The Bumwrap is hoping to put more feet to the runway after their first fashion show under new ownership.
On Nov. 20 the local clothing retailer held a VIP fashion event raising $700 for the South Okanagan Victim Assistance Society (SOVAS)
“It’s a great initiative, especially in the Okanagan where there is a lot of stuff like that going on, it’s nice to know we can help,” said Maxwell Vautour, stylist for the show and Bumwrap creative director.
The fashion show was the first held by new Bumwrap owner Donny Ellis and featured wine from Kanaza Winery and food by Brodo and Voda. All of the clothes featured were donned by local models and volunteers and are sold at the Bumwrap.
“As a stylist it was really what worked best for the model. The show was divided in to three parts: swim, street and winter. It’s nice because we have such a huge stock,” Vautour said. He added that models were wearing Bumwrap gear from head to toe, including shoes and jewelry.
Donations were raised through 14 different raffle items including gift baskets with everything from clothing to coffee and wine.
According to Vautour, the Bumwrap is hoping to do one once a year and looking ahead to a show in the spring as well. This is his third time being involved in a fashion show, but his first time heading one as the stylist.
He hopes that this show will be the first of many to come for the Bumwrap as a part of the greater fashion community
“There is a small movement of us who are trying to make things happen,” Vautour said. “With the way Penticton is growing, the fashion community is growing alongside of it in leaps and bounds.”
He has his sights set high for the future of the community.
“An Okanagan fashion week would be amazing. Hopefully hosted in Penticton,” Vautour said.
The goal is lofty, and definitely long term said Vautour.
“That might not be in a year, that might be five years.” he said.