Local luminaries will take to the catwalk wearing attire with a New York twist this month at the fifth annual luncheon and fashion show to benefit the Benicia Community Action Council’s senior meals program.

The date, April 23, coincides with Administrative Professionals Day.

Once again, Christina Strawbridge, owner of Christina S Fashion Destination and a City Council member, will guide the event, which shows lines from her store and Be Chic, another downtown clothier.

New this year is an appearance by Richard Hallmarq, a designer on the Lifetime fashion reality series “Project Runway” who will bring his latest collection for women and men, Strawbridge said.

“Richard’s newly opened retail studio in downtown Sacramento is getting a lot of media buzz, along with his stylish wearable separates and dresses,” she said.

Strawbridge’s experience in such shows led to the launch of the CAC benefit five years ago.

“CAC Board Member Helen Estes asked me to consider resurrecting a fashion show luncheon I used to do on Administrative Assistants Day, benefitting Sutter Solano Hospital,” Strawbridge said.

“We use the same format from that event, and encourage companies to bring their staff as a gesture of appreciation,” she said.

“This is one of the largest shows I do during the year, and helps our seniors in a very important way.”

In the past, she has chosen a variety of themes for the fashions to be modeled during the luncheon, from Alice in Fashion Wonderland to the British Invasion.

The fashion show has celebrated the 50th anniversary of James Bond, and last year coincided with the release of “The Great Gatsby,” starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

This year the theme is New York Fashion Week, and Strawbridge said the show will highlight “the spring trend toward suits and dresses against the backdrop of ‘The Big Apple.’”

Both Christina S and Be Chic will dress models in four fashion segments — black and white, casual resort, dresses and a segment she calls “red hot.”

The models will step out from a backdrop and surroundings of black and white, with taxi-yellow and fire-red accents, she said.

Modeling the fashions will be several local dignitaries, Strawbridge said.

She said the models will include Solano County District 2 Supervisor Linda Seifert, Mayor Elizabeth Patterson, Councilmember Alan Schwartzman, City Manager Brad Kilger, City Attorney Heather McLaughlin, Assistant City Manager Anne Cardwell, interim Finance Director Brenda Olwin, Benicia police Lt. Frank Hartig, Benicia Arts and Culture Commissioner Patty Gavin, Police Department Volunteer Coordinator Patti Baron, and Betty Jensen, assistant to the Superintendent of Benicia School District.

“Everyone seems eager to strut the runway,” Strawbridge said.

Kevin Frazier will play his saxophone for the catwalk music, she said.

Returning as caterer is 907 Grill, owned by Randy Ramos, who “always goes overboard with a delectable menu that his staff serves the guests,” she said. First Impressions Salon and Spa is doing the hair and makeup, and Kate Gibbs of Smitten Flowers is helping with event design and table decorations, Strawbridge added.

Tickets are $35, and are being sold at Christina S Fashion Destination, 370 First St., and Be Chic Boutique, 309 First St., or by calling Michele Hughes at 707-373-7571.

The CAC benefit fashion show will start at 11:30 a.m. at the Benicia Clocktower, 1189 Washington St.