RAPHAEL MAZZUCCO - produced by LuvNGrace Entertainment and Leone

Thanks to Aurora Chan of Style by Fire for snapping
this great image of 3 old friends - Raphael Mazzucco,
Jimmy Cummins (I Braineater) and Vernard Goud.
You can read their great write-up HERE.

Vancouver should be very proud. The amount of talent that comes out of our city is amazing and there is no one more well known than internally acclaimed photographer/mixed media artist Raphael Mazzucco. So when he and wife Lisa-Marie Mazzucco (a well-known photographer in her own right) returned to spend a night with family, friends, media and admirers, it was no surprised to see it a packed house. By the time I arrived, the party was in full swing.

This event needed some serious space for the large crowd as well as a stage for the evening's shows, so producer Vernard Goud of LuvNGrace Entertainment chose Studio 560 on Seymour Street. Good choice as it is centrally located in the DT area and had enough room to accommodate everyone. All around were elite industry professional, well-wishers, friends, excited fans and starry-eyed models with smiles, cheers and toasts the norm. Meanwhile - a full evening of entertainment graced the stage with small breaks to refresh our drinks and chat. DJ Chelsea Joelle has my personal thanks. She kept the great tunes flowing, but at just the right sound level so that we could still chat. Something DJ's so often forget.

Images by Ed Ng Photography

The hosting was originally to be shared by Jim Michaels, Executive Producer of the Supernatural TV series (so sorry we didn't get to say hi and get our hug in, Jim) and Ronnie Seterdahl Negus, RHOV. But Negus made a last minute decision to leave the mike to Michaels who did an amazing job. He brought his big voice, big personality and great sense of humor to the stage and it set the perfect tone for our celebration.

Images by Ed Ng Photography

There were three fashion shows this evening.  First came Madame Moje who we saw at a previous LuvNGrace event and who just returned from showcasing her collection on the runway in Toronto at World Mastercard Fashion Week. "The luxe label is known for fiercely feminine, modern classic silhouette driven designs cantering on signature body-hugging dresses, easy chic playsuits, knit separates, sleek jackets, sophisticated trenches and outerwear." It is locally designed and manufactured and can be found in the Madame Moje boutique at 2843 Granville St. in Vancouver. Live outside Vancouver? Check out their online store which currently ships to a whopping 48 countries.

Images by Ed Ng Photography

Next on the stage was the one and only Magdalena Lima - a personal friend. This was a big night as the collection she showcased was a brand new direction for the label. It all started when she began slashing and braiding t-shirts, leggings, booty shorts and more out of stretch cotton.  From simple braided trims, to open spider web backs, she elevated the technique from craft to artistry.  For a while now she has been talking about working in a different fabric to create high-end dresses including red carpet wear and that's what we saw this evening. Both the casual and new up-scale lines are available directly from the designer through her website.

Images by Ed Ng Photography

The last fashion show was by Ivido Jeans. The brainchild of Ivis González - "A proud Colombian with an international heart" - these jeans are touted as giving an attractive lift to a woman's behind. But the true ultimate goal for the designer - and her driving passion - is to help every woman embrace and feel good about their body regardless of size or weight.  It's denim with a Latin flavour designed in Vancouver, manufactured in Columbia and available in the label's store at 638 West Broadway. There is also an online e-store for those outside the area.

Images by Ed Ng Photography

The evening held a few other surprises. There were great appetizers courtesy of Siddhartas Restaurant, Silk Dinner Lounge and Cranberries Naturally. Mid-evening 2 lovely dancers took the stage during the Invido Jeans segment, definitely raising the energy level. They offered a Vegas/Carnival style performance complete with glittery, scant costumes, lots of feather and huge headdresses. Another notable moment was the great set performed by live band - H2O -  to cap the evening off just right. What made this extra special was that the band members are long-time friends of Raphael and Lisa-Marie. It was fun watching Lisa-Marie in particular near the stage rocking to the music. Oh to have had my little instamatic in tow!

Images by Ed Ng Photography

Other notes - Another goal of the evening was to give back to the community by raising money to benefit Caroline MacGillivray's Beauty Night Society which builds self esteem and changes lives of women and youth living in poverty through 3 streams of programming: wellness, life skills development and makeovers. And we were treated to some great Earth Essence jewellery shopping at designer Tamara Ryan's display booth. Thanks for the beautiful hair and make-up seen on the runway go to Kerry Lynn Waters (Sappho Cosmetics) and team and while I do not have the names of all the models in the show, kudos on the spectacular job they all did showing off the designer's collections.

Images by Ed Ng Photography

Special thanks also go to the many sponsors this evening who made it all possible - Leone, Madame Moje, Hotel LE SOLEIL, Modern Working Woman, Lexington Models, Be Inspired, XIXO, JD Enterprises, Westender, Retail Insider, Hush Magazine, Siddhartas Restaurant, Silk Dinner Lounge, Cranberries Naturally, Earth Essence Jewelers and Streetcat Designs

This one's for you Magdalena!!! Image by Ed Ng Photography