Flaunting it all for a Friend

Underwear models, pole dancers and eyebrow threading; Flaunt is not your average charity event.

Flaunt is the brainchild of Stacey Bafi-Yeboa, local fashion designer of the brand Kania. Bafi-Yeboa was inspired to throw a fashion fête, now in its third year, in support of Ovarian Cancer Canada after a friend was diagnosed with the disease.

The event, held at the Ottawa Convention Centre, was the ultimate girls-night-out. Women of all ages and even some men were treated to “upscale glamour”, which was also the dress code. A $40 ticket more than paid for itself in a complementary manicure, hair blow-out, make-over, skin care treatment and an eyebrow threading.

A candy counter was set up for guests to make do-it-yourself treat bags. But a whole other treat was the eye-candy parading around; two male models strutted in men’s designer underwear by Dylan Ribkoff, a Canadian brand.

A series of pole dancers, from Cherry Blossom Pole Dancing Studio Inc. spun beside the DJ, while attendees browsed tables displaying Canadian-based clothing and accessories. The featured vendors donated a portion of their sales to the charity, according to Marilou Moles, the event’s social media representative.

Bafi-Yeboa is a regular Ottawa Fashion Week participant and her passion for the Canadian fashion scene is ubiquitous in all she does. “[This event] supports the national pride,” said Moles.

Eight looks from Bafi-Yeboa’s Spring/Summer 2012 collection , first seen at Ottawa Fashion Week in September, were auctioned off in name of the cause. In Stacey’s signature glamourous style, models grooved onto the dance floor wearing feather headdresses, while the designer danced in the middle of it all.

Flaunt made a typical Friday night in Ottawa chic, luxurious, and fashionable. Bafi-Yeboa put on an intimate affair for over 600 Ottawans. Each attendee left feeling special, beautiful and proud to have been part of this woman to woman initiative, which reflected Bafi-Yeboa’s mantra: to make every woman feel radiant.