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In its eighth annual year, Launch: Driving Fashion Forward attracted 250 people for an early Sunday evening display of spring fashion on the runway.

The Mercedes Benz showroom of Autohaus on Edens in Northbrook accommodated a raised runway where professional models introduced spectators to what’s in for spring.

Silent and live auction items, including raffle tickets, benefited the nonprofit Humble Design, which serves families and veterans transitioning from homelessness.

“We are so grateful for the overwhelming support from Autohaus on Edens and the North Shore community,” said Humble Design Chicago Director Kristin Drutchas.

“I think the link to spring is really in your jewelry,” Tarantino said about the March 10 fashion show. “Basically, add chains to everything – that is the best accessory.

The ticketed fashion show included high end bites and sips from area restaurants and beverage connoisseurs.

“It is very important to support the community,” said Carlos Nieto, owner of The Happ Inn in Northfield.

People also experienced boutique shopping and mingled before the show.

“We’re always so happy to support local not-for-profits on the North Shore and encourage businesses to participate and to help where they can,” said Michael Rosengarden, president of Autohaus on Edens.

Men and women modeled seasonal fashion geared for spring into summer.

“If a woman looks good, she feels better,” said Tracey Tarantino of Oak Brook, fashion show producer and executive producer with ZZAZZ Productions.

He said the colors for spring 2019 are salmon and pink.

Seen on the catwalk were designs offered by Payton Rose (Northbrook), Chantilly Lace Lingerie (Wilmette), Frances Heffernan (Winnetka), Mugsy Jeans (Chicago) and Project Runway’s Peach Carr Designs.

Models showed off fashions from area designers and design houses at the Launch: Driving Fashion Forward benefit fashion show March 10, 2019 in Northbrook. (Karie Angell Luc / Pioneer Prew)

Accessories and more were for purchase and auction at the Launch: Driving Fashion Forward benefit fashion show in Northbrook March 10, 2019. (Karie Angell Luc / PIoneer Press)

Fashion designer Taneasha Prunty, right, was the people's choice winner at the Launch: Driving Fashion Forward benefit fashion Show March 10, 2019 in Northbrook. (Karie Angell Luc / Pioneer Press)

“Oh, that’s fabulous,” said Barbara Fields of Northbrook, commenting on a swingy look modeled at her front row seat along the runway.

Humble Design was founded in Detroit in 2009 and has served more than 1,000 families.

With Humble's guidance, a small percentage, 1 percent of client families, return to homelessness within 12 months, a statistic promoted by the organization, according to organization leaders.

“We’re so honored to have the opportunity to tell our story,” Drutchas said, adding that North Shore families are known to Humble Design to be generous donors of furnishings and more.

“People are really learning about us and really interested in supporting,” Drutchas said.

There were 21 event partners. Additionally, a portion of event sales from eight trunk show partners assisted Humble Design, said Tamara Taylor Holmes of Glenview, emcee and promoter.

“It really goes to people’s willingness to contribute and their innate ability to help,” Holmes said. “People want to help, they just need to know how, and when you give them an opportunity, to donate, to participate and to love, the answer always is ‘yes,’” Holmes said.

The evening included an emerging designer competition.

Six designers in residence from the Chicago Fashion Incubator at Macy’s on State Street in Chicago revealed selections from their collections.

The nonprofit CFI, established in August of 2008, also received a donation that evening, with financial support also granted to the half dozen designers.

The judges’ choice winner was designer Cara Maria Farella. The people’s choice winner was designer Taneasha Prunty.

“It’s a great day on the North Shore,” Rosengarden said.

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