You showed up in your flashiest retro fashions. You found yourself with a case of "night fever." You were "so excited" you maybe wanted to "do a little dance" to some iconic tunes, buy some new wardrobe items, bid on some sweet silent-auction items, or all of the above.
This was Festival of Fashion, part of CARTI's nearly weeklong, 41st annual Festival of Trees and held Nov. 17 in the Statehouse Convention Center's Wally Allen Ballroom under the chairmanship of Shannon McKinney and Charley Swann. The event, a fundraiser for the center for cancer patients, was also a nod to Pam Cox, named the 2017 Style Icon.
Bearing a disco theme, the event featured music (and music videos) by K.C. and the Sunshine Band, Donna Summer, Michael Jackson, Alicia Bridges, Chic, the Bee Gees, the Brothers Johnson and others. Attendees perused the decorated Christmas trees and other auction items while nibbling passed hors d'oeuvres and sipping cocktails from a cash bar. They then sat down to a welcome by master of ceremonies Lisa Fischer and Mallory Brooks and applauded Cox, who was escorted down the runway and presented with her award. A CARTI Auxiliary member and former president, Cox also served as overall chairman for the 30th anniversary Festival of Trees in 2006.
A troupe of '70s-costume-clad dancers -- led by Rico Sergent and also featuring a deft pair of roller-skaters -- opened the show with a routine to the theme song of the 1976 film Car Wash. Following was a visual treat of clothing and accessories by Vesta's, Beige Men Fashions (and later, Beige Female Fashions), Barbara/Jean Ltd., Steamroller Blues, Roberson's Fine Jewelry, Bell & Sward, E. Leigh's, Feinstein's, Scarlet, Beehive and Barakat Bespoke. Dancers, skaters and models reappeared for the finale.
Show organizers, models and guests then gathered for an after party at the Little Rock Marriott's Heritage Grille.
High Profile on 11/26/2017