The Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples (C’mon) benefit with Saks Fifth Avenue’s Donna Karan and Coomi, “Nature’s Element”, was a huge success, raising over $250,000 to support the Museum’s capital campaign. On Tuesday, April 12, 2011, nearly 50 guests from Naples and the surrounding communities gathered for an evening of fashion that highlighted the nights honored guest, Donna Karan Ambassador and C’mon Campaign Chair, Simone Lutgert.

With an influence from the Donna Karan’s New York Pre-Fall 2011 Collection and the premier of the Casual Collection by Donna Karan, the casually chic event took place at the home of Lutgert, adorned with Florida’s natural plants and animals.

Entertainment for the guests included a trunk and runway fashion show, presented by Saks Fifth Avenue.
The Donna Karan Pre-Fall 2011 Collection focused on mostly neutrals colors, but also offered a variety of options for day and night, including black tie and cocktail affairs, but also featured olive greens, grays, taupes and browns. The Collection had plenty of layered looks and touches of fur. The event also premiered the launch of the Casual Collection which highlighted a woman’s softer side. The soothing tones, washed fabrics and easy shapes dress down and layer up with utmost sophistication.

The Coomi Jewelry Trunk Show featured the jewelry by designer Coomi Bhasin.
The Coomi Collection was influenced by Bhasin’s background in textiles and architecture as well as naturalistic forms of her native India, combining them with inspirations from her experience in New York. The signature style of Coomi combined a feeling of ancient and modern, ornate yet delicate. Pieces were hand finished and handset giving them a one of a kind appeal. 20K gold and rose-cut diamonds were the mainstay of the collection, accented by brilliant cut diamonds and precious gemstones and diamond beads.

A duo of flame dancers from Blaze, performed exotic breath-taking dances with rings and torches, to light the night and the bay water.
“We are honored that Simone has selected C’mon as the beneficiary of “Nature’s Element”. I have great admiration and respect for all that Simone has done for children, families, and for the community,” said Joe Cox, executive director, while addressing guests. “She has dedicated her time and talent to ensuring that all children, no matter where they come from, are given the opportunity to learn, play and dream together.”
About Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples The Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples will be Collier County’s first earning environment devoted exclusively to child’s play, the serious business of discovery that helps children attain hallmark milestones on the journey into adulthood. C’mon will be a 30,000-square-foot museum for families located in the North Collier Regional Park. Scheduled to open in late 2011, the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples is envisioned to be one of the finest children’s museums in the United States and will be fully accessible to all children regardless of their physical or learning abilities. To learn more about C’mon, visit www.cmon.org.