Whitney Port wants ‘first-ever fan-supported fashion show'

Reality star turned designer Whitney Port has made an online plea for donations to what she has dubbed the "first-ever fan-supported fashion show at fashion week in New York."

The former The Hills star launched Whitney Eve in 2008, with the label making its debut runway show at New York Fashion Week earlier this year.

According to the star, she needs $50,000 towards production costs such as models, hair, makeup and a DJ.

"I'm doing something that's never been done before: the first-ever fan-supported fashion show at fashion week in New York," explains Port in an accompanying video plea.

The celebrity is making her plea via crowd-funding site Indiegogo, a competitor to Kickstarter, and certain publications have cited their disapproval at the scheme.

"Whitney Port seems an unlikely candidate for charity. The Hills, the reality show that launched her to fame, paid her a reported $20,000 per episode," reports Jezebel.
However, fashion blog Styleite concedes the concept is an interesting one.
"It's an interesting idea, and it would be very interesting if more independent designers decided to follow suit, but we doubt it will be a game-changer," writes the publication.

Port explains there will be benefits for fans who make a donation, with "perks" for funding her show including the chance to attend a model fitting or having a one-on-one phone call with Port about the show concept.

For more information on the crowd-funding campaign and the complete list of perks, go to http://crowdfunding.indiegogo.com/WhitneyEveNYFW

Meanwhile, see her video plea at http://youtu.be/2vLGVlQb6kI