Cue the Well- Tempered Clavier, powder that up-do wig, bust out the corset, and get ready to rock rococo style at one of the biggest, and slightly secretive, fashion and art events to hit the Okanagan.
Combining the fashion sense of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, with added modern flair (think leather and lace), and you get the idea of A Rock ‘n Rococo Affair, the latest couture fashion show being put on by Kip Jon Productions.
The company, owned and operated by Vernon’s Kip Whelpley, has held similar fashion events in Vancouver, including one that was attended by the Real Housewives of Vancouver, and for the first time is hosting a show, in conjunction with local sponsors, in Kelowna June 8.
However, the location is only being disclosed to those who purchase a ticket — the reason is to keep the event an intimate affair, said Whelpley, who also produced the Bright Lights Big City fashion fundraiser as well as a concert by local pop star Andrew Allen in Vernon last year.
“The event itself is in Kelowna, but the core crew and most of the performers and models are from Vernon,” said Whelpley.
“There are producers and A listers from L.A., New York, and Toronto flying in for the event and to look at the Okanagan and its talent. We have put the event together to give the talent in the Okanagan a place to showcase themselves in front of a crowd they may normally not get a chance to perform to.”
The 18th century rock ‘n roll-inspired shindig will showcase local designer talent by Sam Shakura of Kelowna’s Rock House of Design and fashions from Vernon’s 104 Grey Clothing.
There will be performances by Vernon’s Windmills, the Canadian School of Ballet, and Vernon’s opera-jazz trio The Dharma Dolls.
Celebrity guests confirmed to attend the event include Emmy-nominated choreographer Stacey Tookey of So You Think You Can Dance and Dancing with the Stars, actor Gene Gabriel (NCIS LA, The Sopranos), as well as Justin Shultz from the Edmonton Oilers and Eric Godard, retired enforcer of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
This introduction into the haute couture of the Okanagan will not be the first event of its kind, but the start of many, said Whelpley.
“In following years it will be attached to a philanthropy group that is mandating to raise funds for grants and scholarships for students of the arts to apply for,” he said. “The grants and scholarships will be crafted to the individuals depending on their needs.”
Tickets for A Rock ‘n Rococo Affair are $120 each, and include drinks from Okanagan Spirits, food from Cabana Grille, and wine tastings from Vibrant Vine Winery.
Tickets are available in Vernon at 104 Grey Clothing (5100 Anderson Way, 778-475-5705), Chatters Salon (Village Green Centre, 250-260-7778) or call Kip Jon productions at 250-307-8604 for over-the-phone purchase and personal delivery.
