Survivors, Thrivers, Conquerors
On Sunday, October 20, 2019 I had the profound opportunity of attending the 5-Year Milestone Celebration Purple Runway Fashion Show. This exquisite event was organized to bring awareness to Domestic Violence.
The CAUSE for The Purple Runway and the awareness that it brings to Domestic Violence is a subject matter that warrants a huge conversation!!
VENUE:
This 5YEAR MILESTONE Celebration took place at the Mercedes-Benz of Arlington. The Mercedes-Benz of Arlington is a located at 585 N Glebe Road, Arlington VA, 22203. The Pause for celebration was a celebration indeed!
The venue was perfect and fit the theme of the event. When entered on the far right of the venue, there was a pre-set Reception area which consisted of high top tables, vendors and a buffet area for food. The area was complete with 2 step and repeats near the entrance and a PURPLE CARPET!
This 1-level venue set-up was complete with the event runway and stage area situated to the far left of the venue. The WHITE Chairs and PURPLE RUNWAY LOGO decal printed on the RUNWAY created a elegant and sophisticated look for the event. Guests were greeted by shire white drapes with gold sparkle and purple drapes as the backdrop. I always say that less is more and just the right amount of décor can turn a boring event into a ravishing and exciting one!
On Sunday, October 20, 2019 I had the profound opportunity of attending the 5-Year Milestone Celebration Purple Runway Fashion Show. This exquisite event was organized to bring awareness to Domestic Violence.
- Nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. https://ncadv.org/statistics
- 85% of Domestic Violence Victims are women and 15% are males. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/men-killing-women-domesti_n_5927140
- About 63% of homeless women have experienced domestic violence in their adult lives. https://www.nationalhomeless.org/factsheets/domestic.html
- Men who are victimized are less likely than women to report their situation to police. https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/181867.pdf
- Most cases of domestic violence are never reported to police. https://www.domesticshelters.org/articles/statistics/domestic-abuse-topline-facts-and-statistics
The CAUSE for The Purple Runway and the awareness that it brings to Domestic Violence is a subject matter that warrants a huge conversation!!
VENUE:
This 5YEAR MILESTONE Celebration took place at the Mercedes-Benz of Arlington. The Mercedes-Benz of Arlington is a located at 585 N Glebe Road, Arlington VA, 22203. The Pause for celebration was a celebration indeed!
The venue was perfect and fit the theme of the event. When entered on the far right of the venue, there was a pre-set Reception area which consisted of high top tables, vendors and a buffet area for food. The area was complete with 2 step and repeats near the entrance and a PURPLE CARPET!
THE SAVVY EVENT GURU
This 1-level venue set-up was complete with the event runway and stage area situated to the far left of the venue. The WHITE Chairs and PURPLE RUNWAY LOGO decal printed on the RUNWAY created a elegant and sophisticated look for the event. Guests were greeted by shire white drapes with gold sparkle and purple drapes as the backdrop. I always say that less is more and just the right amount of décor can turn a boring event into a ravishing and exciting one!
The Cocktail
Reception:
With it’s high top tables and luxury floor length linens,
the floor room of the Mercedes Benz dealership was quickly turned into a
elegant space that greeted the guests as they entered the entrance to the venue. The Cocktail event began at about 5:30pm.
Food for the event was provided by Zappetizers. Guests were greeted with delicious appetizers
of shrimp cocktail, meatballs, chicken, spinach dip and more. The vendors outlined one wall of the space
and they provide wine tasting, jewelry, etc.
Each part of this event included entertainment. Guests were entertainment at the cocktail
hour by Singer Beverly Johnson and Singer Chris Meraki. After which, the MC, Dr. Renee’ Allen turned
the floor over to the Event HOST and Founder of the Purple Runway, Gigi
McMillan. Gigi then thanked the sponsors,
her team and her partners! After a few
more laughs, more networking and food, it was time for the fashion show to
begin!
FOUNDER & EVENT HOST Gigi McMillan
Founder of The Purple Runway & Event Host with Founder of The Bernie House; funds from the Purple Runway event were donated to this Organization, that provide Transitional housing for families made Homeless due to Domestic Violence.
The PURPLE CARPET Correspondent for this event was Public Figure, TV Reporter Debra Alfarone!
Purple Carpet Correspondent & The Savvy Event Guru
The Fashion Show:
The introduction to the Purple Runway’s 5th year
milestone consisted of a skit with the Models dressed in all black working the runway with Mirrors. I am worthy, I am beautiful, was some of what
was said by the models as they created a FLOOD on the runway. After the intro, the Founder and Event Host, Gigi Mcmillan
and her family strutted down the runway!
Gigi McMillan spoke and gave the Welcome, followed by words from Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton. After which it was time for the fashion show to begin!
The Purple Runway Fashion Show displayed Collections by Justina, Manny Toraz, AncaDesign, Rosendorf/ Evans and a collection by Nicteel! The models took the stage and designers displayed their
fashion in an exceptional way. Gowns,
dresses, jumpsuits and furs were all on display.
Each designer did a fantastic job with the style for the runway. Its not easy being a designers and not
everyone can do the job that they do!
During the fashion show, there was a performance by singer Keri,
Words from Founder of The Bernie House, a performance by
Epiphany and a presentation by the Community Champions!
Fur designer Rosendorf/Evans came to the stage with FURS for all
seasons!! This designer had furs ranging from vest to full length
coats. With winter only months away the furs were right on time.
The Finale Designer for The Purple Runway was a beautiful
Collection by Nicteel! This was such a great event.
Overall
Experience:Words from Founder of The Bernie House, a performance by
Epiphany and a presentation by the Community Champions!
Fur designer Rosendorf/Evans came to the stage with FURS for all
seasons!! This designer had furs ranging from vest to full length
coats. With winter only months away the furs were right on time.
The Finale Designer for The Purple Runway was a beautiful
Collection by Nicteel! This was such a great event.
My overall experience of the Purple Runway’s 5th
year milestone fashion show celebration can be describe as being an event that over delivered on my expectations. This event definitely delivered on coordination of logistics, style, entertainment and decor!
The true meaning and definition of what the Purple Runway event stands for was shown and exhibited through-out the advertisement for the event and on the actual day of the event. My admiration for the cause and the woman behind the Purple Runway has grown tremendously after viewing such an amazing event .
The Founder and host of The Purple Runway Mrs. Gigi McMillan has created a MOVEMENT of women who use their stories of domestic violence to fuel and motivate others to take stands, that they may not have ever imagine that they could. This movement is one of complete Sisterhood and a strong source of SuperWoman Power!
When I arrived to the Purple runway event, I was assisted by 2 ladies at the registration/check-in desk. I received my PRESS PASS and I was then escorted to the Fashion Show area and seated in the Photo Pit area, to view the fashion show. I had the BEST Seat in the house, or at least I thought I did! The fashion show lasted until about 9:30pm! The entertainment, designers, the Host and special guests helped make this 5th year milestone celebration and celebration to remember. All staff were very helpful and resourceful in helping me get to where I needed to be.
The true meaning and definition of what the Purple Runway event stands for was shown and exhibited through-out the advertisement for the event and on the actual day of the event. My admiration for the cause and the woman behind the Purple Runway has grown tremendously after viewing such an amazing event .
The Founder and host of The Purple Runway Mrs. Gigi McMillan has created a MOVEMENT of women who use their stories of domestic violence to fuel and motivate others to take stands, that they may not have ever imagine that they could. This movement is one of complete Sisterhood and a strong source of SuperWoman Power!
FOUNDER & EVENT HOST Gigi McMillan & The Savvy Event Guru
Bucceri Elite' Modeling Agency Owner Heidi Gumucio and The Savvy Event Guru
Model Shelena Harris & The Savvy Event Guru
Model Richard Senkbile & The Savvy Event Guru
For More from The Savvy Event Guru check out Our website at www.thesavvyeventguru.com and also check us out on THE SAVVY EVENT GURU YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe-Ya14sTzPi-1qzz3BSSWQ