Regardless of what they did or didn’t have to drink, Becky Lee made sure guests left the Walk This Way fashion event a bit sobered. The founder of Becky’s Fund and “Survivor: Cook Islands” finalist combined the fiercest men in D.C. society — Clinton Portis of the Washington Redskins with the players’ beloved designer, Matt Landsberg of Eric Finn Custom Clothiers — to showcase the taboo story of domestic abuse.
Strutting across the rooftop pool at the Liaison hotel Tuesday night, lanky and distressed models chilled onlookers with the slightest turn on the catwalk that revealed the badge of domestic abuse — makeup applied to look like a large purple welt on skin uncovered by menswear-inspired fashion. Instead of typical high-fashion blasé, the show was dramatic with abusive scenes and inner conflict on each model’s pose.
“I wanted them to see the bruises, I wanted them to feel the emotional, the shame,” Lee told Yeas & Nays. “Because you never see that in the light — everyone hides that.”
Lee said she asked Portis to join in the cause because his status would bring celebrity, while his stature would send a different message.
“Domestic violence is not a women’s issue,” Lee said. “Look at those men, who they tackle, they get rough on the field, but they know that the abuse of manipulation of power and control is wrong.”
The show’s high expectations were met, with the exception of some feedback from the sound system. The theater of the runway overshadowed the fashion.
Spotted at the event: Singer Ginuwine with retired rapper Sole, Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell with former Miss D.C. Mercedes Lindsay, Redskins linebacker Rocky McIntosh, Redskins tight end Chris Cooley with wife Christy (a former Skins cheerleader), and several members of the D.C. United soccer team.
“Portis begged me five times today to show up tonight,” Cooley gabbed.
Also seen around the event were “Survivor: Cook Islands” winner Yul Kwon with wife Sophie. The couple are a new addition to the D.C. social scene because Kwon recently accepted a job here.
As finalists on the reality show, Kwon and Lee formed an alliance based on more than just survival. The two agreed they would use their fame to bring awareness to causes they felt deeply about, and whoever won the show would donate some of his or her winnings to the other’s cause. Kwon, who is a board member on Becky’s Fund, donated $25,000 to Lee’s cause.
