Fashion maven Yolanda Cellucci, left, and her beautiful granddaughter Milan Damirjian, at the Shelley Chhabra “Global Bridal Collection” premiere. Milan models an exclusive gown from the Collection. (Photo © Hilda M. Morrill)

We are told that February is “National Weddings Month”— with Valentine’s Day being one of the most popular days of the year for wedding proposals. 

So, when we were recently invited to fashion maven Yolanda Cellucci’s Event Center in Waltham for the unveiling of her new Bridal Collection, we were very interested, knowing that we would be able to share “the latest” with our visitors/readers. 

And, of course, it’s always a delight to be around “Boston’s First Lady of Fashion,” as our dear friend and society writer, the late John Brenner, dubbed her.

As usual, Yolanda put on a spectacular “fun-and-fabulous” show. What was different this time, however, was that the fashions were from India, each more beautiful and colorful than the other. Even the setting was dramatic, as colorful Indian-motif pedestals accented in gold held beautifully decorated cachepots filled with plants. Tables were covered with swaths of burgundy colored silk. Even the music was authentic. 

Yolanda’s is the first boutique in the nation to offer Indian bridal and party wear from Shelley Chhabra, the latest addition to the vast and vibrant Indian bridal fashion industry. Ms. Chhabra’s collections feature classic and modern Indian wedding dresses. The fashions are truly “one of a kind” since each features exquisite beading that is done by hand. 

As Yolanda explained, “An increasing number of my brides are of different ethnic backgrounds and have beautiful traditions which they would like to uphold…. I see bridal fashion and party wear in North America evolving to include a range of styles and colors to suit the needs of brides of every background.” 

The reality is that many of the sophisticated gowns and saris, with their dramatic figure-flattering shapes, may be worn by stylish women of any age for any special occasion or black-tie gala.

To round out the perfect evening, and adding more touches of authenticity, guests enjoyed delicious goodies catered by the Bombay Club, among others. Yum! 

Yolanda Cellucci has thrived in the wedding and special-event industry for nearly four decades because she’s willing to change and adapt to new trends. As evidence, she has changed the name of her opulent Waltham gallery from Yolanda’s to Yolanda’s Event Center. 

The new name better reflects all of the services she offers – including a full-service beauty salon, fitness center, children’s fashion designer, wedding cakes, jeweler, photographer, videographer, and invitation specialist.

For more information about the new Global Bridal Collection, please visit www.yolandas.com, www.shelleychhabra.com, or call 781-899-6470.

……. The “Annual TomorrowNite 2006 Party,” a benefit for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, is scheduled for Saturday, February 11, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at The Wang Center in Boston. One of Boston's premier charity events the “Night of Gospel and Blues” will feature a strolling reception with gourmet dining, cocktails, a silent auction, and an evening of dancing to music by Soul City. 

The Reverend Lee Mitchell Band and the Boston Latin School Gospel Choir will also be performing. Over the past 12 years, the annual Boston-based TomorrowNite benefits have raised nearly $1 million for the children of St. Jude. 

Channel 7 news anchor Frances Rivera will emcee the event. Event sponsors include the Ayoub Family, Charles Hajjar and Anne Tamer Hajjar (the event chairman), and The Tayebati Family Foundation. 

Highlights of the silent auction include a “Los Angeles Celebrity Extravaganza” featuring lunch with actress Maura Tierney, followed by a private viewing of the taping of “ER”; a seven-day Greek vacation on Mykonos Island; a Canyon Ranch Spa three-night deluxe package; a hot air balloon ride for four people; a signed Celtics team ball; and a signed Patriots ball – just to name a few.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. Founded by the late entertainer Danny Thomas and based in Memphis, Tenn., St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world. No family ever pays for treatments not covered by insurance, and families without insurance are never asked to pay. 

For TomorrowNite tickets or more information, please visit www.stjude.org/tomorrownite or call 617-965-5262. 

Enjoy! 

In addition to events covered and reported by the columnist, "The Scene..." 
is compiled from various other sources such as news releases, PRNewswire services, etc.

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