The new fur has arrived
Nutria is getting glam. That's not a typo. In an effort to save the wetlands, Righteous Fur is bringing a fashion show and auction to Lafayette next week with fur like we've never seen before.
Nutria-palooza sur la Coulee on Tuesday, Oct. 7 from 6 to 10 p.m., is a way to bring awareness to the wetlands and utilize beautiful fur that's often wasted. According to Righteous Fur co-director Cree McCree, who founded the project with mini-grants from the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program, about 98 percent of animals killed are thrown back into the swamp.
"There's two problems with that," says co-director Becky Schexnayder. "Decaying depletes the water of oxygen, and all that beautiful fur is being wasted."
On Tuesday a bevy of nutria fur pieces will hit the runway and at the end of the show guest will have a chance to bid on them in a live auction.
There will also be a Bounty Boutique to purchase nutria-teeth jewelry, nutria-fur accessories and one-of-a-kind designs, along with Marsh Dog nutria pet treats.
Hot 8 Brass Band will get the party started while guests sample complimentary hors d'ouevres. Emceed by Caroline Helm, the multimedia show features "[Rodents of Unusual Size](file://localhost/projects/2062784988/rodents-of-unusual-size)," an offbeat doc about the giant swamp-rat invasion; and members of Cat Head Biscuit Boys, who go on the "$5 a Tail" hunt for sassy nutria dancer Julie Bordelon.
The event is sponsored in part by by Bayou Teche Brewing, Saint Street Inn and Genterie Supply Co. and the fashion is created by both Righeous Fur and Tchoup Industries designers.
The participating designers are: From Lafayette: Becky Schexnayder, Valerie Billeaud, Margaret LaBry, Nicole LeBlanc, Catherine Schoeffler Comeaux, Kathy Dumesnil, Abigail Ransonet, Suzanne Chaillot
From New Orleans: Cree McCree, Patti Dunn/Tchoup Industries, Julie Ebel, Dana Embree, Kate McNee, Elizabeth Shannon, Oliver Manhattan, Mo Lappin/Howlpop, Joy Patterson, Jessica Radcliffe
EVENT DETAILS:
Nutria-palooza sur la Coulée
Tuesday, October 7, 6-10 pm
Home of Becky Schexnayder
140 Arlington Drive, Lafayette, LA 70503
Tickets $25 advance/ $30 at the door
Complimentary Hors D'oeuvres by local restaurants
Cash Bar: Signature "$5 a Cocktail" drink, Bayou Teche Biere and wine
TICKETS:
Advance tickets online: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/861658
Tickets can also be purchased at Genterie Supply Co., 210 E Vermilion St.