Fashion for a cause

The Paris Ballroom of Hotel Monaco was resonating with the sound of upbeat music as models sauntered seductively down a runway aisle before 70 onlookers at the “Strut to End Alz” fashion show Saturday night.

Monica Razniewski, a member of the Sigma Kappa Sorority, began organizing the event with photographer David Bailey in Sept. 2014.

Their vision was to dedicate 100 percent of the proceeds from ticket and auction sales directly to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Thanks to the Sigma Kappa Foundation, Razniewski was seeing double: The foundation matched donations dollar for dollar, increasing its overall contribution to the association.

“It’s been my dream for so long to actually put on a fashion show,” Razniewski said. “And what better way to put it on than coupling it with a good cause?”

“Strut to End Alz’s” featured three fashion brands: Karen Ashley Fashion, Couture Papillon, and JULEANO.

Karen Ashley opened the show with a charmeuse halter gown with a vibrant rouge chiffon skirt that caressed the floor. Another of her models strutted down the runway in a cerulean cocktail dress with organza ruffles accessorized with Swarovski crystals.

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“I thought [the fashion show] was phenomenal,” said Laura Kosinski, one of the attendees. “It was like over the moon, way beyond my expectations. I feel like it was such a special treat to see fresh, current designers. I’ve never met anyone in person; it was awesome.”

Couture Papillon paid homage to classic Hollywood femininity drawing references from Christian Dior’s “New Look” silhouette. The pearl necklaces and bridal gloves were reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn in her 1954 film, “Sabrina.”

Kristen Kirst, president of the Sigma Kappa Foundation, was also present at the “Strut to End Alz” fashion show. The foundation has had ties with the Alzheimer’s Association for more than 30 years.

“Just [last] June, [Sigma Kappa] made a $1 million fundraising commitment to Alzheimer’s, so our collegians and our alumni are really stepping forward,” Kirst said. “Monica really saw this an opportunity to bring her love for fashion. Sigma Kappa, and Alzheimer’s all to the front through this event.”

Closing the show, JULEANO offered an athletic yet almost interstellar twist to red carpet dresses; it was clean and edgy, yet soft. The dark charcoal palettes were juxtaposed with dazzling sequined slit skirts that had alienesque fins on the sides. The abstract 3-D prints also gave the collection an otherworldly allure.

Ronald Ning took the “Strut to End Alz” fashion show a little more personally than others. Ning’s grandfather passed away four years ago, suffering late stages of dementia from Alzheimer’s disease.

“When I saw him, when he was dying, he couldn’t even remember my name,” Ning said. “There are a lot of studies saying that I am genetically more [predisposed] to have it.”

Ning said that his biggest worry if he is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease is that he will be a burden to his family and friends.

“[Strut to End Alz] raises awareness of what’s going on,” Ning said. “Fashion is a good way to kind of put something behind the cause; I think it’s a good way to kind of put it out there.”