Fashion event marks World AIDS Day

Sunday evening MadMan Productions presented its Fifth Annual Strut Fashion Event in recognition of World AIDS Day. “This is the first time that the event has actually fallen on World AIDS Day,” commented MadMan President John Fleming. The event showcased local designers in fashion as well as jewelry and, for the fourth year, was held at River North’s Castle Nightclub.

Fleming—whose production company has produced nationwide parties for women who love women (“Lipstick and Lace”) as well as AIDS benefits featuring Academy Award-winning actress Monique—said, “I started Strut because I wanted to do something exciting. I went after the local designers who’s work was classic as well as edgy.” Among the designers featured in this year’s edition were Mark Roscoe, Cassidy Holtz, Anthony Alfonsi and Courtney Lucansky.

Proceeds from the event benefited Southside Health Center as well as Project Vida.

Text and photos by Vern Hester