The Little Black Dress Gala is held annually to support the Help Change My City Alliance. Their focus is providing mentorships to troubled and underprivileged youth within Vancouver. Additionally, HCMC and LBD Gala award bursaries to those seeking higher education and help youth find employment. Some scholarship recipients and beneficiaries of the Gala were in attendance. Stories of community involvement were told by five incredibly talented and intelligent young women. LBDGala used this as an engaging opportunity to bridge the gap between charitable event and the cause it supports.
The Gala is held on the beautiful conference level of the Vancouver Fairmont Hotel. It seems that no detail was spared, you ascend the grand staircase and are greeted by an artist live painting a canvas for silent auction, there is a photo wall for some professional and IG pics to be snapped. We opted to grab a glass of wine from the lounge and explore the silent auction items before the fashion show started. There were some more unique items up for bid, such as a hand-crafted leather purse, unique jewelry and various gift bags. There was a wide variety of art up for grabs by local artists, it really made me wish I had more wall space (and a better understanding of good art), but honestly, they we’re pretty and I was happy to appreciate them at the Gala before settling into the fashion show.
Fashion shows with alternating designers are kind of like a grab bag (which I love), you’re going to like some things, you’re going to love others, and there’s the potential that you’ll get something that confuses you (but you’ll likely end up wanting in 6 months, because along with art, I also don’t really understand fashion or fashion trends). Most importantly there is something there for everyone. For the most part the designs hung out heavily in the love/like arena, combined with the killer music and personality of the models it was a lot of fun and a great way to start the night, bubbly in hand. I have to comment on the variety of women and body types showcased at the event. It was true to the causes mission to empower real women and a refreshing take on beauty. A++ for model selection and the message it sends to young women.
The fashion show ends and we ventured through the grand hall taking a chance for a few more photo ops. We made sure to stop at the paper flower wall where everyone was helping each other get the perfect group or selfie shot. After photos it was time for drinks and dancing. Selection of beverages were fair and nice to see BC wineries such as Mission Hill on the docket. Unlike some gala’s I’ve been to this one was straight up fun!!! Whoever hired the DJ deserves a solid pat on the back. There is nothing better than a night out with friends where solid throwbacks come on. By the end of the night we were tired, a little tipsy and ready to get home to our beds but we we’re dragged back to dance song after song. I can’t remember the last time I got home after 1 am and on Saturday morning I was unlocking my front door at 3:30 am. A very, very good sign.
The LBDGala supports local youth, and under privileged members of the community through philanthropic and innovative methods. They put on a great event for those just getting into the world of Galas, it’s entertaining, fun, and welcoming.
Words: Amanda Scott
Photos: Jenn Chan