From the streets of Cleveland to the set of “Project Runway,” fashion designer Valerie Mayen continues to inspire us with her contemporary pieces of clothing and the glamour of high fashion.
Mayen owns the Yellowcake Shop, a clothing boutique located on Detroit Avenue in Cleveland’s Gordon Square Arts District. She was a contestant on Season 8 of “Project Runway” until she was eliminated in episode 10 during a textile challenge. Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn may have stopped this lady from living her dreams on television, but she’s building even bigger dreams here in Cleveland.
The second annual Hullabaloo Fashion Show is taking place Friday, Nov. 8 in Lakewood at the Screw Factory. Due to the popularity of last year’s event, this year’s venue can host up to 600 people. But that doesn’t mean you can wait until the last minute to buy your tickets — this event is sure to be a sell out! Featuring Cleveland made and inspired high fashion pieces and signature Yellowcake dresses, guests will be able to purchase items at the event to deck out their closets this season. You can even bid on some furniture made exclusively for the evening.
Hullabaloo 2013 will be in memory of Mayen’s longtime friend and mentor, Lisa Luciano, who recently succumbed to cancer after a five-year battle:
This year’s theme is inspired by the life and times of Valerie’s greatest mentor and best friend Lisa who succumbed after a 5-year battle with cancer last fall. As a nanny for Lisa’s family of eight for over six years while starting Yellowcake, Valerie became very familiar with the joys, struggles and tragedy they endured. Growing close to the children and her friend, Valerie became one of the family as well. The love story Lisa shared between her husband and children is the backdrop to the collection aptly titled “Companion” that Valerie is creating exclusively for the event. Seven mini collections or “chapters” will detail Lisa’s story from beginning to end and then some. Experience the “Companion” collection at Hullabaloo – life, love and healing.”
Like cocktails? Feel free to drink up at this event as all bar proceeds will benefit the PMP Cancer Research Foundation. (Just be sure to have a designated driver!)
Too bad she did not recognize the young girls who performed with her the night of the event. That was sad and too bad for those girls.