Ovations for the Cure presents:
The 2nd Annual Couture for Cancer featuring Carmen Marc Valvo's 20th Anniversay Retrospective Collection
by Ian L.
The 2nd Annual Couture for Cancer featuring Carmen Marc Valvo's 20th Anniversay Retrospective Collection
by Ian L.
In a scene not unlike the high society galas of Manhattan, privileged guest mingled with local celebrities in posh surroundings while awaiting the unveiling of a collection by an elite designer. But the scene instead was here in Boston and the posh surroundings were provided by the chic Liberty Hotel in Beacon Hill. However, the elite designer is New York's own Carmen Marc Valvo and we get an exclusive look at his 20 year Anniversary Retrospective Collection. This is what one comes to expect from an Ovations for the Cure, Couture for Cancer Fundraiser. In only the second year of its existence, the Couture for Cancer Fundraiser is already one of Boston's most highly anticipated fashion events.
All of this was made possible thanks to the tireless efforts of two amazing women, Ovations for the Cure founder Patty Franchi Flaherty and her good friend and Ovations for the Cure supporter and advocate, Carol Arrick-Wells. Both women were present at the first Couture for Cancer last May but unfortunately, both were not present this year. In the Fall of 2008, Patty Franchi Flaherty and Carol Arrick-Wells have lost their long term battle with ovarian cancer, after having survived the disease for many years. The Ovations for Cure organization has lost two of its finest and brightest stars and this year's Couture for Cancer Fundraiser was dedicated to the memory of both extraordinary women.
Designer Carmen Marc Valvo was once again eager to take part in this year's fundraiser. As a longtime friend of Carol Arrick-Wells and her family and as a cancer survivor himself, Carmen Marc Valvo is a strong supporter of many cancer charities including Ovations for the Cure. Carmen chose this year to show a retrospective collection of his last 20 years in design. Models walked the runway in couture gowns that would have easily sold in today's boutiques, a testament to the timelessness of his work.
Local celebrities and event co-chairs Joyce Kulhawik, Kelley Tuthill, Beth Shelburne and Gretta Monahan each gave individual speeches during the presentation urging everyone to lend their support to Ovations in anyway possible.
All of this was made possible thanks to the tireless efforts of two amazing women, Ovations for the Cure founder Patty Franchi Flaherty and her good friend and Ovations for the Cure supporter and advocate, Carol Arrick-Wells. Both women were present at the first Couture for Cancer last May but unfortunately, both were not present this year. In the Fall of 2008, Patty Franchi Flaherty and Carol Arrick-Wells have lost their long term battle with ovarian cancer, after having survived the disease for many years. The Ovations for Cure organization has lost two of its finest and brightest stars and this year's Couture for Cancer Fundraiser was dedicated to the memory of both extraordinary women.
Designer Carmen Marc Valvo was once again eager to take part in this year's fundraiser. As a longtime friend of Carol Arrick-Wells and her family and as a cancer survivor himself, Carmen Marc Valvo is a strong supporter of many cancer charities including Ovations for the Cure. Carmen chose this year to show a retrospective collection of his last 20 years in design. Models walked the runway in couture gowns that would have easily sold in today's boutiques, a testament to the timelessness of his work.
Local celebrities and event co-chairs Joyce Kulhawik, Kelley Tuthill, Beth Shelburne and Gretta Monahan each gave individual speeches during the presentation urging everyone to lend their support to Ovations in anyway possible.
Starting Left: Joyce Kulhawick, Beth Shelburne of NECN, Gretta Monahan and Ovations Director of Operations, Lisa Tocci
Designer Carmen Marc Valvo takes a break backstage.
More Photos from the 2nd Annual Couture for Cancer, Click to Enlarge
The ladies all have friends who's lives are affected by cancer and Joyce Kulhawik and Kelley Tuthill are themselves both cancer survivors.
The staff at Ovations for the Cure is determined to carry on the work of Patty Franchi Flaherty and Carol Arrick-Wells. They will ensure that Patty and Carol's legacy will live on and that lives will be saved thanks to what they've started.
Don't miss out on a chance to lend your support. Coming in September of 2009 is the Night of the Monarch Ball featuring a fashion show of the Fall Collection of shoes from Stuart Weitzman. The Ball will be dedicated to the great achievements of Patty Franchi Flaherty. It's an event not to be missed.
To Learn more about Ovations for the Cure, Couture for Cancer and The Night of the Monarch Ball
Please visit: www.ovationsforthecure.org
The staff at Ovations for the Cure is determined to carry on the work of Patty Franchi Flaherty and Carol Arrick-Wells. They will ensure that Patty and Carol's legacy will live on and that lives will be saved thanks to what they've started.
Don't miss out on a chance to lend your support. Coming in September of 2009 is the Night of the Monarch Ball featuring a fashion show of the Fall Collection of shoes from Stuart Weitzman. The Ball will be dedicated to the great achievements of Patty Franchi Flaherty. It's an event not to be missed.
To Learn more about Ovations for the Cure, Couture for Cancer and The Night of the Monarch Ball
Please visit: www.ovationsforthecure.org