Mark your calendar for the fabulous Fashion First show Sept. 17

The sixth annual Fashion First show will take place Sept. 17 at Qwest Field Event Center. The eagerly anticipated fall fashion show benefits the Starlight Children's Foundation. Tickets ($50-$1,000) will go on sale any day now, say event organizers, and are expected to sell out fast.

Fashion First showcases local boutiques, as well as national and international brands, with a focus on the latest fall trends. This year's participating boutiques include Clutch, The Finerie, La Ree, Oslo's, Mercer and Merge. Executive director Joan Kelly calls the show a forum for Seattle-area fashion.

"Our retailers are knowledgeable players in the international fashion industry, with sophisticated taste in selecting designs that will appeal to style-conscious Seattle shoppers," she says.

The night will begin for VIP guests at 7 p.m. with a silent charity auction and a catered reception in the VIP lounge. At 8 p.m., the doors open to all ticket holders and the fashion show follows shortly thereafter.

The show is expected to feature celebrity models such as Keith Colburn, captain of the Wizard on "The Deadliest Catch," and former Mariners first baseman Paul Sorrento. After the show concludes at 9:30 p.m., guests are encouraged to enjoy the after-party, which continues on past midnight.

Tickets to the 21-and-over event can be purchased at fashionfirstseattle.com or by calling 206-979-2771. General admission tickets are $50. VIP tickets featuring premier seating and access to the catered lounge are $150. Front Row VIP tickets with front-row seats, a goody bag and lounge access are $350.

Ultra VIP tickets with center front row seating, a deluxe goody bag and lounge access are $500. And Ultra Glam VIP tickets with end-of-runway seating, deluxe goody bag and lounge access are $1,000.

So far, Fashion First has raised $100,000 for charity; last year's event raised $40,000 for Starlight's Washington chapter. Again this year, proceeds will help provide ongoing support for children and families affected by life-threatening illnesses such as cancer, cystic fibrosis, kidney and heart disease, and diabetes.

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