A. B. Dolce productions will be shaking (but not stirring) things up this Friday with a martini tasting fundraiser.

Martini & Modelling Madness, is being held to raise money for an upcoming 'Duchess & Dukes of the Runway...The Definition of Style' fashion show on July 18.

The fundraising event will be held at the new Café g-135 on the corner of King and Front streets starting at 7.30 p.m.

The line-up of activities includes opportunities to shop in Café g-135's retail space, make-up makeover, five-minute photo shoots, a runway 'walk-off', a Wii competition and beer pong.

"Prizes will be given throughout the night," said organiser Amon 'Dolce' Butler of A.B. Dolce Productions. "However, the highlight of the evening is sure to be the spectacular martini bar that will be set up and managed by title sponsor of the event, Smirnoff.

"There will be a large variety of martinis to enjoy including one of Bermuda's favourites and the Best of Bermuda Gold winner of the Smirnoff Sub Tropic competition."

Café g-135 has agreed to donate $1 for every martini sold throughout the night.

Entry to the event is $20, payable at the door. Attendees will receive one complimentary martini ticket from Smirnoff, plus a chance to win a door prize, also provided by Smirnoff.

This fundraiser will support the second 'Duchess & Dukes of the Runway' fashion show. The first one was held last year.

The 2009 show will be held on July 18 at the Southampton Princess Amphitheatre. Doors open at 7.30 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase at Perry Footwear and are $40 in advance and $50 at the door.

On show will be a host of exciting models, overseas designers and local talent.

"To further delight the audience, we will have local artists Jason Richardson, The Two Fools, and Sia Spence (2005 Bermuda Idol), to perform alongside the elite line up of models and fashion designers," said Mr. Butler.

International designers include the plus size designer Monif C. and urban designers Jeantrix. Two of Bermuda's own designers will show their collections — Raffine Monique and ElleTee by Ashley Aitken along with a number of local retailers.

Miss Aitken said she has been working on her designs for the fashion show since February.

"I have been doing fashion design for about two years," she said. "I decided I wanted to design clothes when I realised that there was nothing else I wanted to do.

"I had just finished university. I went to Dalhousie University where I studied kineseology. My friend urged me to go into fashion. So I went and did a summer course in Milan. That was amazing."

She said one of the things she learned was how to draw for the industry.

"Without that I don't think I would even know where to start when it came to designing," she said.

She currently works full-time in marketing at Total Marketing.

Mr. Butler said one of the aims of the fashion show is to give opportunities to young Bermudians who are trying to get into the fashion industry.

"I myself am an upcoming personal stylist," he said. "I am hoping to go to Atlanta, Georgia to study fashion.

"I like fashion, and I feel like when I start styling people I like to see their reaction. It makes them feel good. I love it when people step out of the box.

"My favourite show right now is 'The Fashion Show'. One of the designers on there was featured in my show last year."

Several local 'women of style' will be honoured at the fashion show including Shiona Turini of 'Style Bermuda' magazine, Lady Lully Gibbons, Sheila Ming, Tori Simons, and Sheelagh Cooper of the Coalition for the Protection of Children.

"A. B. Dolce Productions is completely devoted to bettering the Bermudian community by shining the light on those who have felt a frustration for lack of opportunities, and for those wishing to pursue a career in the art of fashion," said Mr. Butler.

The show will be covered by American fashion publication J'Adore Magazine.

There will also be a charitable aspect to the night. Part of the proceeds of this year's fashion show will be donated to the Sunshine League.

"This organisation has been recognised by A.B. Dolce Productions as a place that they believe will ensure a bright future for Bermuda and its youth," said Mr. Butler.

For more information on the Martini & Modelling Madness fundraiser contact Ashley Aitken at ashley.aitken@yahoo.com">ashley.aitken@yahoo.com.

For more information on the Duchess & Dukes of the Runway fashion show contact organiser Amon Butler at b.dolceproductions@gmail.com">A.b.dolceproductions@gmail.com.