Atlanta’s jet set gathered at Phipps Plaza for “Fashion Statement,” an inaugural event benefiting the Susan G. Komen foundation and breast cancer research.

The concept of combining fashion and philanthropy was brought to life by a team of venerated Atlantans including event planner and producer April Milliken, who has raised over $50 million for non-profit organizations in over 15 states. Event co-chairs were public relations executive Marsha Archer, filmmaker E. Vincent Martinez, and Louise Sams.

The event began with a private shopping experience for guests at select luxury retailers including Zimmermann, Zegna, Byredo, Saks Fifth Avenue, Balmain, and Alexander McQueen where guests sipped champagne and fizzy beverages as they perused the latest fall collections.  They then headed to Monarch Court at Phipps for cocktails and sumptuous tastings including crispy rice tuna sushi, mushroom truffle bites, umami burger sliders from the newly opened food hall.

The fashion show was held at the outdoor green space adjacent to newly opened luxury hotel Nobu and began with words from creator April Milliken, who spoke of doyen fashion designer Jeffrey Kalinsky’s and his legacy of combining couture with philanthropy through Jeffrey Cares, an annual fundraiser which raised millions of dollars for worthy causes throughout its tenure.

A live auction of original artwork by artist Ashley Longshore and fine jewelry by Eva Fehren kicked off the event and the models positioned themselves along the catwalk. The first collection featured edgy and urban designs from alums of the Savannah College of Art and Design, one of the event’s sponsors. Models made a quick turnaround to showcase ready to wear tailored blazers, flowy chiffon gowns, and classic suiting by Lafayette 148. The show concluded with the signature styles of Balmain including floor-grazing sequin gowns and the sharp-shouldered, cinch-waist, double-breasted gold-buttoned blazers synonymous with the brand.