Big Apple, Little Rock
Fashion fuels Autumn Runway, a fundraiser for Salvation Army Auxiliary
Autumn Runway, the Salvation Army Auxiliary’s annual fundraising luncheon and showcase of style, offered something special at its Oct. 15 incarnation, held in the ballroom of the Junior League of Little Rock building.
The theme was “New York Fashion Week in Little Rock” and it featured the works of emerging designers from Arkansas Fashion School, who indeed had shown their creations in the Big Apple’s spring shows in September: Abby Alba, Crystal Hamilton, Amberly Holiman, Amanda Morley, Rochelle Nathaniel, Reymon Linares and Freddie Reynolds.
Attendees vied for silent auction items displayed outside the ballroom and enjoyed a lunch provided by Jay Ramsey of RX Catering and served by students of Word of Outreach Christian Academy, Episcopal Collegiate School and Central High School.
Mallory Brooks of KARK served as master of ceremonies. Arnessa Bennett, auxiliary president, welcomed attendees. Event chairman Loreen Orage introduced the show, which was preceded by remarks from Arkansas Fashion School founder Jamileh Kamran. Salvation Army Capt. Jamie Spalding gave the benediction.
The wow-worthy show was highlighted by a visual feast of African ankara-print fashions, sleek, classic tailored silhouettes, whimsical evening and cocktail ensembles made from hand-painted fabric — and a teeny tiny, intricately fashioned lace bra top.
Event proceeds will help fuel the charitable activities of the Salvation Army of Central Arkansas, including Christmas gifts to more than 1,000 central Arkansas families through the agency’s Angel Tree program.