Brookline's Heleena Norvette Brings Glamour to BCA Fundraiser

The Cyclorama at the Boston Center for the Arts will come alive with the glitz and glamour of their annual fundraiser on Thursday, January 23, this year titled SHIMMER. And thanks to Brookline native and professional stylist Heleena Norvette, the guests will be dressed to the nines.

This is Norvette’s first experience working with the BCA, but her love of art was fostered from an early age here in Brookline. “I was very fortunate being in the Brookline school system, art was a major part of my growing up,” she says. “It’s something that everyone needs in their life. Which is why I feel the BCA is very important and I’m so happy to be working with them.”

Norvette’s talents will shine this week at the SHIMMER Styling Event for VIP ticket holders. VIPs got the exclusive opportunity to be styled by Norvette from a collection of outfits by local boutiques on Thursday, January 23. Finishing touches include everything from jewelry made by local artisans to hair and makeup before the event the following week.

SHIMMER’s dress code is inspired by the early 2000s and Norvette provided BrooklineHub with some tips to keep outfits from veering too close to Hilary Duff a la Lizzie McGuire. “The fashion wheel is always spinning. I feel like even in today’s fashion there are still hints of the early 2000s,” she says. “It’s glitz; it’s sequins, fur, and what have you. You don’t necessarily have to start at 2000. When in doubt, stick with the title theme and go for a shiny statement piece.

What’s most important, says Norvette, is that guests feel good inside and out. “You want someone to feel confident first and foremost,” she says. “When you look and feel your best you’re at your best. That’s why I love what I do. That feeling is amazing.”

SHIMMER is a party for a cause. All proceeds from the event support the BCA’s year-round artist residency programs in visual arts, theatre, music, dance, and interdisciplinary art. The BCA is a nonprofit performing and visual arts campus that provides space and resources for creators all over Greater Boston to showcase and develop their work.

“We just want people to come, have a good time, dance, drink, look good,” says Paula Dixon, communications manager at the BCA. “You’re having a good time but you’re also supporting a great cause so it’s a good two for one.” So pop over the Norvette’s Instagram for sparkly outfit inspiration and prepare to party like it’s 2005.

By Celina Colby

BrooklineHub.com is a 501C3 non-profit dedicated to reporting and commenting on life, culture and community in Brookline. As part of our mission, we advocate for non-profits vital in making this a better place to live, and by sponsoring and supporting events that promote community-building. We hold the belief that as a community, we should foster the well-being of all, remaining mindful of our young people, seniors, and underprivileged.