Mar 25, 2014 3 min read

A trio of trendy fashion trucks will roll up outside Bella Sera April 5 for a “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” fashion show sponsored by Canonsburg Business and Professional Women.

Designed to attract a broader audience, the fashion show will skip the traditional runway and, instead, will feature strolling fashions from Macy’s as well as the three Pittsburgh boutique trucks. This “rolling mall” includes the Style Truck, Roadie Fashion Truck and Vintage Valet.

According to Kathleen Smith, event chairwoman of Canonsburg BPW, the fashion trucks feature clothing and accessories that might not be found in regular department stores, such as boutique jackets, designer shawls, vintage jewelry and hats.

“Many work with small designers or small manufacturers. You’re really seeing products you won’t see anywhere else,” she said.

This different take on a traditional event has helped invigorate the 35-member club, which wanted to create a profitable event to benefit the Fresh Start program at Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Last fall, the club learned about the Fresh Start program, which provides transitional housing, group therapy and other support for women committed to stepping out of a domestic violence cycle.

“The goal is to try and get people in a place where they can provide for themselves and their family,” said Michelle Robinson-Ritter, executive director of Domestic Violence Services.

While Canonsburg BPW has been supportive of DVS and made contributions to women’s shelters, it wanted to make a substantial contribution so it could provide a grant designated for a woman in the Fresh Start program.

“We saw it as a way to make a lasting change in a woman’s life,” Smith said.

Doors will open at 10:30 a.m. for shopping, socializing at the Bellini bar, music, coffee, fruit and cheese.

Outside, adjacent to Bella Sera’s patio and pond, the fashion trucks will be parked. Style Truck owner and driver Jackee Ging said her products focus on busy women, with many of her items being either American made or Fair Trade.

Ging started her business two years ago during the holiday market in Pittsburgh’s Market Square.

“It’s catching on,” she said. “At first, people didn’t understand the concept. But now people are coming to us and asking to get involved.”

In addition, the fashion show will feature a gourmet brunch. There will be a presentation of fashions by Macy’s, and a representative of Domestic Violence Services will speak about Fresh Start.

There also will be basket raffles, a raffle for a small Tiffany item and a vendor fair.

Tickets are $40 per person and can be purchased from any Canonsburg BPW member or by calling 724-746-1210.