A Benefit To Help Find a Cure for Cystic Fibrosis

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Cheryl Lemoine
504.782.2410
RE: "Shop Out CF"

A Benefit To Help Find a Cure for Cystic Fibrosis

New Orleans, LA — Several emerging New Orleans fashion designers are teaming up with Vernon founder Chris Galliano and Robert LeBlanc of Lifestyle Revolution Group to create a unique and meaningful shopping experience at Vernon (2049 Magazine Street) on Thursday, August 4 from 6-8pm to raise funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. But, the true star of the evening will be the 8-year-old co-hostess of the event, Grace Rose Bauer, who suffers from cystic fibrosis. Grace Rose, daughter of designer and event co-organizer Leah Milana Bauer, is sure to melt hearts when she belts out a tune for guests during her live musical performance. The event is free to attend and open to the public. Vernon will donate 20% of all sales during the event to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to aid in finding a cure for the disease. Additionally, a raffle will be held featuring fabulous designer goods with all proceeds benefiting the cause.

Participating designers include Leah Bauer for Leah Milana, Forrest Bacigalupi for ArtsKinetic, Elsa Brodmann for Ottilie Brodmann, and Michaiah Bethune for Wildlife Reserve. Guest will enjoy complimentary food and beverages courtesy of Lifestyle Revolution Group. Also, Sunny, a local interactive DJ, will be spinning tunes to keep guests motivated to "Shop out CF".

"Part of Vernon’s mission is to support worthy charities and causes, and we could not think of a better organization to partner with than Cystic Fibrosis Foundation," said Chris Galliano, Vernon founder. "It’s incredibly rewarding, to assist in raising awareness of debilitating chronic diseases such as cystic fibrosis, as well as funds for research to find a cure. At the end of the day, we just want to help children and adults afflicted with such illnesses to live a long, gratifying life," he added.

MEET THE DESINGERS:

Leah Milana Bauer
Event organizer, Leah Milana Bauer, is a New Orleans native who currently resides, works, creates and plays in Los Angeles. Having an intense appetite for travel and exposure, Leah started her career studying at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, which led to careers in both Hong Kong and Los Angeles. Leah draws inspiration from travel and indigenous cultures, flea markets, vintage stores, and always, her eight-year-old daughter, Grace Rose.

Elsa Brodmann
New Orleans native, Elsa Brodmann was born into a family that bears a long line of dressmakers. Elsa is the designer Ottilie Brodmann, a women’s ready to wear label that is exclusively sold at Vernon. The collection is inspired by 60’s film and the classic women’s silhouette of the era. Her designs are primarily dresses that are versatile and are designed for the modern working woman in mind. Pieces from her collection been worn by local celebrities, including Burlesque Stars Trixie Minx, Roxie le Rouge, and Bella Blue. She has also been selected to style New Orleans chanteuse Anais St. John for her upcoming album.

Forrest Bacigalupi
Forrest is the designer for ArtsKinetic, a jewelry collection using found objects and incorporating in varieties of necklaces, earring, and bracelets. All of his designs are produced in his studio in the Riverbend of New Orleans. His designs have been featured in several publications including New Orleans Style Magazine and Amelie G.

Macaiah Bethune
Micaiah originally hails from Detroit, MI but has made New Orleans his home with his wife Tabitha, a New Orleans native. His tie collection is sold at Vernon and he is involved with a collaborative project with Vernon called Tied Together, a campaign highlighting industry icons in New Orleans by designing ties after them, which will be sold through Vernon and will fund local non-profits.

MEET VERNON:
Named after the late Dr. Vernon F. Galliano, grandfather of founder Chris Galliano, Vernon is not your normal clothing store. Vernon is a place where you can relax, have a cup of espresso and peruse an array of fashion-forward, refined styles. Vernon, a unique men’s and women’s clothing boutique catering to the New Orleans urbanite, will showcase visually intriguing brands focusing on local and American designers. The boutique is open Sunday thru Friday noon until 7pm and 11am until 7pm on Saturday. To get a taste of Vernon on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTD06PKl1io