Vivian Wise promised a party with a purpose for her three-day Heart of Fashion runway event at Million Air Houston airplane hangar near Hobby Airport.

On Wednesday, the opening night, she delivered with a New York-style fashion extravaganza complete with flowing champagne, music by DJ Lewis Grell and  designer runway shows.  Some 300 people walked the 50-foot pink carpet into the massive lobby area that featured sleek lounging chairs, several bars with complimentary cocktails and dispensers of plantains and chips to nibble on. Todd Events created the setting.

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Inside the tent, guests filled the rows and VIPs settled at bistro-style tables near the runway. Seemingly every seat in the house was a good one.

photo: party dresses nz

The night featured collections by Cushnie Et Ochs presented by Neiman Marcus, Norisol Ferrari by Tootsies and Angel Sanchez by Elizabeth Anthony.

Cushnie Et Ochs, a line started by designers Carly Cushnie and Michelle Ochs in 2008, captured a youthful spirit with pieces for the body-conscious woman. Norisol Ferrari brought the edge with fierce leather looks and white-and-black pairings. You could see how Janet Jackson is a fan. Then Angel Sanchez, who began his career in bridal design, captivated the audience with bold-hued dresses.  

The purpose of it all was to support Wise's Texas Legacy Foundation that will give a portion of the proceeds from ticket sales to non-profits Butterflys & Bandages, Legacy Community Health Services and Meals on Wheels for Greater Houston.

Legendary model Carmen Dell'Orefice was presented with the Legacy Award by fashion designer Ralph Rucci, who was the featured designer for the Chronicle's Best Dressed Luncheon and Neiman Marcus Presentation in 2014.

At 84, Dell'Orefice is the industry's oldest working model. 

"I always look up and say, 'Pappa, thanks so much for your bones and Mamma, too, for your true grit,' " she said. 

"My father was Italian. He was beautiful and was a symphony violinist. My mother was a Hungarian immigrant who was a dancer and in theater. I come from genuine stock. I wasn't inherited money. I worked hard for everything."

The show was quick with an 8:30 start, then ending about 45 minutes later. After it was over, guests spilled into the lobby for dancing until nearly 11 p.m. Yes, they partied.

On Thursday, the "Men's Night" features "Men's Night," with Eleventy presented by M. Penner; La Isla Swimwear; Valobra Master Jewelers; and STAG Provisions. On Friday, it's women's wear collections by Peter Cohen, Paola Contreras, Abi Ferrin and Ungaro.

See more: http://www.angelamall.co.nz/formal-dresses-online.html