Wilmington models, whose ages range from early 20s to mid 80s, will sport fall 2014 fashion trends as they strut down a runway at the Cameron Art Museum during the 2014 Fall Fashion Preview Oct. 28. Each of the 20 outfits were inspired by pieces in the museum’s State of the Art exhibit, which features contemporary art created by artists native to or living in North Carolina.
“People do feel that fashion is an art,” said Jess James, who is co-hosting the event with Dr. Rosalyn George of Wilmington Dermatology Center. “We’re bringing the focus back to the art.”
James said selecting 20 pieces of art from a collection that features the work of 650 artists was a challenge.
“It was tough — there were a lot of amazing pieces,” she said.
One photograph by local photographer Kelly Starbuck inspired a ‘70s-style outfit, which James created using light-colored jeans, a faux-fur vest and oversized sunglasses from Lula Balou. Another featured look is a Western-style outfit, inspired by Jonathan Guggenheim’s artwork.
“The piece has a shadow box/ light box effect,” James said. “It has a cowboy motif.”
While local art inspired James’ outfits, seasonal runway trends also influenced her style choices.
“The looks are going to be inspired by the runway; we’ve never done that,” James said. “It’s about bringing women together of all ages and how you can bring the trends together at any age. The women walking the runway are of different ages and backgrounds.”
Paula Sarraday, age 84, recalled her experiences modeling in James’ previous shows.
“It’s lots of fun,” Sarraday said. “Jess is such a professional. I’m flattered that she asked me to model.”
Sarraday, like the rest of the preview’s models, is a Wilmington resident.
“All the models live here,” James explained.
The first 25 guests to purchase tickets online for the Fall Fashion Preview will be entered to win the Fall Fabulous package — a gift basket put together by Wilmington Dermatology Center and Beauty Bar Boutique.
The event will also feature a silent auction, which will benefit Make-A-Wish Eastern North Carolina. Guests will enjoy seafood from Catch Restaurant, sweets from One Belle Bakery, Midnight Moon cocktails by mixologist Joel Finsel and music by DJ Brian Hood.
Participating stores and designers include Aqua Fedora, Beanie + Cecil, Bloke, Chloe + Isabel, Front Street Optometric Care, Girls Style Boutique, House of Landor, Island Massage, Lula Balou, Mitzy Jonkheer, Monkee’s, Oliver, Second Skin Vintage, Soul Shoetique, TL Workshop and Ziabird. The models’ hair and makeup will be styled by Hannah Lynne Milojevich of Beauty Bar Boutique.
Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at
www.stylegirljessjames.com
