The third annual “Fashionista for Scholarships” Fall Fashion Show was presented by the STLCC-Meramec Alumni Association from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3 in the student center.
Kathryn Pinkston
– Staff Writer –
Stephanie Stough
– Art & Life Editor –
The third annual “Fashionista for Scholarships” Fall Fashion Show was presented by the STLCC-Meramec Alumni Association from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3 in the student center.
The event began with a performance from a vocal artist, followed by approximately 50 models strutting down the runway, and concluded with fashion show awards and announcements of winners from the many silent auctions.
There was a lineup of vendor booths for light shopping, as well as a free tote bag full of coupons and goodies for every guest. The cost was $10 for the fashion show and $20 for lunch and show. All proceeds went to the Meramec Alumni Scholarship Fund for current students.
Stephen Petersen, Ph.D., vice president of Student Affairs at the Meramec campus, gave credit to Linda McGinnis, a communications relations specialist who “gives, gives, gives to the community and school.”
Another credit from Petersen went to Suzette Johannsen, president of the Meramec Alumni Association, who emceed the show. “Community colleges don’t necessarily have alumni associations,” said Petersen, “but Meramec has hundreds of alumni who stay connected with us year after year. A lot of credit for that goes to Johannsen who is passionate about student scholarships.”
Abbas Ali was awarded the Top Model Award.
“Winning was a surprise for me. I’ve never done anything like that before. They just told me what to do, and I did it, and then I won. It was really exciting,” Ali said.
The event opened with several songs by Meramec employee Nisey Love-Payne while many guests ate lunch and browsed the booths.
Performing mostly in trios, the models exhibited clothing borrowed or purchased from 13 stores in West County and Crestwood Malls.
“We have a huge variety of fashions, and it’s fun for the participants,“ Petersen said. “Each will receive a DVD of their walk.
Johannsen’s father, Dave Johannsen, a recurring participant, was the first one down the runway. “He’s a bit of a ham,” his daughter explained to the audience.
Jeff Whaley and Doug Cockrell opened the show suited in tuxedos with different pastel-colored matching shirts and ties, all from Men’s Warehouse in West County Mall.
Lauren Bacchle modeled an outfit in chocolate brown, followed by her mother, Kim, who strolled through in a belted jumpsuit, both “in” for fall, said Johannsen.
Haley Watson modeled a deep blue metallic dress. All were from Cache, a trendy store in West County Mall, which sells a lot of union made in America clothing.
Angela Parisotto and Krystal Diamond, two of Meramec’s cheerleaders, appeared in attire from White House/Black Market, wearing satin outfits
Malcachi Rein, a Meramec alumni and stage manager for the show announced the children were modeling next.
“I think it adds spontaneity to include children and animals,” Johannsen said.
Isabella Goss, Jerrid Rolfe and Gabriela Collie modeled dressy styles from Children’s Place. Nemo, ‘the world famous smiling dog,’ entertained the crowd in a tiger costume.
Love-Payne and her daughter Courtney, along with Wrainbeau Willis and Linda Hobson, modeled styles from Torrid, a plus-size shop.
“I wanted to show clothing that real women can wear,” said Johannsen, “not just styles for those few who eat celery all day.”
Four members of Meramec’s baseball team strolled before the crowd in the sportswear from Fanamania.
Later in the show, five more men modeled suits and ties from Sears. They were Ali, the show’s winner, William Bader, Patrick Colosimo, Paul Mach and Justin Wilson.
“Next year,” said Johannsen, “we’re going to serve a Sunday breakfast buffet with the show, so be sure to plan to be there.”
