Get WHIPPED at Whiplash!
Whiplash, Fashion Show Fundraiser to benefit The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum is planned for this Thursday, October 17 from 7 to 10pm at The Aldrich. Brainchild of Whip Salon owner, Amy Pal, here, we sit down with the successful mompreneur entrepreneur to find out about her philanthropic drive and passion for The Aldrich.
This year’s Whiplash will have a rock-n-roll edge with styles from Westport boutique WEST.
Purchase your ticket(s) here.
Tell me about your passion for art and The Aldrich
I've always loved contemporary art, visiting museums and seeking out interesting exhibitions. In 2010 when we were looking for a town to move to in Fairfield Country, we fell in love with Ridgefield like most people do by strolling down Main street. But when I learned about The Aldrich, that clinched it. I loved the idea of living in a town with its own contemporary art museum, something you usually only find in big cities. It was a bonus to discover all the other incredible art destinations so close by like Storm King Art center, Dia:Beacon, Art Omi, Kykuit, Mass MOCA, not to mention all that NYC offers!
On October 17, your brainchild WHIPLASH, a fashion fundraiser for The Aldrich Museum, will take place. Tell me how it all began.
I first approached The Aldrich in 2014 when I owned a different business in town. I thought a fashion show in an art museum would not only raise money through ticket sales, but would also bring people into the museum who wouldn't normally visit, and that might open people's eyes to what an important asset The Aldrich is here in town. To my delight, The Museum was really supportive and encouraging of the idea. So when I started Whip Salon, I really wanted to reboot the "fashion fundraiser" concept at Aldrich and thought it would be a great way to showcase Whip Salon's capabilities in hair and makeup too. This will be my fourth fundraising event for The Aldrich, with the first three combined having raised over $40,000.
How did you select the models? Are they all locals?
Whiplash is a fundraiser to create awareness for The Aldrich so our goal this year was to include models and sponsors from Westport in addition to Ridgefield, to cast the net wider. The 16 models are all locals, and one new and exciting change this year is we have some male models as well! My friend Anne Epstein, who's also a sponsor from SUX Straws and Beausoleil Shop, recruited the Westport models, locals who are connected to the art, design and fashion world. There are also a few Ridgefield models including Katie Diamond the founder of the amazing ACT theater, Lydnsay Clark the owner of KickFit CT and the Ridgefield Moms of Instagram Ashley Forte and Michele Moonan. In addition to the models, we have a lot of incredible local partners including Kitt Shapiro's WEST Boutique in Westport, Stelios Stavrianos's Cylinder Vodka out of Stamford, PIY Pizza, and Bailey's Backyard who are all generously supporting the event.
Are the outfits available for purchase?
Yes! This year you can expect a rock n roll vibe with some incredible designers! WEST fashions are known for their bi-coastal style and flare. WEST features established California designers, as well as other inspired brands (many of them women-owned) from around the world. Everything you'll see at Whiplash 2019 will be available for purchase from WEST Boutique in Westport or Beausoleil Shop online.
Lastly, you are a busy lady! You now have three Whip Salon locations, plus a vibrant art gallery in Westport. How do you do it all and find time for a tremendous fundraiser?
It would be impossible without the help of the entire committee, and I'm really grateful to work with so many creative and like-minded people. I am lucky to have a really capable and efficient team at Whip Salon, and a fantastic group of partners, sponsors, and volunteers working hard to make Whiplash 2019 a success this year. Plus, it's always fun and easy to work with The Aldrich.
Pal invites you to enjoy a fabulous night out while helping raise money to support a Ridgefield gem, The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum. This year’s Whiplash will have a rock-n-roll edge with styles from Westport boutique WEST.
Don't miss Whiplash! Purchase your ticket(s) here.
The Aldrich is located at 258 Main Street in Ridgefield.
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