Jersey Shore Winter Fashion Show Supports Local Boutiques

On December 6th, 2011, Jersey Shore Premiere Events organized the Jersey Shore Winter Fashion Show in Middletown. Hosts Rosa Davis and Chris Fotache welcomed over 120 people on the runway at the Jacques Reception Center. Combining “small business” with a “big heart”, the event created some “fashion passion” to support the local boutiques. Organizer Rosa Davis said it best: “This is not just a regular fashion show, but rather a fashion community supporting everyone’s extended communities. It is more than just an event, it is a celebration of the Jersey Shore’s wealth of local beauty and character.”

The fashion show supported small businesses from the Jersey Shore area by representing and boosting the exposure of seven unique and enticing boutiques or designers, mostly from coastal Monmouth County, who showcased their winter and spring lines.

The event also collected toys that attendees brought, in addition to the toys that were purchased with part of the proceeds, to benefit the Jason’s Dreams for Kids, a charity foundation that helps children with life-threatening illnesses. Most of these toys will end up at children hospitals this Christmas, putting a smile on some little faces.

Rare Cargo Boutique represented Manasquan, coming with their regular crew of devoted models. Posch Boutique brought some glamour from Rumson, while Fresh Boutique from Long Branch/Pier Village showed off some fresh outfits for the younger crowd. Double Take from Red Bank dressed up the more experienced models, and OG Surf Shop from Ocean Grove represented the hip surf&skate community from the shore. Bella Mystique, an online boutique based in Middletown, presented some of the most sought-after outfits.

Renowned New Jersey designer Darius Gibbs introduced his Fusion Apparel line. Mr. Gibbs told us: “The show was great and it was indeed nice working with both Chris and Rosa. Although the models are not professionals, they look great with what they wore that night. It was my first time to dress a little older guys but hey, my lines looks amazing on them. This is a true testimony that my lines and designs are not intended only to young men’s but also to people like Dr. Korwin and Al Aloisi.”

The show’s MC was none other than 95.5 Rat Radio‘s “Rockin’ Robyn” Lane. Live entertainment was offered by Sibling Rivalry, the duo of brothers Justin and Alina, very popular for their strong acoustic roots and melodic harmonies. Apryl Evans also used her great voice to sing a few songs, highlighted by an emotional cover of Journey’s “Faithfully”

Paul Mitchell the School – Jersey Shore was the exclusive hair styling/make-up provider, offering services for another successful fashion show. Owner Jenny Schmidt said: “We are a cosmetology school located in Brick, NJ. We were delighted to have to opportunity to work with you guys again. This is great experience for our future stylists to showcase their work. Rosa and Chris are incredible to work with; they are experts when it comes to putting on events and fashion shows and we are treated with first class all the way! We love the relationship with them, and look forward to future events.”

As before, guests were shown another edition of the “Girls Next Door” themed fashion show which has been all the rage, highlighting local talented beauties as well as familiar faces, including local pageant winners 2011 Rat Rock Girl Melissa Maria, 2012 Rat Rock Girl Apryl Evans, Mrs. New Jersey Ceylonne Booth, Mrs. Monmouth County Shanna Edwards or Mrs. Red Bank DonnaLyn Giegerich.

Although you wouldn’t guess from the professional look of the runway walks, most models were non-professionals, many of them even first-timers! One of them was the beautiful Samantha Maxted of Middletown, who was very excited about the experience: “As a first time runway model I’m so glad I participated in the Jersey Shore Premiere show! I had a blast and everyone was great to work with. Definitely look forward to the next one”

Susan Korwin is a life coach and fashion expert, but this was her first time on the runway. Susan told us: “I have attended many events of Jersey Shore Premiere Networking and always had a great time. The recent fashion show to benefit local boutiques was no different! I had the time of my life modeling in this wonderful fashion event produced by Chris Fotache and Rosa Davis. Their efforts in bringing awareness to the wide array of fashionable boutiques in the central New Jersey area is to be commended, as mall shopping has become too popular of late. I loved my outfits from DoubleTake! I would not hesitate to attend and participate in their next event!”

Susan’s husband, Dr. Robert Korwin, modeled for the first time as well, walking for Darius Gibbs. Dr. Korwin owns Advanced Dentistry in Middletown and was one of the event’s sponsors. The fashion show wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the main sponsors which, besides Dr Korwin, included: Natcore Technology, which is working to change the economics of solar energy (and had three of its employees modeling on the runway!); Carl Maiorino Photography, expert in runway photography in NYC and beyond, who was also the official photographer of the fashion show; WRAT 95.9, Jersey Shore’s best rock radio station; VanNortwick Properties, providing business and residential property management; and ServPro of Freehold/Middletown, specialists in water and fire damage restoration.

WRAT Radio was represented not only by its famed DJ, Rockin Robyn, but also by its 2011 and 2012 Rat Girls, Melissa and Apryl. Melissa said: “All the models looked fabulous as they represented the hottest fashions from our local boutiques!!! The hair and make-up artists from the Paul Mitchell Jersey Shore Team did a great job. Everyone looked gorgeou$$$ and handsome 😉 DJ Matt Bruncati rocked the show along with live performances by my friend Apryl Evans and Sibling Rivalry. Our very own Rocker Robyn Lane MC’d the event and did such a great job!!! We also collected and purchased many toys for Jason’s Dreams for Kids”

While increasing the exposure of the seven participating boutiques, this fashion show was also a reminder to support our local communities and small businesses at large, as entrepreneurs and local community efforts are what make our hometowns the great places that they are.