Gainesville Fashion Week kicked off its second night of events on Wednesday at Sharab Lounge with an art show and silent auction.
Society Promotions, a local non-profit organization, auctioned off jewelry made by prostitutes in China's urban areas. All profits from the sales will be donated to Eden China, a project that encourages alternative careers for sex industry workers.
After attendees viewed the artwork and jewelry, puffed on hookahs and enjoyed free refreshments, they were herded upstairs to watch the Etc. Boutique and Allure Featuring Natalie Kim fashion shows.
Etc. Boutique, a local clothing shop, showed first with 17 looks on models with curls in their hair. Most outfits were a casual jean look, but some pieces would work for special nights out and game days.
Allure Featuring Natalie Kim topped off the night with 18 original game day dresses.
Models wearing Natalie Kim's Game-Day dress line walk the runway at the end of Wednesday's fashion show. (Photo: Ashley McCredie)
Natalie Kim, a UF graduate, began designing orange and blue dresses four years ago. The dresses, inspired by '50s fashion, featured everything from striped ribbons to tutus.
Tomorrow, the Avenue will cover Fashion Week's scavenger hunt across Gainesville boutiques. On Friday, Dahlia and Bobby K, two local designers, will show at Skyy.
Gainesville Fashion Week includes a full schedule of this week's events on their Web site.
-Ashley McCredie, Avenue Writer
