Funk & Fashion...No. FIVE

Fashion show draws attention to downtown Exeter

By Lara Bricker
newsletter@seacoastonline.com
February 17, 2009 6:00 AM

EXETER — Models strutted their stuff to the funky music of The Head inside Town Hall Friday, where they showed off the latest fashions from local boutiques.

On Feb. 13 the Flush Funk and Fashion Series, organized by Exeter native Scott Ruffner, featured live music, lights and fashions from Luna Chics, Ablaze and Sexy Skins.

"It made me think more about my style," said audience member Frank Sabin, who joked, "It made me think I need to go tighter."

Many of the female models wore form-fitting bodice tops from Sexy Skins, a suede and leather fashions company in Newmarket. Brent Peters, of Sexy Skins, said the show was a great way to get exposure for their apparel.

"The more we do this, the more exposure we'll get and people will know who we are," Peters said. "We hope to promote, we hope to sell; we want everybody to have a good time."

Male models were decked out in denim and casual tops, and some were not new to the modeling game.

"It was familiar stomping ground because I used to model full-time when I lived in New York City," said Evan Maniquis, one of the models for the evening.

But others, like Mara Blanchette, were moonlighting at the event as models for a chance to try something new.

"It's really fun. It's just something different to do," Blanchette said. "I love wearing all the great clothes."

This is the second time that Ruffner, with his band, The Head, has held a fashion show event in town. Their last one was held at the Ioka Theater before it closed and was a sold-out affair. Ruffner said Friday's show was a success.

"The event was a lot of fun for everyone in the show, and the addition of local dancers into the mix was a perfect fit," Ruffner said. "It's just a shame that The Ioka is still shut down. That is truly the perfect local venue for what we're trying to do."

While the event aimed to showcase local fashions and music, it was also designed to draw people to Exeter's downtown. Those with tickets to the show were given discounts on dinners at participating restaurants, including The Tavern at River's Edge, Pimentos, 11 Water Street and Epoch.


"I took part in this because we're trying to keep people in town and show people who normally wouldn't come to town where the tavern is," said the restaurant's owner, Jeff Roth, who hosted an after-show party with the band The Head that was standing room only by 10 p.m.

Participating businesses stayed open late or offered special deals to encourage people to take in the town. The Exeter Inn offered discounted rooms to those who attended the show. La Cave a Vin, a specialty wine and cheese shop, hosted a wine tasting.

"We need more of this," said Exeter resident Susan Stewart, as she sipped a red wine at the tasting. "If Exeter did more of this, people would come."

Her husband, David, said he feels that Exeter's downtown shops and restaurants are unique in the area and a good option for those looking for a place to go out between Portsmouth and Newburyport, Mass.

"There's no place else in the Seacoast that has a town like this," he said. "Exeter is an excellent town with a lot of variety. They need to promote themselves like this more often."

The event drew at least one newcomer to town, Diego Gonzales, who is stationed at the Coast Guard Station in Portsmouth. Gonzales and two of his fellow Coast Guard members decided to check out the event and were impressed.

To check out a photo gallery and music from the show go to http://www.tvprecords.com/.

Photographs courtesy of Jamie Wade, http://www.jamiewade.com/

Flush Fashion Show Strikes Again!

February 17, 2009 http://www.blogthecoast.com/runway_ready/



On Friday night, February 13th, the third installment in the Flush Funk 'n' Fashion series took place at Exeter Town Hall in front of another impressive crowd. Models rocked the runway wearing fashions from LunaChics, Sexy Skins & Ablaze while The Head rocked the stage as always with their unique brand of original funky music from the Flush CD, seamlessly blending musical styles ranging from hip hop to soul to gritty R&B, highlighted by TVP vocalist Gwen "Gia3" Leathers belting out amazing riffs as the onstage fog billowed into her pink afro wig.



A new addition into the mix were locally based dancers Marianela Ramirez & Deo Mwano. Not only did they get the crowd hyped up to kick off the show, but they reappeared frequently with some freestyle moves to keep things groovin'.



The featured models ranged from seasoned professionals, Portsmouth resident Evan Manaquis used to work full time during his days in New York City, while Exeter native Mara Blanchette is new to the scene. "It's really fun. It's just something different to do," Blanchette said. "I love wearing all the great clothes."



Following the fashion show, much of the audience moved across the street to the after party at the jam-packed Exeter Tavern. The Head set up their gear and played an additional set of tunes as party-goers danced, drank and kept the party going into the wee hours, creating a fitting beginning to Valentine's Day.


According to Flush founder and executive producer, Scott Ruffner, there will be more Funk 'n' Fashion shows to come. "We've been delighted with the success of the first three events over the past several months. Each time out, we learn valuable lessons about how to keep improving things for the audience. We really believe we've created a unique nightlife experience on the Seacoast and it's only going to keep getting better."

More exclusive photos from Jamie Wade and music from Flush can be found here. Debbie Breneman can be contacted at debreneman@gmail.com.

Sexy Skins & TVP Records - Funk & Fashion

One of the papers we were featured in....notice the nice photo of Bethany wearing Sexy Skins Suede and Leather Fashions, The Blue Heaven. Sexy Skins in Fosters

Sexy Skins on the catwalk January 24th!!

Come celebrate the release of TVP Records new compilation CD "Flush", featuring hot new cuts from members of The Head, The Press Project and Genevieve.

Models will be showcasing fashions from several local designers and boutiques while The Head performs music live from the balcony at The Portsmouth Pearl. Clothing will be supplied by Sexy Skins, Lunachics, Fast Eddie's Dirty Laundry, Azure, Ganesh Imports, Ablaze, and Top Drawer. Hair and makeup will once again be provided by the ladies from Portsmouth Spa. Tickets are $20 and available at all participating stores. The last one was a sellout so get your tickets early. A portion of the proceeds to benefit The National Breast Cancer Foundation.There will be a complimentary cocktail hour with drinks courtesy of Peak Organic, and Perfecta Wines, and food by Zampa, and Pimentos. Admission also qualifies you for door prizes and drawings for free giveaways and gift certificates. After party and dancing immediately following at Bourbon’s Nightclub, downstairs from the Muddy River.

Date: Saturday, January 24, 2009

Time: 7:00pm - 10:00pm

Location: The Portsmouth Pearl

Street: 45 Pearl Street

City/Town: Portsmouth, NH

The Ioka Theatre is Closing!!

I came across this article today and am so saddened by the news (see link below).

"Co-owner and President Roger Detzler announced Tuesday, Nov. 18, that the theater will close on Dec. 24..."

"The Ioka is a staple in the Exeter community that has been located on Water Street since 1915. The theater opened on Nov. 1 of that year with the epic “The Birth of a Nation,” directed by D.W. Griffith, and has pleased audiences since with a variety of films, musical concerts and comedic acts."

"Famous artists have crossed the stage including Fatty Arbuckle, Warren Zevon, Stephen Wright and many other comics and musicians."

And to think, Sexy Skins had the opportunity to show our fashions on the catwalk of the Ioka Theatre!

The Blue Heaven Halter

The Dark Desire Corset

THE HEAD ~ The Flush CD Release Fashion Show

http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20081118-NEWS-81118014