Vancouver’s fashion community was out in full force August 16^th for the second annual edition of Be Bare: Vancouver’s Naughtiest Fashion Auction, held at the fabulous Commodore Ballroom. Approximately $35,000 was raised to benefit volunteer-run Rose Charities, a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization that sends 98% of all donated funds directly to countries and people in need. Current initiatives include eye restoration surgeries in Cambodia, HIV and AIDS projects in Nepal, educational support for Sri Lankan students, and more.

Noot Seear, supermodel and chairperson for Rose Charities (an initiative helmed by members of her family), acted as celebrity host at the fashion show where garments were auctioned straight off the model’s backs and into the hands of the highest bidder. MCs Dave Dimapilis and PJ Prinsloo of Sketch Laugh Lounge threw themselves in the mix with the SVS Style Crew hip hop dancers as an introduction to the show, where male and female models tastefully teased an audience of 900 to solicit higher and higher bids – many of which originated from the VIP viewing section on the balcony. When Maynards auctioneer Brad Scott called “sold!” the clothes flew off, revealing skivvies by Vancouver’s Third Floor Designs to the delightful glee of the audience and their hoots of appreciation.

Local stores and designers Mellinda-Mae Harlingten, Richard Kidd, One of a Few, Jonathan + Olivia, Kulpa, Dace, Evan & Dean, Sunja Link, Brooklyn Clothing and Allison Wonderland generously donated garments for the fashion show and auction. The Anita sweater dress by Dace earned an impressive $1300 after a bidding war ensued (tip…for the $210 version hit up www.shopdace.com); Marchesa’s silk and metallic floral jacquard strapless cocktail dress nabbed top dollar at $1600; a stunning $8000 Vera Wang silk gown garnered a paltry $1200; and Evidence of Evolution’s menswear ensemble came close to the $600 retail price with a $550 bid.

Our top runway picks from the show? Sunja Link’s polished dresses, seemingly inspired by kick-ass retro uniforms; fraternal men’s cardigans courtesy of Brooklyn Clothing Co.; and Mellinda-Mae Harlingten’s houndstooth pieces. And since so many local designers partook in the event, you can find many of these wares in local shops and boutiques.

Stay tuned for similar events organized by Noot as she continues to promote the success of fun, fashionable and charitable events across North America. And of course, Be Bare Vancouver will be back for round three around this time next year.

INFAMOUS MAGAZINE, SEP 2007 ISSUE