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The fashion world revolves around New York, Milan, Paris and – last night – Portsmouth.

Runway Ready co-blogger Mary Salmon and I were thrilled last night to emcee Portsmouth’s annual Fashion Up! gala at the third-floor nightclub at the Gas Light Co.

The show was a big success, as an enthusiastic crowd fashionistas and supporters of the downtown business came out to see the models show off Portsmouth finest fashions from a dozen downtown boutiques.

The show kicked off with delicious appetizers and complimentary wine-tasting from Atrezzi.

The Downtown Business Association’s Community Commerce Connection launched this event three years ago to highlight Portsmouth’s vibrant retail scene. DBA members Paul Sorli, Diane Kelly, Kerri O’toole and Ashley Vaughn are among the many who poured countless hours into organizing the event this year.

Events like the Fashion Up! are so important. Not only do they shine the spotlight on our local businesses, they give businesses owners and patrons a chance to meet and mingle, creating bonds and opening doors that then stay open all year ’round.

Portsmouth shops made the ultimate fashion statement, featuring clothes from Serendipity, Karma Threads, Le Club Boutique, Clay’s, Mojo, Fast Eddie’s Dirty Laundry, Puttin’ On The Glitz, La Femme Intimates, Identity, Second Time Around and Occasions Bridal.

The local models were beautiful, and they had help primping from makeup artist Joanne McDonough of Joya Beauty, The Pink Sapphire Boutique and hair stylist Lena Hartford of "Hair That Moves" and Jessica Todd of "6 Degrees".

Movie supermodel Derek Zoolander had nothing on Portsmouth Super-Mayor Tom Ferrini. He rocked the runway, looking politically and fashionably correct. Could this be a new career?

Check out Seacoastonline.com's gallery of photos by Scott Yates and check back to see all the action – and, of course, a Jeff Spires video of the show – later in the week.

You won’t want to miss the “What Not to Wear” segment with local style gurus Evan Maniquis and Sarah Elliott!

http://www.seacoastonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/misc?url=/_flash/gallery/gallery.html&Avis=SO&Dato=20081121&Kategori=PHOTOS0109&Lopenr=1121001&Ref=PH

By Debbie Breneman

When Debbie Breneman isn't shopping she's reading your emails. You can contact her at dbreneman@seacoastonline.com or debreneman@gmail.com or contact Mary Salmon at msalmon@seacoastonline.com