Becky's Fund 'Walks' To Italy; Fifth Annual Charity Fashion Show Takes Stand Against Domestic Violence

All photography by Joy Asico for REVAMP.com.

NORTHWEST -- The annual fashion show known as 'Walk This Way' took over the modernly-appointed interior of the Italian Embassy over the weekend, with proceeds from the sold-out affair benefitting D.C.-based nonprofit Becky's Fund.

The organization was founded by Becky Lee in November 2006 with the prize money she won as a contestant on the acclaimed CBS prime-time television show Survivor: Cook Islands.

Returning for a fifth year in a row on Friday night, the charitable and stylish soiree saw over a dozen world-class athletes take a stand against domestic violence by walking the runway clad in the latest fashions from both American and international designers alike, including the District's own Brimble & Clark.

The theme for Friday's event was “The Language of Love” which addressed the ever-complicated transformation of how individuals communicate in healthy relationships. And DJ Seyhan kicked-off the fashion presentation with a literal ROAR, as Katy Perry's ode to empowerment thundered from the speakers overhead.

Comcast SportsNet anchor Julie Donaldson emceed the elegant affair, which also afforded guests the chance to mingle with the participating star athletes ( Pierre Garcon, Josh Morgan, Dwayne de Rosario, etc.) after the show.

And in keeping with 2013's Anno della cultura Italiana ('Year of Italian Culture'), the 'Walk This Way' show also prominently spotlighted various Italian designers, athletes, and businesses.

Indeed, with all of the Dolci Gelati, Peroni beer, and Limoncello being served, attendees could easily imagine themselves strolling past the canals of Venice or the streets of Rome for a few brief minutes.

While the transition from last year's host venue at Kastles Stadium to 2013's home at the Italian Embassy might have proven tricky for some, the show went off smoothly with professional precision. No doubt, this has much to do with all of the behind-the-scenes hard work of producer Stephanie Holland and Tara de Nicolas, whose Georgetown Consulting Group was enlisted to help consult on the event.

de Nicolas, of course, is well known in Washington philanthropic and fashion circles as the founder of the Washington Humane Society's Fashion for Paws fundraiser, which has raised more than $3 million over the years and was hosted at the Italian Embassy for many of those.

Proceeds from this year's benefit will be used to support Becky's Fund's 'Men of Code' program, which is an education initiative designed to transform young male athletes into allies and leaders in the movement to end intimate partner violence.

For those that weren't able to make Friday's fashion show, there still remains a chance to support such a cause as this year's silent auction will continue online until Tuesday, December 3rd.

ROARing at your computer, however, is completely optional.