Who would have thought that the Blue Wrap Project Runway event held on March 30, 2011 would have been such a success? Last fall Blue Wrap was given to art schools and fabric designers with the challenge to create artistic wearable art designs for a show in the spring of 2011. Never did anyone know that it would have resulted in such a success.  The evening started off with a great reception in the glass gallery of the Portland Museum of Art with delightful jazz music by the Behop Jazz group and delicious delicacies provided by CVC Catering. As the guests arrived they were greeted by a live model standing 13 feet high at the bottom of the stairs draped in ruffled blue wrap. A creation by Mad Designs here in Portland. It took your breath away.  A creative boutique of unique Blue Wrap articles was displayed and perked everyone’s interest.  Guests enjoyed the music and meet friends and the buzz was on all in anticipation of the Project Runway.

Just before the show began, welcoming blasting music started to come from the PMA auditorium signally that the doors were open! People began to move in to find a seat. Absolutely every seat was taken, with standing room only. A total SELL OUT!!! And the energy in the room was kinetic and thrilling. All of the models had been in hiding across the street at Harmon’s and Barton’s getting ready for the event. So all of the artistic creative designs of wearable art work were set to be a big surprise to all. 

Elizabeth McLellan  Founder of Partners for World Health welcomed the group and shared her appreciation to all for their support. Many thanks to our sponsors and so many others who helped to make the event such a success were introduced. The MC for the evening was Frank Reilly and with his presence the show began! One unbelievable design after another and each one brought a big wow from the audience and exuberant applause. Each getting louder and louder. The gowns were artistic and creative, some of recent years and some from old. Two children stole the show with their summer flower girl dresses. A pirate costume dressed the stage and beautiful wedding gown topped it off.  To end Elizabeth appeared in her own blue wrap gown with black lace escorted to the stage by Ryan Fendler who had a designer blue wrap suit made to fit perfectly! The event was over the top!!

The Blue Wrap creative designs are now part of the collection of Partners for World Health and it is hoped that they will be on display in early fall 2011 in downtown Portland for all to see.  The display will highlight the designers and be the kick off for the next Blue Wrap Project Runway for March 2012.