Denim & Diamonds Fashion Show to Benefit Global Genes

In honor of World RARE Disease Day Global Genes, a leading rare disease patient advocacy organization, is hosting the first-ever Denim & Diamonds Fashion Show on Tuesday, February 28, 2017 at The Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Coast.

Models will walk the runway in honor of loved ones affected by rare disease on World RARE Disease Day. Celebrity guests, Madison McLaughlin (Arrow) and fitness model Shaka Smith, will join models on the runway in support of rare disease awareness. The show was produced by Newport Coasts’ own rare disease parent advocate Perla Portillo.

The Denim & Diamonds Fashion Show will showcase top denim collections from popular brands including Ella Moss, Freddy Jeans, Joseph Ribkoff, Miranda Frye, Ted Baker, Seven for All Mankind, Splendid, and Vitamin A Swim. Newport Coast’s high end contemporary clothing, shoe, and accessory boutique, Jeanni Champagne, is providing clothing and will style the looks for the models. Social Dry Lounge will provide hair styling and Brax Jewelers is providing jewelry for the models.

Tickets start at $100 per person with VIP and table purchases available. For more information, to donate, or purchase tickets visit DenimandDiamonds17

All proceeds from Denim & Diamonds will go directly to Global Genes’ RARE Patient Impact Grant, an exclusive funding opportunity for rare support groups and RARE Foundation Alliance patient organizations. The program provides critical medical equipment, family therapy, sensory equipment, sports programs, genetic testing, special outings for children with rare diseases, and much more. Last year, over 17,000 patients and caregivers had their challenges of living with a rare disease reduced through the RARE Patient Impact Grant Program.

Parent advocate and Denim & Diamonds creator, Perla Portillo, is a past recipient of a Global Genes Grant. Global Genes provided genetic testing and support groups for her daughter, Alanis Portillo. Though her daughter’s condition is still undiagnosed, Perla is certain that will change with the support of Global Genes.

“There are many more, like Alanis, who still need help,” said Portillo. “Support for Denim & Diamonds and involvement in World RARE Disease Day will allow Global Genes to help make a real, lasting impact to many more families and patients in need.”

The Denim & Diamonds Fashion Show will take place at The Resort at Pelican Hill at 22701 S Pelican Hill Rd, Newport Coast.