BBB Army of Love Fashion Show at Larz Anderson Auto Museum

There’s nothing like a Saturday evening spent in a beautiful castle-like building in Brookline, weaving through clusters of women in shimmering evening gowns, men in tuxedos, and - cars. There’s something delightfully amiss about seeing priceless, exotic automobiles indoors, especially when they are flocked by mannequins wearing evening gowns by the likes of Bob Mackie and other well-known designers.

 

The evening kicked off with drinks and hors d’oeuvres, provided by Forum, while upstairs models prepped for the first show of the night: a presentation from Soodee on Newbury Street. Fashion shows almost always start late, and this was no exception, so I grabbed a Sam Adams and snuck backstage for a behind-the-scenes peek before the dresses hit the runway.

 

 

The pieces were attractive and wearable, though just a tad bit too obvious (leopard print?) to be as innovative as some of the other shows from Boston Fashion Week.

The runway show was followed by an incredible performance from Boston Native Shea Rose, once dubbed “America’s Next Female Rapper” by Queen Latifah. She played a few of her own songs, including “I’m the Ish” (which will be my ringtone by morning), and a shockingly awesome hip-hop/rock rendition of The Cranberries’ “Zombie”. Totally unexpected; totally mindblowing. I can safely say that I left the event wanting three things – her album, the BBB dress she was wearing, and an afro of my very own.

 

After a brief live auction, Bless by Bless Couture (BBB) hit the runway. Zimbabwe-born designer Blessing Mazarura created this club-ready collection of “Street Couture” for a fearless, fierce rock-n-roller who is not afraid of short hemlines and unexpected cutouts.

Let’s not forget that aside from the fashion, drinking, and truly amazing music – the basic elements of a Saturday night well spent - the evening also raised money for Christopher’s Haven, a charity that provides temporary housing for the families of children with cancer who travel to Boston for treatment. 

- Renata Certo-Ware

Renata Certo-Ware is a freelance writer who blogs at www.scorpiondisco.com.