Just Do It

V.I.P. Fashion Show

by Luke Sirinides

Sun., Nov. 18, 6-10 p.m., $10-$20, North American Motor Inn, 4444 City Line Ave., 267-982-9273

The fashion industry doesn't usually concern itself with anything more than, well, itself. But local sisters and designers Dee and Megan Wilmore (pictured) turned their stylish passion into a way to address youth violence in Philly. Their runway show, V.I.P.: Very Important People Coming Together to Stop the Violence, will benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Philadelphia and feature threads by motivated young people ages 14 to 25.

"We love fashion," says Dee, who will showcase pieces from An Eye 4 Fashion 2007, her line with Meg. "We thought it would be a good idea to have our own show, except with a purpose." Also on the runway will be N.E.W., which is designed by the girls' brother, Noel Ervin Wilmore. Another label, Ichiban, fuses Asian and urban themes.

The night doesn't stop with edgy clothing. V.I.P. also features live music, dancers and motivational speaker and rapper Blake Harris, who talks to local high schoolers about making positive changes in their communities. Now that's hot.