By Katherine Ellis
Photography and videography by James Park
The roof of the National Arts Centre in Ottawa was the place to see and be seen at Flaunt: The Pre-Party on June 29.
Guests of all ages enjoyed the red carpet treatment leading to the roof and, after a few quick camera clicks, made their way into the shopping haven.
More than 25 vendors displayed their wares, with Rachel Sin, Milk, Vanity’s Closet, Apple & Pear and Victoire among them. Jewelry from Mizdragonfly and frAsh was also available.
Waiters expertly navigated through the crowd of nearly 400 attendees, serving mimosas (virgin and champagne), while guests were getting pampered at the make-up, hair and nail stations, shopping and dancing to the musical stylings of DJs Night and Select under the white tent and chandeliers overhead.
But what would a girl’s night out be without sweet treats and great prizes? Cupcakes and candy were in abundance, including a free candy stand where attendees were able to make their own goodie bags. Guests also had the opportunity to win prizes from The Arc Hotel, Via Rail, SynSue, Cherry Blossom Pole Studio and Bridgehead.
Other stand outs of the night included teachers and students from the Cherry Blossom Pole Dancing Studio performing pole fitness routines. The only male model of the night was at the Dylan Ribkoff booth – he sported nothing but the Montreal designer’s staple item: underwear!
FAJO Magazine spoke with Stacey Bafi-Yeboa, the host and organizer of Flaunt, who is also the owner and designer of Kania Couture. She shared further details of the event, which is now in its third year (see video below).
Part of the proceeds from Flaunt were donated to the Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, in honour of Helene Campbell. Campbell is the first recipient of a double-lung transplant.
Since her operation, the Ottawa native has appeared on the Ellen DeGeneres Show, received the Diamond Jubilee Medal from Prime Minister Stephen Harper, and has become a force promoting lung and tissue transplants via her website and Twitter.
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