Ophelia's Wardrobe Partners With Style Week For Fashion Show, Vintage Clothing Sale

Newport's own fashionista Doris Duke would have approved, as Newport's Ochre Court became a salon for the hip and trendy. Ophelia's Wardrobe, benefiting Child & Family's Ophelia Programs, was an event, as a runway show featured the hip, chic and trendy in fashion, with a cocktail preview sale and Style Week Runway Show that brought a New York vibe to historic Newport.

Attendees could, (and did) preview and purchase designer and gently used vintage women’s and men’s fashions from Ophelia’s Wardrobe and New England’s premier fashion designers. There was also a live auction on clothing from the personal collection of the late Miss Duke.

Jean diBona and Donald Pizinger

“We were extremely excited to have Style Week join our efforts this year providing a fabulous runway show,” stated Keith Tavares, Vice President of Institutional Advancement for Child and Family. “Guests saw some of the hottest up-and-coming fashion designs before they debut at Style Week Providence in August 2011. "

The Style Week Runway show produced by event co-chairs Rosanna Ortiz Sinel, Andrea Valentini and committee member Jonathan Joseph Peters featured designers Andrea Valentini, Avni Trivedi, Jessica Abernethy, Jennifer Greeke, Jonathan Joseph Peters and Samuel Vartan.

Colleen McGrath and Sharon Rust-Bottone, Director

of the Ophelia program

“Helping produce the Ophelia's Wardrobe event gave me the opportunity to use my chosen medium of fashion to make a difference in the lives of all of the special young women this program reaches out to,” according to designer Jonathan Joseph Peters contestant on season 7 of Lifetime Network Project Runway. “Both Style Week and my personal brand Jonathan Joseph Peters are proud and humbled to be included in this chic and philanthropic event.”

Ophelia’s Wardrobe had everything, from funky accessories to unique evening and casual wear at terrific prices . Designer and vintage clothing from Armani, Guy Laroche, Valentino, vintage Lilly Pulitzer, Brooks Brothers, Saks Fifth Avenue, St. Laurent, Christian Dior, Givenchy, and more at deeply discounted prices . The event was also rare opportunity to acquire fabulous clothing from the personal collection of the late Ms. Duke.

“We are extremely excited to have the designer outfits from Doris Duke’s personal collection available at Ophelia’s Wardrobe again this year”, stated Mary Ambrogi, Ophelia’s Wardrobe event co-chair. “In addition to Ms. Duke’s outfits we assembled an unbelievable collection of unique vintage and designer clothing, hats, handbags, shoes and accessories! Shoppers were amazed at the quality. What a great opportunity to walk away with a stylish bargain while supporting girls and young women from our community!”

The chic outdoor space by Richard Carbotti -- a Perfect Surrounding

The Friday evening event was styled by Richard Carbotti of Perfect Surroundings and featured hors d’oeuvres from Pranzi Catering and a full open bar.

On Saturday June 11th the public shopped at the Ophelia’s Wardrobe Sale Purchases supported Child & Family’s Ophelia Programs, a set of services designed to inspire, educate, and support girls and young women in Newport County and beyond.

Seen in the crowd of 350 on opening night were Angela Fischer and Diane Brown, the "Ladies of Lila" Melanie Delman, Robin Nicholson, Susan Gustafson, Bridgette Soby and Geer Messinger, Kimberly Skeen-Jones, Ophelia Program Director Sharon Rust-Bottone, Leslie Grosvenor, and Mary Riggs.

Jim Mason, Keith Tavares & Ed Lavalle

The Child & Family Ophelia Programs are an innovative and inspiring series of community forums for girls and young women. The program welcomes and engages girls and young women between the ages of 11 and 18 from diverse backgrounds in a safe and inviting environment to explore the social, psychological and cultural issues which have a lifelong impact on their development.

Child & Family is a private, 501(c) 3 Social Service Agency. Every day since 1866, members of the Newport County community have come together at C&F to receive help, to give help and to support the work of others. 365 days a year, C&F is working to provide compassionate care to all those who are in need. For information go to: www.childandfamilyri.org