I've been e-mailing and speaking with Cyndie French this week about the upcoming Magnum Opus Fashion Show, which will take place Saturday, Nov. 3, at the Hard Rock Cafe in the Downtown Plaza.

As many of you will remember, Cyndie was part of an incredible series - "A Mother's Journey - that The Bee published last year about her son, Derek Madsen, who was battling a rare form of cancer. Derek lost his battle and now Cyndie, a single mom, is doing great things with a foundation in his honor, Derek's Wish.

"This fashion show means everything to me because it will raise funds to help other families who are struggling with the same thing I went through," Cyndie says. "Plus, it will truly be an exciting evening."

From the looks of the show's schedule, it should, indeed, be a fashionable, fabulous evening.

Here's what's on tap:

* Doors open at 7, with a buffet dinner to follow.

* There will be at least 10 local designers participating, including RJ Designs, AY Clothing, Nicole Zambolla, Venus Creations and Allen Tram.

* And hey, how about dancing and mingling afterward till 1 a.m.?!

Tickets for the show are $40; VIP tickets go for $55. They're available at IKON Boutique in Downtown Plaza or at the Magnum Opus Web site. Just click here.

For more information about Derek's Wish Foundation, click here.