by intern David Longo
Photo credit: Haley Schiffer
Knock Out Abuse’s luxurious fashion event raised funds for the D.C. based organization that benefits victims of domestic violence and was hosted by Saks Fifth Avenue, Park Hyatt Washington and DC Magazine.
They’ve promoted awareness and raised money to fight domestic abuse for the past 19 years, raising over 8 million dollars to support damaged lives. As a way of raising aid money, “Knock Out Abuse In Style” invited supporters and close friends to a fabulous night of fashion, prizes and philanthropy.
The event began in an elegantly decorated room on the lower floor as a social hour for V.I.P. guests, consisting of fine wine and dining.
Circling the room was the high-spirited author and style expert, Lauren A. Rothman. Rothman has been featured on CNN, E! News, The Insider and is now spreading the word on her new book Style Bible: What to Wear to Work.
Lauren A. Rothman
Style Bible consists of tips and anecdotes to help the everyday person add a flare to their style one item at a time. Rothman told Hollywood on the Potomac: “I work a lot with corporate clients, so I help companies figure out how their employees should be dressing appropriately for the office and I found that with a lot of companies, I would go in and do seminars and afterwards they’d say ‘Lauren, I wish you had a book!’ and so the idea was born!.” Style Bible is currently available for pre-order on Amazon.com and at your local Barnes & Noble retailer.
Once the V.I.P. portion of the night came to an end, a magnificent showroom of Saks Fifth Avenue’s newest products was opened to the party guests. With fashion pieces ranging from Burberry coats to Alexander McQueen dresses to Christian Louboutin heels, there wasn’t a chance at keeping the cash from flowing out of your wallet.
Connecting to the showroom was a beautifully lit all-white runway which is where the remainder of the event was held. Glamorous models maneuvered up and down the runway wearing all of the Winter 2013 trends for this year. As the styles were being presented to the crowd, Rothman was providing them with her flawless fashion tips: “A first impression happens within the first five seconds [of meeting someone],” Rothman shared,” and we want it to be the right one.”
The live auction promised all proceeds would go to Knock Out Abuse.
Live Auction #1 – DC Package consisted of 2 nights at the Park Hyatt Washington Executive Suite, breakfast for two, a welcoming VIP gift, and a $1,000 credit at Saks Fifth Avenue. This was won by an ecstatic women in the crowd, with a final bidding of $1,700.
Live Auction #2 – New York Package consisted of 2 roundtrip first class tickets to NYC from DC, 2 nights at the new (opening Spring 2014) Park Hyatt Deluxe room, breakfast for two, Saks Fifth Avenue Luxury Cosmetics Gift Bag, and 2 tickets to attend a runway show in NYC’s fall fashion week. Another lucky winner took this prize home, bidding a whopping $4,000.
After the bidding, Lauren Rothman signed books while Saks Fifth Avenue sold the merchandise that was on display – a win, win.
