The fashion forward headed down to The Altman Building on 18^th Street last night to support a great cause: the VIP kickoff of the annual four-day Fashion for Action event. The charitable shopping, sample sale, and silent auction event will raise funds for Housing Works, a lifesaving service benefiting homeless and low-income New Yorkers living with HIV/AIDS.  Honorary Chair Thom Browne and Co-chairs Patricia Clarkson (Oscar nominated actress), Rachel Roy, and Eva Jeanbart-Lorenzotti (Project Accessory) were all floating around the packed house, which featured two floors woth of designer duds, accessories, shoes, handbags and more.

A DJ spun upbeat tracks as guests mingled, shopped, and sampled creative cocktails and appetizers.  Haute Living caught up with the always vibrant Patricia Clarkson, who gushed, “Clean out your storage room and give to them!”, as Housing Works operates numerous thrift stores throughout the city to continuously fund their cause and as means of employment for many of their beneficiaries.  “It’s the night to shop,” the actress encouraged, “like I need more clothes!” she laughed.  But with 150 of the hautest brands in presence like Chloé, Christian Dior, Christian Louboutin, Diane Von Furstenberg, Dolce & Gabbana, Tory Burch, Marc Jacobs, Miu Miu and Moncler, and incredibly tantalizing silent auction items—it certainly is easy to be charitable!

The designer sale is open to the public through Sunday:

The Altman Building

135 West 18th Street (Between 6th and 7th Aves)

www.fashionforaction.com