Designer, Charles Josef
On Saturday, February 20, Asheville’s Planned Parenthood South Atlantic (PPSA) will host Condom Couture at New Mountain AVL, 38 N. French Broad Avenue in downtown Asheville. This fundraising event combines design, outreach, and fun. The show begins at 7 p.m., with an after-party at 10 p.m. Before the show, a VIP meet-and-greet will take place with Planned Parenthood CEO Jenny Black.
A dozen eclectic designers will create pieces that will be revealed at the fashion show. Requirements are that the piece must have a minimum of 500—and no more than 1,000—condoms. Other media may be included, but condoms must be the predominant material. (In the past, some have even used the wrappers!) Former staffer and current PPSA board member Bonnie Smith introduced Condom Couture to Asheville as a way to engage supporters and offer something different.
“The fact that Asheville is a community filled with talented artists, it just felt like a natural fit to combine our mission of promoting safer sex with creativity,” says Nikki Harris, director of philanthropy of Western North Carolina with PPSA. Nikki adds, “There will be educational materials, information on Planned Parenthood and its services, and, of course, lots of condoms!”
Lisa Zahiya, of Zahiya Studios, will emcee the event, which also includes a live auction of the featured designs. Music for the evening is provided by DJ Marley Carroll.
There are several designers new to the project, as well as returning designers, including Charles Joseph, Rosanne Capone, Sheila Thibodeaux, and Aurora Moulin.
“I am in awe of the designers who care so passionately about Planned Parenthood that they are creating pieces that require a substantial amount of time with a medium that is difficult to work with,” says Nikki. “People care so deeply and connect so profoundly with Planned Parenthood and our mission that it’s really special to see that passion for high quality and compassionate care come together in such a fun and beautiful way.”
Tickets for the fashion show ($25) and after-party ($10) are available in advance and at the door. Fashion show tickets also include admission to after-party. VIP seating/sponsorship tickets are limited and begin at $125. All ticket purchases and extra donations are tax deductible. For information, visit condomcoutureavl.com.
