Fashion show california

Fashionistas long have appreciated the value of an occasional expedition to the local thrift store. The Salvation Army has now taken that idea and run with it.

For the second year, the Southern California division of the Salvation Army will hold its "Go Vintage" fashion show April 27 at the Museum of Neon Art on Olympic Boulevard downtown. Eight noted Los Angeles fashion designers will display and auction off original fashions that started as thrift-store seconds.

"One of our designers, Estevan Ramos, takes big mens' suits and oversized womens' dresses and makes them into body-hugging one-of-a-kind items," said Kamara Noelle Sams, director of media relations for the local Salvation Army. "Of course, the designs aren't being sold for bottom-basement thrift store prices, but they are not at designer prices either."

Last year's event barely broke even, but Sams said more designers have signed on this year and the Army is close to selling out the available 500 tickets, which are going for $75 each.

Proceeds will benefit Alegria, a Los Angeles residential community for homeless and low-income families living with HIV/AIDS. For information, call (213) 553-3255.

COPYRIGHT 2002 CBJ, L.P.
COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group