It's Happening: Fashion Show Brings Styles, Energy to The Morris
By Julie Perine on February 26, 2023 from It’s Happening
There was so much energy; you couldn’t help but move to the music. The food and wine selections were amazing and there were smiles and enthusiastic chit chat all around.
Those were just the extra perks of a Feb. 21 evening at The Morris, but the star was fashion. Several dozen models of all ages sauntered the makeshift runway to showcase fashions of Little Black Designs, Oliverio’s Bridal, Prom & Pageant Boutique, Wicked Sisters, Sunmoon Apparel, B3 Boutique, and Daniel’s of Morgantown. From formalwear to casual attire – and everything in between – the styles were paraded through the upper floor of The Morris with every audience getting a front row seat.
Goodies from sweets to cheeses to wine varieties were available and served as perfect stations for post-fashion show conversation.
The lower floor featured pop-up shops and photo ops. Attendees interacted with business owners, learning about their products and services, and even having opportunity to make purchases. Festive backdrops were the perfect background for photos to remember the occasion.
I was privileged and quite excited to take part in the show modeling for Little Black Designs. My connection is LBD owner and designer, Dee Collins Allevato. I’ve been writing about her for a year or so, following her spring 2022 and fall 2022 trips to New York Fashion Week, where she was able to show off her amazing collection. This local gal is so talented, as is her seamstress and sidekick Missy Tyler.
When I asked Dee what time to arrive for the show, she said 4 p.m. – if you want to get hair and makeup done. Yes, please! On hand were students of Clarksburg Beauty Academy who did a fantastic job getting the models runway ready. Owners Angela and Larry Policano were on hand to supervise as were some instructors. The aspiring hair and makeup artists said they were excited for the opportunity and it was such a nice experience for everyone. Lotus MacDowell brought jewelry from her Artworks business to complete Little Black Designs looks.
Four-plus hours few by as I visited with friends and made some new ones. I was able to browse vendors, learn about their businesses and watch some of the fashion show. The audience was so warm and welcoming, flashing big smiles and nodding heads.
The event was hosted by The Morris and Little Black Designs. Dee said going into the show that he wanted to bring the excitement of a New York City fashion show to her hometown of Clarksburg. She hit her mark and I think everyone involved appreciated her vision.
I, for one, cannot wait until the next local fashion event.
Editor's Notes: At the event, I also reconnected with Jennifer Pearl, who attended Judson Baptist Camp as a little girl when I was a counselor and who is now a successful model, dancer and actress. And that, readers, is another story in itself. Read about Jennifer in the coming weeks.
Pictured from top: Dee Collins Allevato and some of the Little Black Dress models; models of Sunmoon Apparel, and models of Oliverio's Bridal, Prom and Pageant Boutique. Right, I am pictured with Jennifer Pearl.
Photos are by Johhny Bryan. See more of his event photos in the link below.
