On Saturday, July 20, I attended the first annual Local Fashion Advantage event by renowned fashion designer Hilton Hollis in Carthage, Mississippi. The proceeds from LFA [Local Fashion Advantage] were donated to The Leake County Foundation and The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi. “My father passed away from complications due to diabetes, so I wanted to give to a group committed to bettering the lives of people with diabetes. In addition, I wanted to give back to my community of Carthage by helping to save our old elementary school, which was almost in ruins before a group took the initiative to begin renovating it,” states fashion designer Hilton Hollis.
Hilton Hollis attended elementary school at “The Old School” and was devastated when he received word of its possible destruction. The school is such an important staple in Carthage, so Hilton took action. This event [The Local Fashion Advantage] was arranged in conjunction with The Leake County Foundation to help save the school, which is a basis for many of the fashion designer’s earliest childhood memories.
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Hilton Hollis brought New York City runway fashions to the small town of Carthage, Mississippi as he showcased his Fall 2013 collection on the LFA catwalk. “High energy runway fashion paired with local talent from around Mississippi. I had models from all over the South walking in the event,” says Hollis.
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In addition to the showing of Hilton Hollis’s Fall 2013 collection, local shops and boutiques styled fabulous outfits that were modeled on the LFA runway. Fantastic fashions for a great cause–it does not get much better than that!
To see the runway show of Hilton Hollis’s Fall 2013 collection, musical performances at LFA, and highlights of the entire event, please visit the Local Fashion Advantage YouTube videohere.
Do not forget to like the Local Fashion Advantage on Facebook to keep up with press and the annual event! Click here.
For more pictures from this event, please visit the VIP Facebook page here.
Renowned fashion designerHilton Hollis, a proud Mississippi native, was born in Natchez and brought up in Carthage. He attended elementary school at “The Old School” in Carthage. When Hilton received word of its possible destruction, he was devastated and knew that he had to do something to help preserve it. His connections to not only his home state, but also to his hometowns run deep. Hollis has incorporated his Southern roots into his chicly tailored designs ever so perfectly. “The architecture of Natchez is very Gothic, and I take a lot of inspiration from that….When I am designing, I look at [the process] like creating a garment to sit on the body…how it is structured to accentuate areas of the body—just as the wraparound porches and stained glass windows [in Natchez] compliment the structures of antebellum homes in my hometown,” explains Hilton Hollis. With his Southern accent and love of fried apple pies, Hilton joins the ranks with Mississippi’s finest stars. “I am so proud to be a Mississippian,” exclaims Hilton Hollis. “Things can get fast-paced and hectic…whether I am in New York, Paris, or Hong Kong, but a little piece of Carthage and Mississippi goes with me to each of those places. It brings things into perspective and helps keep me grounded, which I truly appreciate,” states Hollis.
Hilton Hollis has not let his designer celebrity status and world travels go to his head. He is totally delightful, and his passion for community and giving back is contagious. He recently received a commending resolution from the state of Mississippi where Governor Phil Bryant awarded Hilton for his outstanding philanthropic and fashion designs. “I am really honored and amazed that the governor of Mississippi gave me this wonderful award,” says Hilton Hollis in an interview with Abby Hathorn at Gus Mayer in Birmingham, Alabama. “Growing up in the South and coming from a small town in Mississippi, as a kid I would never in a million years imagine that I would be standing there getting an award from the state that I call home…I give a lot of my time to my philanthropic interests…I am very proud to be a Southerner and a Mississippian! So, for my home state to recognize my achievements and to give me this award is really humbling,” states Hollis.
Hilton Hollis will be showcasing his passion for community and fashion at his “The Local Fashion Advantage” event benefiting The Leake County Foundation and The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi on July 18-20. The Local Fashion Advantage event was arranged, in conjunction with The Leake County Advantage, to help save “The Old School” in Carthage. Hilton’s support of The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi is a personal one.
What is the Local Fashion Advantage?
“The Local Fashion Advantage is about the community coming together to support two very important groups, The Leake County Foundation and The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi. There will be a series of events for everyone to enjoy including: a trunk show and sample sale of my ‘Ethereal Angels’ spring 2013 line, a silent auction, and the big headliner fashion show,” explains Hollis.
What inspired you to create this event and fashion show?
“My father passed away from complications due to diabetes, so I wanted to give to a group committed to bettering the lives of people with diabetes. In addition, I wanted to give back to my community of Carthage by helping to save our old elementary school, which was almost in ruins before a group took the initiative to begin renovating it,” states fashion designer Hilton Hollis.
Hilton Hollis attended elementary school at “The Old School” and was devastated when he received word of its possible destruction. The school is such an important staple in Carthage, so Hilton took action. This event [The Local Fashion Advantage] was arranged in conjunction with The Leake County Foundation to help save the school, which is a basis for many of the fashion designer’s earliest childhood memories.
What should people expect to see at the Local Fashion Advantage event?
“High energy runway fashion paired with local talent from around Mississippi. I have models from all over the South walking in this event. Imagine New York City runway fashion in the small town of Carthage,” exclaims Hollis.
What is up next for Hilton Hollis?
“We are ALWAYS moving forward! As I speak to you, I am on a train from Newport, Rhode Island where I just had an amazing trunk show. It was my first time in Newport, and I as expand across the United States, I plan to always be doing more to bring awareness to our great state [of Mississippi] and the place I call HOME,” says Hilton Hollis.
The Local Fashion Advantage is the event of the summer. You will not want to miss it! Fabulous fashions for a great cause—it does not get any better than that! “The Local Fashion Advantage event will be full of passion, excitement, energy, and caring—the vision has come together perfectly,” states Hilton Hollis. Twenty percent of the proceeds from the trunk show and sample sale will go directly toward The Leake County Foundation and The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi. One Hundred percent of ticket sales and silent auction proceeds will go to these two charities. What a great way to revolutionize your wardrobe and do something proactive to give back to not only the residents in the Heart of Mississippi, but also to all the Mississippians living with and battling diabetes!
Trunk Show and Sample Sale: July 18-19 from 12 noon to 5pm at Flaunt in Carthage, Mississippi.
Fashion Show and Silent Auction: Saturday, July 20 models will hit the runway at 7pm at the Old Carthage Elementary School located at 500 North Van Buren Street, Carthage.
As the sun sets in Homewood Alabama, my fashion senses are tingling with excitement! Everyone in the crowd is ready to see hot summer fashions from The Clothes Tree INC. and Gus Mayer styled by Southern Femme, makeup by Gus Mayer cosmetics team, and spectacular hair by Joelle Salon all being modeled poolside at The Hill for the Sunset in Miami fashion show.
Quick! Strike a pose! Check out these hot fashions from Gus Mayer! Ooo! So cute!Dona Bullock (owner and master stylist at Joelle Salon) with poolside hottie, Scott Edward Fell.Miss Alabama 2012 winner, Anna Laura Bryan, Gus Mayer interns, and the VIP at the Sunset in Miami fashion show.
Sunset in Miami is unlike any other fashion show in the Birmingham area because it captures the true essence of trend-setting fashions for a great cause—P.A.W.S. for Autism, which is a charity organization designed to bring service dogs to children faced with the troubles of autism. This wonderful local non-profit was started by the beautiful Miss Alabama 2012 winner, Anna Laura Bryan at age sixteen. It does not get much better than seeing this season’s hottest trends while contributing to those in need!
Anna Laura Bryan is passionate about her charity organization P.A.W.S. for Autism. She is a such a bright, fun, and fashionable character with a love for helping others.Anna Laura Bryant with Crys Worely and her son’s service dog.
There are so many hot fashions and poolside hotties at the Sunset in Miami fashion show! Oh, all of the ensembles are just so fabulous that I have to share them with y’all! So, without further ado…I present to you the VIP’s FAVORITE OUTFITS OF THE WEEK! Yay!
Oh, my! This sassy bikini cover-up is perfection!
This spectacular ensemble has me ready to pack my bags for the beach! Whoo hoo! Road trip!Simple white dress with a snazzy clutch for a pop of color! Fabulous fashion styling by Southern Femme!
Check out this breathtaking dress from Gus Mayer! Love love love!
Don’t you just love all of these amazing outfits?! Goodness gracious Southern Femme did such a fantastic job styling each and every single ensemble! Phew…I am feeling a shopping spree soon!
Breana Watkins, Miss Alabama 2013 contestant, and I at the fashion show! Isn’t she dressed absolutely fabulously!
As if the charity, poolside hotties, and fashions aren’t enough to captivate you…then don’t even get me started about the food! Michael’s Steak and Seafood did a marvelous job preparing and presenting the delicious food for Sunset in Miami! Glamorous fashion…shirtless guys….yummy food….and all for a great cause–P.A.W.S. for Autism!
Hm…I spy a beach hottie at the Sunset in Miami fashion show!
Check out the “Sunset in Miami Fashion Show” album on the Vintage Inspired Passionista Facebook page for more pictures from the show! Click here. You know you do not want to miss out on more fabulous summer fashions and…of course…shirtless guys…hello, boys;)
I was so delighted to meet Dee Repici who is a VIP fan! Yay for all of my spectacular readers!
Connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube for a peek inside my life.
Hello, hello, hello my fabulous fashionistas! Today, I have a fabulous event to tell y’all about-the 2013 Birmingham Fashion Week Kick Off Party! Oh, it was ever so amazing, and I met some spectacular people! So, without further ado, I present to you the VIP’s coverage of the BFW 2013 Kick Off Party at Gus Mayer (Birmingham-Summit location)!
The lovely Leah Burns posing with a dashing fellow at the BFW kick off party.Getting to meet some of the models of BFW was super fun! They are all so glamorous!Krista Conlin (principal of KC Projects) looked stunning in an all lace frock at the BFW Kick Off Party!Kimberly Strickland (on left) and Anna Marie Mobley Parish (on far right) looking fantastic at the kick off party.
Doesn’t Jeana Fleming, co-founder of Birmingham Fashion Week, look absolutely breathtaking in that superb neon dress and statement jewelry!We all loved Jeana’s ensemble at the party! So fabulous!Kristen Ashley and I looking super cute at last night’s event!
Brandon, Ellis, Abbey, and Michael were such fun BFW models to meet!
Everyone, including the VIP, loved having their picture taken by Curtis B. Photos.Jeana Fleming. Heidi Elnora, Jeremy Stephens, and myself being glamorous while Curtis B. took our picture.Krista Conlin, Jeana Fleming, Heidi Elnora, Jeremy Stephens, and I at the 2013 kick off party. Love the tremendous people of BFW!
Jeremy Stephens and I just being fabulous.Jonathan Shalon Ballard rocked an awesome pair of cobalt blue trousers topped off with a black vest at the 2013 BFW kick off party!The VIP was pleased to meet Jeana Fleming’s sister and mom at the party. They all dress so amazing!Live models showing off the wonderful fashions at Gus Mayer.
Spotted Mary-Margaret McCord, Miss Alabama USA, at the Birmingham Fashion Week Kick Off Party. Doesn’t she look truly stunning posing with BFW models!
Having fun with statement hats at the 2013 BFW kick off party at Gus Mayer! I am thinking the VIP needs to take a shopping spree to Gus Mayer!Jonathan Thomas Croy (Winner of the BFW 2012 Model Competition) and I at the 2013 kick off party. He wore a dashing vintage button up that the VIP simply adored!The fashions being modeled at Gus Mayer were to die for!
Find out more about the founders of Birmingham Fashion Week, Heidi Elnora and Jeana Fleming! VIP Interview with Heidi, click here. VIP Interview with Jeana, click here.
To learn more about Birmingham Fashion Week, take a gander at their website: www.bhamfashionweek.com. If you are interested in purchasing tickets for Birmingham Fashion Week, click here.
If you cannot get enough of the VIP, check out my articles in The Real Story! The Adventures of the VIP in the Lifestyle section! www.realstorypublishing.com
Jeana Lee Fleming is a fashion savvy, Alabama native married to Wes Fleming. She graduated from the University of Alabama with a major in advertising and a minor in political science. Jeana is the co-founder of Birmingham Fashion Week, and she also co-owns Belle Bridesmaid with her sister, Charlotte Thompson.
Jeana has a talent for styling magnificent ensembles and rocks at accessorizing! “I have always loved fashion…I am so happy to have a profession in it,” states Jeana. So, without further ado, I present the fabulous interview with the tremendous Southern fashionista, Jeana Lee Fleming!
(photo from Birmingham Fashion Week 2012. Photo courtesy of VIP blog)
How would you describe your personal style?
“My style varies from day to day, and accessories can make or break an outfit.” –Jeana Lee Fleming
After several minutes chatting with Jeana about her personal style it became obvious that she adores colorful outfits that can be spiced up with snazzy accessories.
What is one item in your closet you would never toss out and why?
“South Africa is my heart, and when I visited there, I picked up a bright necklace that can be easily dressed up or down,” says Fleming.
After listening to her passion about South Africa and her beloved necklace, I understood completely why she would always cherish it.
Who is your celebrity fashion crush and why?
“Olivia Palmero! Her style is so easy…It is affordable and accessible,” says the extraordinary fashionista, Jeana Fleming.
Heidi Elnora (on left) and Jeana Fleming (on right) at the BFW 2012 Kick Off party at Gus Mayer (Birmingham, Alabama location). PHOTO CREDIT: CHUCK ST. JOHN
What inspired you and Heidi Elnora to start Birmingham Fashion Week?
“We wanted to bring something fresh, new, young and exciting to Birmingham,” states Fleming.
Jeana and Heidi were hoping BFW would catch on, and to their surprise, the first year was a complete success! “We are so blessed with so much community support! We want to show everyone how fashionable Southerners are, and Birmingham Fashion Week does just that,” says Fleming.
What influenced BFW to involve Alabama middle and high school students?
“Birmingham Fashion Week wants to help promote and inspire teenagers to follow their dreams….It makes me happy to involve these students in BFW. We were blown away by the talent of last year’s Rising Design Stars and are so excited about this year’s,” exclaims Jeana.
BFW reaches out to students (grades 6-12) across the state of Alabama encouraging them to create wearable pieces of art to enter into the BFW Rising Design Star Competition. (To learn more about the Rising Design Star competition, click here)
(photo from Birmingham Fashion Week 2013 Rising Design Star Reception. Photo courtesy of VIP blog)
Describe Birmingham Fashion Week in five words.
“This is a tough one because there are so many positive words to describe it. I am going to pick hard work, exciting, fresh, inspiring, and community-driven. I think that was more than five, but close enough, ” says Jeana with a smile.
(photo from Birmingham Fashion Week 2013 Rising Design Star Reception. Photo courtesy of VIP blog)
What should people expect from Birmingham Fashion Week 2013?
“Bigger and better! Expect bigger names, higher designers, and major talent. We are taking BFW to the next level this year! So much hard work and time goes into making BFW a fabulous event. The BFW team works from 8pm to 3am…but we love fashion, and that’s why we do it,” Jeana Lee Fleming declares.
The BFW website and Facebook page updates include the release of headlining and featured designers as well as a schedule of events. To see more, like Birmingham Fashion Week on Facebook and check out their website, www.bhamfashionweek.com.
(photo from Birmingham Fashion Week 2012. Photo courtesy of VIP blog)
Is there anything else you would like to add?
“The fan mail is so encouraging! It makes all of us at BFW work even harder. Designers and out-of-state visitors are always charmed by our fashion and our Southern hospitality,” states Jeana.
(photo from Birmingham Fashion Week 2012. Photo courtesy of VIP blog)
To learn more about Birmingham Fashion Week, take a gander at their website: www.bhamfashionweek.com. If you are interested in purchasing tickets for Birmingham Fashion Week, click here.
(photo from Birmingham Fashion Week 2012. Photo courtesy of VIP blog)
If you cannot get enough of the VIP, check out my articles in The Real Story! The Adventures of the VIP in the Lifestyle section! www.realstorypublishing.com
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