"Project Runway" Star Shows Line Locally

Fairfield County fashion goes international this Thursday, October 7, when “Project Runway” winner and designer, Irina Shabayeva, shows her line for spring 2011 at the Helen Ainson boutique. It’s an evening of glitz and glam, and it’s all designed to raise money for area breast cancer programs.

“Irina’s collection is very dramatic,” says Erica Jensen, Helen Ainson’s elegant proprietor. “It’s filled with really striking pieces. She’s an incredible designer.” The designer may be imported from New York City’s fashion scene, but the models are local. “I decided to have my customers model the line,” says Erica. “And Irina agreed to it. So I have about a dozen women who will model the clothing.”

Erica is pulling out all the stops in her fashionable bid to raise money for breast cancer programs. “Scena,” Darien’s newest dining destination, “will provide the hors d’oeuvres and wine tasting. We’ll have a tent outside, a champagne bar inside. And of course, Irina will make an appearance. It’s going to be big.”

But after 33 years of dressing Darien women -- out of the shop named for her mother -- this event goes beyond the clothing for Erica. “I know so many women who have been touched by this disease. Two friends, several co-workers and more customers than you can imagine. When you’re job is dressing women, they tell you these things.”

Tickets are still available for this chance to catch a glimpse of the “Project Runway” winner’s line and support local breast cancer programs and research. At $25 a piece, you really can’t afford not to go. Purchase them online, or by calling 203-655-9841. Some may also be available at the door. But you should probably grab yours in advance. You’d hate to get there and hear those awful words, “You’re out.”

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