The fashions were fabulous and the mood was hopeful this past Thursday evening at the Susan G. Komen foundation's 8th annual Fashion for the Cure benefit. The event, which raises money to fight breast cancer, was hosted by actress Eliza Dushku ("Dollhouse," The Alphabet Killer, Bring it On) at Smashbox Studios in West Hollywood.

In addition to the sold-out ticket revenues ($100 base to $350 for VIP), the event culled further funds through a silent auction featuring the finest in LA‘s jewelry, apparel, beauty/spa treatments, restaurants, hotels, and tickets to the Grammy Awards!

In addition to Peroni beer and One Hope wines, there were margaritas provided by Partida Tequila and rock-candy-adorned Hypnotiq cocktails. Snacks included Jamba Juice, Famous Cupcakes, and assorted hors d'oeuvres.

The event honored Dr. V. Krishnan Ramanujan, of the Department of Biomedical Sciences at Cedars-Sinai, with the Researcher Award. He was given a grant for his work on new technology for early detection and treatment of breast cancer. Dr. Ramanujan did his best explain his groundbreaking new approach (which involves injecting cancer cells with DNA-altering chemicals, from what I gathered).

Then came the main event: a runway show of Diana von Furstenberg's Cruise/Pre-Spring Collection 2009/2010, featuring Denise Richards, Caroline D'amore (Sorority Row, "Entourage" "90210"), singer/actress Mya, and Karina Smirnoff ("Dancing with the Stars") as models.

The collection is full of the feminine silhouettes and bold prints von Furstenberg is known for, but still revealed innovation and versatility. One highlight was a mini-dress made of multi-sized, multi-colored sequins that flapped excitingly as Jeannie Mai ("Character Fantasy") strutted down the runway. A subtler version was a matt-gold-sequined tank dress worn by one of the breast cancer survivor models. D'amore wore a sultry tropical print dress in pink, purple, and teal tied at the waist. Richards wore a textured gray and pink iridescent shift.

A classic DVF look was the black-and-white polka-dot strapless one-piece pantsuit, fitted in the bodice and flowy in the legs. I mean, where can't you wear that? Also displayed were von Furstenberg's takes on popular new trends. Her incarnations of fashion's current shoulder obsession were a stunning square-cap-sleeved shin-length frock in a colorful confetti print and a one-sleeved floral frock. Her ode to the maxi-dress craze was vacation-ready in an eclectic scarf-life silk.

The clothes were a smash hit, but the stars of the show were definitely the eight models who had survived their battles with breast cancer. Their unstoppable courage and shear joy filled the room with emotion and brought everyone to their feet with applause. Seeing these brave women walk the runway really communicated the power of medicine to transform a person's reality, and the beauty of Diane von Furstenberg's designs truly enhanced the presentation.

The evening successfully showcased the gorgeous work of a wonderful designer, honored a doctor who is valiantly battling a devastating disease, and celebrated the amazing strength of breast cancer survivors everywhere.

Story by Chrissy Humphreys. Photo credit: A.Weber/Wire Image.