LUXE
An emerging fundraising-through-fashion event is now in three Ohio cities and looking at opportunities to expand. See how they’re encouraging independent designers to work together to support non-profit organizations and their missions.
LUXE Gives Back wants to make a difference in its small part of the world through its new event LUXE, a marquee fashion fundraising event.
The events put on by LUXE Gives Back benefit non-profit organizations and each event features a theme with three key elements, according to Founders Lisa Robin Adkinson and Valerie Jones.
Each event features a runway show with merchandise from a group of independent fashion and accessories designers. “We use volunteer models, often involved with our non-profit partner, that are diverse women representing the local community,” says Adkinson.
LUXE also features a pop-up marketplace that designers from the runway show set up to allow attendees to shop. “LUXE curates regional, indie designers to deliver truly unique merchandize,” she explains. What makes this pop-up experience unique, she adds, is that participation is by invitation only.
In addition to the pop-ups and runway shows, LUXE Magazine is a publication that goes out in conjunction with each event. “The magazine is designed with beautiful fashion spreads and feature articles about some of the amazing people supporting LUXE events alongside regular columns on style, beauty, business, arts, and inspiration,” says Adkinson.
The inspiration for LUXE comes from the desire to help independent designers, especially in the Midwest, grow their customer base and expose them to unique designs and merchandise.
“There are plenty of marketplaces and vendor opportunities, but there isn’t one specifically focused on indie designers,” explains Adkinson. “Pop-up shops are extremely popular with shoppers and designers alike. Our inspiration was to bring designers together to work collaboratively to minimize marketing costs and build a viable fashion community. Plus, all of the designers involved also support our mission to give back.”
There are still some remaining events for LUXE through the end of the year:
Saturday, September 14, 2019, LUXE Dayton + YWCA Dayton at the White House Event Center, downtown Dayton.
Saturday, October 12, 2019, LUXE Cincy + COCA- Council on Child Abuse, an affiliate of Talbert House at Fueled Collective, Rookwood.
Saturday, October 26, 2019, LUXE Columbus + National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) at Versa Grandview.
Adkinson says that what makes these LUXE events unique is that they want to engage sponsors and attendees alike, while helping beneficiaries feel supported.
Adkinson says that 16 months after launching LUXE is now in three cities. “LUXE has filled a niche in the market, and we have received several requests to bring the concept to additional cities,” she says.
Currently, LUXE is working on 2020 events now, with LUXE Cincy + YWCA Cincinnati scheduled for March 14, 2020 at Fueled Collective.
To learn more about LUXE, visit www.luxegivesback.com. There you can sign up for a complimentary subscription to the LUXE Magazine. Adkinson says those interested in modeling, stylists or hair and makeup, can submit interest here. Volunteers can click here and information on in-kind and paid sponsors is available here.
To follow along with upcoming events and news, follow LUXE on Facebook and Instagram.
