‘STRUTMUTT’ WITH biKa SWIMWEAR
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie Videographer: Maxine NolanNestled in tropical Palm Beach County is a small beachside community that puts the capital ‘B’ in beauty. On Saturday afternoon, April 7th, at the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Manalapan, animal and fashion lovers became one as a swimwear fashion show was unleashed for a most charitable cause.
BiKa Swimwear joined forces with Big Dog Ranch Rescue for ‘StrutMutt‘. This non-profit organization takes in homeless and unwanted dogs of all sizes at their facility in the western community of Wellington, Florida and adopts the adorable furry friends out to deserving homes. They are one of the largest no-kill shelters in the State of Florida. But the cost of housing the animals, maintaining the shelter and making sure that the dogs are fed and taken care of properly can get quite costly. The rescue group promotes animal welfare and celebrates the special bond between dogs and people through education, awareness and community outreach.
The event helped to raise funds but you can also make a difference. The 2012 ASPCA Rachel Ray $100K Challenge is on and 108 shelters across the nation, including Big Dog Ranch Rescue, are competing for the grand prize of $100,000. By voting online at www.VotetoSaveLives.org up to midnight on April 16th for this dedicated and loving organization, your vote could mean that they get in the top 50 shelters and go on to the next round. The next part of the challenge will be to double their adoptions from 2011 by 400 dogs in August through October. If this happens, they could be the grand prize winners and this would make them ecstatic and many, many dogs happy as well.
On this lazy afternoon, the dogs were held and cuddled by the show guests and they received overwhelming attention. Attendees came out in a wide variety of outfits which ranged from the conventional tunics from India with tight leggings to leopard-print short outfits. As the breeze picked up and the ripples moved across the inviting swimming pool in the courtyard, the show took to the runway. DJ Adam Lipson turned up the volume and four of the University of Miami dancers performed a traditional dance from India in authentic costumes to set the stage.
Celebrity swimwear designer, AmbiKa Sanjana premiered her latest and most elegant collection yet, Rajputani, which is rich in Rajasthan culture and the inspiration behind the designs. The colors of the swimsuits were vibrant to bring attention to the intricate motifs and glistening beadwork. Tiny bikinis tantalized while one piece suits had low-cut v-necklines reaching down towards the waistline.
Fabrics were silky and so sophisticated. Sheer coverups were loaded in gold beaded trim. Short outfits with off -the-shoulder tops in solids and interesting patterns set a more casual tone.
The popular maxi, the hot trend for the spring, looked amazing on the models with a halter top leading into flowing skirts.
As an added bonus, some of the more sociable dogs participated as well and stole the show.
Hollywood celebrities such as Maria Carey and Eva Longoria love biKa Swimwear and this audience definitely did too. The collection will be perfect for the summer when you find yourself relaxing near the sand and surf.
biKa Swimwear can be found online at www.bikabazaar.com or at retail store locations in South Florida and California.
Be at the forefront of fashion in biKa Swimwear and check out Big Dog Ranch Rescue at www.bdrr.org.
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