Fashion in the Vineyards has become the Boys & Girls Club’s second-largest fundraiser, and was founded in 2002 by Club president Deborah Emery. This year’s theme is “The Devil Wears Helen Lyall,” and the show is being choreographer, produced and outfitted by Helen Lyall. Guests at the event can purchase the clothing and accessories after the show.
Photos by Ryan Lely
If you couldn’t make it to Milan or Paris for Fashion Week, and if that invitation from Balenciaga seems to have gotten lost in the mail, don’t despair, you can still get a front row seat at one of the most important fall fashion events, “Fashion in the Vineyards!” later this month.
The show, which benefits the Boys & Girls Club Valley of the Moon, has grown since its inception five years ago to become the club’s second-largest fundraiser. Attendance has increased to over 400, prompting a move this year to Cline Cellars Barrel Room. “When people see this show, they are amazed that a production they would expect to find in New York or Los Angeles is being staged here in Sonoma,” said Deborah Emery, founder of the show and president of the Boys & Girls Club.
“The Devil Wears Helen Lyall”
The show is designed, choreographed and produced by fashion icon Helen Lyall and features clothes and accessories by a variety of name designers. This year’s theme, “The Devil Wears Helen Lyall,” promises Lyall’s distinctive staging and lighting, a tour de force showcasing the fashions in a series of vignettes. “Helen’s productions always have a spectacular story line and she creates intricate segments that present the clothes in original and clever ways,” said Marchelle Carlton, co-host of the event along with Michele Samson.
Boys and Girls Strut Their Stuff
One of the most popular parts of the show is the opening segment, created by the Boys & Girls Club, with club members modeling the clothes. This year, Kohl’s Department Store is providing the fashions and after the show, the boys and girls will get to keep the clothes they modeled. Club member’s will also act as greeters and help out with the auction at the event.
Like it? Try it. Buy it.
Not only will the devil wear Helen Lyall, attendees can, too; they can purchase clothes and accessories after the show. Lyall structures the performance to incorporate formal evening wear, special event and cruise wear, dressy casual and haute couture. A slate of 25 women and men, including professional models and local Sonoma volunteers, wear six or seven different outfits during the production. Afterward, the audience is allowed backstage to view, try on and purchase the clothes, which will be available in a range of sizes.
The Bottom Line
The show and auction now bring in a substantial part of the Boys & Girls Club’s yearly budget, according to Emery. “All our funds come from local individuals and businesses, and through events like this and the Sweetheart Auction. The Club serves 1,400 young people a year with a large number of academic and enrichment programs and offers a safe and supportive environment. They are able to choose classes in art, music, computers and sports and fitness programs—all taught by qualified instructors. Our programs help kids with leadership skills and give them experience in interpersonal relationships, offer career advice and teach them financial literacy that will prepare them for their future.”
EVENT INFORMATION
Fashion in the Vineyards
Thursday, Oct. 25
Cline Cellars
24737 Arnold Drive
5:00 p.m. Reception
5:30 p.m. Silent Auction
6:30 p.m. Boys & Girls Club member fashion show and Live Auction
7:15 p.m. “The Devil Wears Helen Lyall” Fashion Show
Tickets:
General Seating: $85, includes Wine Country Boxed Lunch by Whole Foods
VIP Table Seating: $150, includes Harvest Dinner by Kinyon Catering.
Wines from Cline and other Sonoma Valley Wineries will be served. To purchase tickets, call Katie Holden at 700.938.8544 x106
About the Boys & Girls Club Valley of the Moon
The mission of the Boys & Girls Club Valley of the Moon is to provide positive opportunities for youth to learn and succeed.
The club is open weekdays, 50 weeks a year, during the critical after-school hours of 2 – 7 p.m. and offers extended hours during non-school days and holidays. The club is open to all youth ages 6-18. The club provides a safe place where Sonoma’s youth can interact with caring adults who help them to develop a sense of belonging, usefulness, influence and competence. It is funded primarily by individual donors and local businesses as well as by public and private grants.
Locations
Main Clubhouse
100 W. Verano Avenue
Maxwell Farms Regional Park
707.938.8544
Springs Village Unit
200 Fuente Lane
707.996.2156
Also at Flowery and Sassarini Elementary
Schools.
Web site: www.bgcvom.org
Hours of Operation
Main Club
Monday – Friday 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Springs Village
Monday – Friday 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
