Orleans’ most popular clubs to witness something still novel in New Orleans: A professional fashion show. Republic New Orleans played host to “Project Runway” Season Two winner Chloe Dao’s Summer 2009 collection, featuring clean lines and bright colors on beautiful local models. The fashion line, DAO by Chloe Dao, was well received by the packed elbow-to-elbow crowd, with Republic at full capacity for the night. The summer collection was heavy on satins and cocktail attire, with a few shorts and a jumper thrown in for good measure. Club favorite DJ Damion Yancy kept things moving, both on and off the runway, once the show started at 11 p.m. The show was coordinated and produced by Houston-based Mikel Marketing LLC – the city Dao calls home. Proceeds from the show benefitted The Arnold C. Yoder Survivors (or TheACY), a foundation dedicated to healing the hearts of children and families grieving from the loss of a loved one. The following Sunday TheACY Founder Mary Elizabeth Yoder hosted a free seminar called “The Power of Forgiveness.”