The Tulips and Pansies Headdress Affair: May 20, 2010 at Gotham Hall

TV personality and fashion guru, James Aguir, opened in style for Village Care’s 2010 “Tulips & Pansies” fashion show and silent auction, held in New York’s exquisite Gotham Hall. Several moments later, after much anticipation, out walked the models in their stunning designer gowns and saucy floral headdresses. The audience was indubitably enraptured, and the judges, oh yes, equally smitten! (fashion designer John Bartletter, Renaissance woman, Kelly Bensimon, IMG heavyweight & the creator of “Fashion Week”, Fern Mallis, fashion director Freddie Leiba and fashion’s hottest new young designer, Ashleigh Verrier).

Ovando was absolutely thrilled to participate! The annual fashion show & silent auction is truly a one-of-a-kind charity event which pairs floral designers with fashion designers and sets-up an utter spectacle for the eye. More importantly, however, the proceeds are dedicated to Village Care's network of AIDS services. As Village Care spokeswoman mentioned, there are 100,000 people diagnosed with AIDS in New York alone and 10 new people diagnosed on a daily basis. The facts are staggering, and so too was the work of fashion and floral designers that came together to support the fundraising cause.

Ovando was lucky enough to partner with DKNY! Our headdress creation, fashioned from purple & hot pink Vanda orchids, matching coil springs and glass jewels, was quite the creation: sassy, bold, sexy, chic, and the perfect compliment to DKNY's shorts one-piece, beaded with sequins.

This is Ovando's 2nd year participating and we're already excited for what's in store for lucky #3!