On Oct. 17, from 6-9 p.m. the Lake Martin Area United Way will host its first fashion show in Alexander City.
Judith March designer Stephanie Carter will be showcasing exclusive first looks from her 2014 spring collection at the Shoppes of Queen's Attic.
A trunk show featuring Carter's popular game day dresses will follow with wine and hors d'oeuvres from local eateries. All proceeds from ticket sales and the trunk show will go to the United Way to benefit the area.
In the past two years, Tallapoosa County has suffered from many tornadoes, and July brought the Russell Corporation's announcement to lay off more than half of its Alexander City employees and threaten the city's financial stability.
For the United Way, these events meant resorting to innovative methods to raise money for services such as Meals on Wheels and the Boys and Girls Clubs.
Luckily for philanthropists and fashionistas alike, initiatives coordinator of the Lake Martin Area United Way, Stephan Tomlin, has remained friends with the Judith March creator since they graduated from Troy State.
Tomlin recalled Carter's beginning selling clothes to sorority houses, which blossomed into the fashion powerhouse that it is today.
Because of her humble start and tenacity to achieve her goals, Carter has made a point of supporting charities.
To Carter, fashion and charity go hand-in-hand.
Carter said her goal is to boost confidence.
"Doing the right thing makes you feel more confident as a woman," Carter said.
When Tomlin asked her to bring designs to the benefit, Carter didn't hesitate.
"It warms your heart when somebody cares enough about other people to be able to give back," said Sharon Fuller, executive director of the Lake Martin Area United Way.
During the event, guests will mingle with the designer and the CEO of Southern Fashion House, Christy Carlisle Smith.
In August, childhood friends Carter and Smith developed Southern Fashion House in Santa Rosa Beach, Fla. to be parent company to Carter's lines Judith March, Deja Vu and Jacque & Janis, as well as two labels which are still in development.
Smith, an Auburn apparel design alumna and native of Troy, spent 10 years working in New York City eventually becoming the senior designer for couture eveningwear label Kay Unger.
With only high praise for the Auburn University Department of Consumer and Design sciences, Smith encouraged students.
"Take opportunities that are given to you," Smith said. "You have to take those chances and just let life take you places."
She said the call from Carter to start the fashion house was a surprise, but she is happy to be back in the South.
"To me fashion is starting to go more Southern anyway," Carter said, referring to the latest runway trends which employ lace detailing and chambray fabric as well as a movement toward designs that are simultaneously romantic and casual.
In addition to Southern Fashion House labels, attendees can expect to shop among booths set up by more than 10 Alexander City retailers plus Fringe Consignment Boutique from Auburn.
Tickets to the event cost $25 and include drinks and food.
They may be purchased at Fringe Consignment Boutique at 2436 E. University Drive in Auburn.
Call the Lake Martin Area United Way at 256-329-3600 for volunteer opportunities and directions to Queen's Attic. Visit their Facebook event page for more information.
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