Helen Benton, a fashion designer from Helena-West Helena who has dressed several of Arkansas' first ladies for formal occasions, was celebrated March 10 at the Governor's Mansion. The sold-out event was called The Helen Benton Story.
The Grand Hall was transformed for a fashion show with a runway down the grand staircase and across the hall. The end of the hall was built to look like the store windows of Bergdorf Goodman, where Benton's wedding dresses were first displayed in New York. Displays of many of the designer's original gowns, including one worn by Kim Basinger at President Bill Clinton's Inaugural Ball, were displayed in the mansion's atrium.
Stories from friends Jack Cohen of New York and Carolyn New of Dallas were followed by a parade of gowns by models that included Maggie Benton, granddaughter of the designer. The models descended the staircase lined by Arkansas State Police to walk the runway in front of guests that included Gov. Asa Hutchinson, first lady Susan Hutchinson and former first ladies Janet Huckabee and Gay White.
The program ended with remarks from Miss America Savvy Shields and master of ceremonies Chris May, and was followed by a champagne and chocolate reception for guests.
High Profile on 03/19/2017