Hailey, Idaho, October 25, 2010 — A full house of 200 people packed the nexStage Theatre Saturday for The Advocates’ Fashion Show, where stylish personalities and clothing, and music gave the models plenty to strut about as they worked it on the catwalk. The show was presented by The Advocates for Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (www.theadvocates-aplacetogo.org) as part of the October focus on Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

“It was a super fun and high energy youthful event that provided a positive avenue for educating the community about The Advocates' work to end domestic violence and sexual assault,” said Executive Director Tricia Swartling. “In addition, the audience loved the creativity and seeing the fabulous finds from The Advocates’ Attic thrift store. Our celebrity judge, Cameron Silver, was charismatic and added authentic fashion advice to all who attended.”

“Energy was high and the crowd responded with tremendous enthusiasm to the diverse fashion designs in everything from cashmere, to silk, to faux fur, wool and jersey. Attendees rushed the stage to shop the unique fashion finds from The Attic and the Redesign Contest entries,” said Event Chair Pattie Wells. Those who missed the evening can still shop the remaining two racks of show stopper fashions at The Advocates Attic thrift store through Friday, Oct. 29 (12 W. Carbonate St., Hailey).

Special Guest Judge and Commentator Cameron Silver is a vintage couture expert and owner of DECADES, boutiques in Los Angeles and London. Silver was named one of Time magazine’s “25 Most Influential Names and Faces in Fashion” in 2002 and frequently influences the styling of Hollywood celebrities on the red carpet. His new Decades Denim line launched this fall 2010. Silver offered tips for savvy thrift shopping and selected the winners in each of the fashion categories.

“Today, luxury is ubiquitous. Thrift store shopping and vintage are very modern. With thrift store shopping, you have a chance to find a mysterious piece that speaks to you and create a new, modern story for that piece,” he said. “Whether you are a size 4 or 14, savvy thrift shopping is about accenting your new dress or suit with a single exquisite vintage item, such as jewelry or handbag that evokes a mystery or conversation, and you will own the room,” Silver advised.

The prize winners: Youth first place $100 prize: Collette Block. Description: Tank, skirt with ribbons, and sweater necklace. She separated skirt from Isaac Mizrahi dress and added new waist band with ribbons, cut sweater necklace from the top of men’s gray sweater.

Youth runner up $50 prize: Isaac Brannon. Description: Tank top, skirt & headband. He created tank top from short-sleeved striped t-shirt, created skirt by combining jean skirt and pink skirt and a headband from the cut-off sleeve

Adult first place $100: Magaly Estrada. Description: Ivory tube top and printed blue skirt. She created an ivory tube top from shirt and skirt from printed blue dress

Adult runner up $50 prize: Janit Karrys. Description: Hockey jersey red, black and white; top and skirt with hat and leggings

Chairperson, The Advocates’ Attic Fashion Redesign Contest and Fashion Show: Pattie Wells, a veteran hairstylist at Tru Spa and the owner of A:nu boutique. A:nu features 100 percent recycled and reconstructed cashmere accessories created by Pattie. Committee: Leigh Barer, Margaret Block, MArgery Friedlander, Peggy Elliott Goldwyn, Tricia Swartling.

Contest Participants: Blair Baker, Shirley Barer, Collette Block, Margaret Block, Lucy Brannon, Isaac Brannon, Magaly Estrada, Janit Karrys, Gabriele Meadows, Cindy Ward and Elizabeth Pfordte, Nicole Pratt

Emcee: Denise Simone, Core Company Artist, Company of Fools.

Local Judges: Liz Brown, L’Anne Gilman and Zoey Pierce. Our team of local judges will select the top 20 designs to be featured on the catwalk.

Red Carpet Sponsors: Cornerstone Bar and Grill, Peggy Elliott Goldwyn. Cornerstone Bar and Grill generously donated 10 percent of total sales on Oct. 23 to The Advocates.

Supporters: Adrica Salon, A:nu boutique, Denise Simone, The Dollhouse ,DJ McClain, Déjà vu Make-up by Jessica Matluck, Jennifer Milgard, Music n‘ Me, Panache RP Graphic Design Studio, Worth Repeating

Raffle Prize Donors 24/7 Skin Spa, A:nu boutique First Lite Giro, KB's Lizzy's Fresh Coffee Jennifer Milgard Natural Rhymes, SCOTTEVEST, Inc., Sleight of Hand Cellars Tru Day Spa

Our Fashion Show Volunteers: Jolie Blair, Collette Block, Margaret Block, Jenny Blomquist, Linni Blomquist, Twyla Bulcher, Susan Fierro, Margery Friedlander, Steve England, Paul Hansen, Darrel Harris, Gabriele Meadows, Isia Robinson, Mary Robinson, Jan Super, Tricia Swartling, Alexa Szombathy, Dana Thomas

Models: Nicole Brown, Keah Jones, Michele Krankkala, Adrienne Leugers, Camille Leugers, Kelly Neilson, Caron Oclassen, Davis Olson, Jenny Patterson, Susan Robinson, Rebecca Rusch, Kerstin Spindler, Emily Watts, India Wysong

Special Thanks: The Advocates‘ Attic Staff, The Advocates‘ Staff , Jenny Blomquist who performed Up to the Mountain, Joy Kasputys , nexStage Theatre Staff, all who have donated clothing to The Attic.

 About The Advocates for Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Led by executive director Tricia Swartling, The Advocates for Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (www.theadvocates-aplacetogo.org) is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit with the mission to prevent domestic violence and sexual assault in our communities through education, shelter and supportive services. Since 1991, The Advocates has helped more than 5,000 women and children in our community leave violent relationships behind and rebuild their lives. The Advocates’ free essential services are available in English and Spanish, 24 hours a day and include a staffed shelter, counseling, and legal guidance. Vital funding support is realized through the Annual Fund drive. Additional funding sources include The Advocates’ Attic Thrift Store, the Annual Chip-In for The Advocates Golf Tournament, The Annual Gala Auction, and public and private foundation grants.