Donna Degnan's parents, interior designers in New York, wanted her to follow in their footsteps. But she was more interested in fashion.

So she went to Manhattan's famed Fashion Institute of Technology, worked for several clothing companies and, nine years ago, launched her own line. Now her womenswear designs are in more than 800 stores in the United States and Canada, including Carabella in Oakmont, Capriccio in Squirrel Hill and Lintons at the Waterfront.

Ms. Degnan is in Pittsburgh this weekend for a trunk show of her fall-winter collection from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. tomorrow at Carabella, 328 Allegheny River Blvd. Some designs also will be featured in a "Pretty Woman" runway show tonight at 7:30 at The Oaks Theater, also in Oakmont, to raise money for the Greater Pennsylvania chapter of the Alzheimer's Association.

"They've got to find an answer to it. So many people are suffering with it," said Ms. Degnan, whose mother is in the early stages of dementia.

Before launching her own line, Ms. Degnan, 50, spent more than a decade designing for several U.S. fashion retailers, including Definitive Clothing contemporary apparel for Christina James.

But she longed to design stylish contemporary clothing that was neither young enough for a young-adult daughter to wear nor dowdy and matronly for a woman not quite at middle age. So she created a niche in bridge womenswear with clothes that are manufactured in the United States.

Carabella owner Carol Kinkela said Donna Degnan is among the most popular of hundreds of brands sold in her women's boutique. "Her fit is amazing," she said. "She's at the top of the list as far as fashion, fit and fabric."

Ms. Degnan, whose aesthetic is inspired by the '60s and Audrey Hepburn, is pleased to see current fashion trends reflect the classic, retro-inspired aesthetic that is routine for her.

"It really talks to me," she said. "It's very modern but clean. That's truly the woman I go after. The fact that it's in vogue now makes it a thousand times more fun for me."

Tickets to tonight's benefit fashion show, supported by presenting sponsor Highmark, are $75 at 412-261-5040, ext. 117. The Oaks Theater is at 310 Allegheny River Blvd. Doors open at 6 p.m. with heavy hors d'oeuvres, cocktails and a silent auction until 7 p.m. A dessert and champagne reception will follow the 7:30 p.m. fashion show.