Maine news, sports, weather from Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram, Portland, Maine

More than 300 people crowded into Hannaford Hall at USM's Abromson Center in Portland tonight for the second annual Blue Wrap Project Runway fashion show. Once again the show was a huge hit, garnering multiple standing ovations, cheers and applause. The event benefits Partners for World Health, which collects discarded but still usable medical supplies and distributes them to Third World countries. In the photo above, Partners for World Health founder Elizabeth McLellan shows 4-year-old Avery Murphy where to stand at the end of the show. Elizabeth is wearing a gown designed by Michelle Arnold and Avery is wearing a ballerina dress designed by Erika Lynn Smith.

The show featured 40 models wearing clothing created by an almost equal number of designers. All of the couture was made from the disposable medical product known as blue wrap.

Here's a look at some of the designs spotted on the runway:

Emalie Esty models a short but well ruffled dress designed by Zeljka Rakovic. Master of ceremonies Erin Ovalle, host of the morning show on WMTW-8, is at the podium in the background.

Brandon Gormley models a pious suit designed by Suzanne Parrott and CM Almy Corporation, a Maine company which produces garments worn in churches around the world.

Morelle Kadia models a dress with African flair designed by Bioneke Mpungu, who was inspired by the fashion of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The young members of the Bossong family wear designs created by their aunt Lynne Atienza. The children, from left, Reagan, 6, Victoria, 8, Lawrence, 10, and Robert, 11, performed on their violins before being joined by their mother, Annie Atienza-Bossong, a dentist, who designed her own sheath dress.

USM alum and 2010 Miss Maine United States Aleksandra Derikonja models a leggy dress designed by Erika Lynn Smith.

Flowing across the stage with an Asian air, Sophie Salomon modeled a kimono-inspired wrap designed by Judy Gailen and embellished with 175 origami cranes.

John Hatcher, CEO of Hatcher Real Estate Enterprises, channeled President Thomas Jefferson in this period costume designed by Barbara Kelly.

Ninette Irabaruta modeled a gown perfect for prom or a cocktail party designed by Marina Douglas.

Christina Strong D'Appolonia, who owns Strong Bodies in Yarmouth, modeled a cocktail dress and jacket created by nationally known fashion designer Jill McGowan.

Don't forget to pick up the April 29 edition of the Maine Sunday Telegram, where I'll have more details and photos from the fashion show and party.

Until then, I hope to see you out and about.

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Avery Yale Kamila dishes about southern Maine's hottest parties.

Avery can be contacted at 791-6297 or akamila@pressherald.com
On Twitter: @AveryYaleKamila

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