Fashion, photography, and rock & roll…all in the name of charity. The fourth annual Models of VOP Fashion & Rock Show hits the runway at Heat Nightclub on Friday, August 28^th.

The Models of VOP Fashion & Rock Show, or The VOP Show, has raised over $10,000 for charity since its start in 2006. Every year, the show partners with a local charity and donates 100% of its proceeds; past organizations include The MS Society, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and PAWS Chicago.

VOP stands for Visually Odd Photography. Every model that struts down the runway has also posed for VOP, hence, The Models of VOP Show. Chris Peterlin is the originator and sole force behind VOP. Since entering the photography field, Peterlin has worked with hundreds of models, not including bands, weddings and other events. 

“I used to keep track of how many different people I shot with,” says Peterlin. “Recently, that number has not been as important as it used to be. It gets incredibly hard keeping track of all the wonderful people I have crossed paths with.”

This year, however, started off with a turn for the worst. After just a few months of show preparation, Peterlin suffered a tremendous fall on a patch of black ice. Unable to move, he was rushed to the hospital and his injuries were assessed.

Peterlin learned that not only did he need to undergo several surgery procedures; he would need nearly a year to walk again. Forced to take medical leave, Peterlin was transported to a nursing home in Peoria, three hours from his home in the Chicago area. In addition to his injuries, he also learned he had Type II Diabetes.

“It wasn't until I found out exactly what was wrong with me and found out how my life was going to change that I began to feel an extreme rush of strong emotions,” says Peterlin. “I still have that rush on occasion to this day.”

Obviously a major setback to the show, things had to change. Rather than donating all proceeds to charity, profits will be split – 50% to the American Diabetes Association (Chicago chapter) and the other half to benefit the VOP Founder, Peterlin.

Unfortunately, the problems didn’t end there. Due to lack of funds, Peterlin was forced out of the nursing home and into a hospital – until his money ran out again. Peterlin is currently living with his parents in Peoria.

Although Peterlin’s participation in organizing the event was minimized, the show had to go on. Staying true to its title, The Models of VOP are working together to produce one hell of a show to benefit Peterlin and the ADA.

“I have been very proud of the success with organizing this year's show without me,” says Peterlin. “I do hope to be able to come back and help with future shows. That is my goal.”

Organized through a 100% – volunteer driven effort, models, photographers and designers are putting their heads together to focus on this year’s show. The show will feature over 25 designers, with the same amount of models walking the catwalk. Featuring pieces from all over the world, several highlights include designs by retail store Forever 21 (LA, Ca.), Refab Clothing (Wis.), Adolfo Sanchez (LA, Ca.), and Jewellry by Marielle (Ireland). Not only are designs submitted from all over the world, the variety of designs is just as wide. Models will walk in everything from punk to goth, lingerie to swimwear, and couture to glam, to trashglam!

As a “thank you” to the designers in the show, The VOP Show takes studio shots of the models in their items. In the past, Peterlin hosted the photo sessions. However, since he is unable to work with the camera, a local modeling agency has graciously offered its assistance. Mark Niemi, owner and photographer of CIMM (Creative Images & Model Management) is hosting the photo sessions at his professional studio in Chicago. The first fitting was held on May 3 in CIMM’s studio, and additional fittings will take place on location at Heat, and at his studio. Also teaming up with CIMM is make-up artist Mark Schmudde. Schmudde has been a key player in the show’s success since its first year.

Heat Nightclub is working closely with The VOP Show to produce a rockin' event. The Schaumburg-venue will be generously donating 100% of its door proceeds that night to the benefit/charity. An alternative DJ will be spinning during and in between runway sets to set a beat for the models, and announcer Anthony Mendoza will be pumping up the crowd.

To mix it up, The VOP guys and gals also produce another event: The VOP Model's Auction. Models are auctioned for a group date, and items are raffled off. Local radio stations Q101 and 97.9 The Loop donated to the cause, sending CD’s and other merchandise to auction off. The Metro also joined, donating concert tickets. Other bar, spa and electronic merchandise were donated. The Model's Auction was held on July 10, and the date night was held on July 31 (both at Heat).

The Models of VOP Fashion & Rock Show is sure to impress – not only a night of fashion and heat, but a night dedicated to two amazing causes.

 “I cannot wait for this year's show,” says Peterlin. “By hook or crook, I am going to walk into the show with a brace and a cane or riding in a wheelchair but I will be there. From the things I have heard, this year's show will be the best by far.”