MOUNT VERNON — Soroptimist International of Mount Vernon & Knox County presented its annual “Step Into Spring” fashion show to a capacity crowd Saturday at The Dan Emmett Conference Center.
The event serves as a fundraiser for Soroptimist, which utilizes the funds raised for its club projects. Projects include New Directions Domestic Abuse Shelter, Christmas in July and Children’s Connection.
Show moderator Lori Beach recognized longtime Soroptimist member Helen Brown, who for the first time since the show began years ago was not on the runway modeling spring fashions.
Brown enjoyed watching the show and said it’s a favorite activity.
“I’ve enjoyed the modeling,” she said. “I love this.”
Vendors exhibited jewelry, candles, gifts, cosmetics and more. Other activities included a silent auction, door prizes, 50-50 raffle and gift basket raffle. Models walked among the tables, showing the features and accessories of the fashions they wore.
“Spring has arrived at The Dan Emmett Conference Center,” Beach said following a luncheon served by The Alcove.
The color aqua made a frequent appearance in many of the clothing items.
“Aqua is the color of the season,” said Beach.
Merchants providing new fashions were The Weather Vane, Peebles, Christopher & Banks, Moore 4 Le$$, A to Z Formal Wear, C.J. Banks, JJ’s Maternity and Nicole Jordan’s Children’s Clothing Boutique. The Secret Closet provided vintage fashions and accessories.
Down Home Leather, Rundell Goldsmiths and Dean’s Jewelry supplied accessories.
Cameras flashed as toddlers, little girls, women and grandmothers walked down the runway, pausing to turn and show off the details of their outfits, such as new colors, ruffles, reversibles, floral patterns, sequins, clever pockets, bows and more.
Holly Dauch modeled a Helen Zelkowitz original from The Secret Closet. The pleated dress, with crinoline, in charcoal gray, was designed exclusively for Zelkowitz, who pased away several years ago, in the 1940s.
The contemporary fashions were playful and colorful, and many were designed for fun, casual outings and cruises: Bright and swingy cotton jackets, capris, seersucker and polka dots, wrinkle-free fabrics that pack well, two-piece dresses and jackets that double as blouses.
Formal dresses and wedding gowns from A to Z Formal Wear were a big hit. The formals ranged from elegant black and strapless to spaghetti straps and vibrant, attention-getting colors.
For a vignette right out of a 1940s classic film, Stephanie Bagwell wore a gold satin evening gown and gold opera gloves that were hand-beaded in Hong Kong for Zelkowitz. She was accompanied by Tony Soler, handsomely clad in vintage U.S. Navy dress blues and white sailor’s cap. The crowd gasped, giggled and applauded as Soler twirled and dipped Bagwell, then kissed her.
