PLEASURE BEFORE BUSINESS

Gala kicks off Fashion Week, Northwest Arkansas style

In between the fittings and accessorizing and before the final layers of mascara hit the models' eyelashes, organizers of Northwest Arkansas Fashion Week took time March 2 to clink some glasses and celebrate the weekend of fashion shows to come.

The Northwest Arkansas Fashion Week Gala, held at the 21C Museum Hotel Bentonville, started with a VIP cocktail hour, aimed mostly at members of Artinfusion, the young patrons program at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Artinfusion is designed to provide social networking and art experiences aimed at members from age 21 and into their 40s.

Attire included a smattering of styles, ranging from jeans and leather pants to full-length glittery gowns.

The pre-gala reception was billed as a meet-and-greet with designers -- such as Ashley Little and Nancy Martin -- musical and visual performances and a sneak peek of the weekend's activities. VIP tickets for Artinfusion members were $75 per person; $125 for nonmembers. Organizers hope to turn the local fashion week into a nonprofit with a mission of supporting the development of fashion design and industry in the area.

-- Story and photos by Cyd King

High Profile on 03/12/2017

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