Fashion sits at Festival of Trees

Font Size:

By Jody Ferres | Tuesday, November 21, 2006 9:07 AM CST | () comments

(Jeff Cook/ QUAD-CITY TIMES) A model walks on the runway during the Festival of Trees style show Monday in Davenport. About 250 attended the show, which switched to an evening event this year.

Milan and Paris watch out. The Quad-Cities is making its mark in the fashion industry.

With such titles as love, film, glitz and winter glamour, the 2006 Festival of Trees “The Art of Fashion” style show not only brought a new time slot but a new aura of fun.

“I wanted to make the evening like a mini-Broadway production,” style show director Holly Bell said. “It’s a fun, upbeat, feel-good show.”

Since the show’s time slot moved from a mid-day luncheon to evening cocktail show for the first time, those attending could kick back and have a glass of wine without having to worry about going back to the office.

Mary Lagerblade, a Mel Foster employee and one of the 250 attendees, loved the time change.

“It gives so many more people a chance to come and enjoy the style show,” Lagerblade said. “This time of the year is so much fun to enjoy.”

The Art of Fashion show focused on finding fun and elegant holiday attire for all sizes and ages. With funky teenage trends to the ’70s look of short skirts, tights and skinny jeans, the fashionistas of the Quad-Cities put together some rocking holiday garb.

“This year, it’s all about fabrics that move with you,” said Bell, who got the outfits from Younkers, Rhombergs, Coldwater Creek, Cachet, Four Seasons, Charm and Talbots.

Bell, who runs MAXX Models & Talent, said the majority of the models from the show were from her studio.

“Professional models bring an air of a big-city show,” said Bell, who used about 30 models. “The Quad-City area really has a lot of talent in modeling and singing and dancing.”

Some of the models wanted to make the show a family affair.

Dressed in a sparkly red V-neck top and blue jeans from Younkers, 10-year-old Makenzie Emerson walked out on stage with her father, Cory.

“I’m really excited,” said the Davenport fifth-grader, with her curly hair piled high on her face and small features outlined in makeup. “I like all the clothes and lights.”

“I think it’s such a nice thing to do for the community and a fun way to show off the winter’s fashion,” said Cory, who matched his daughter in a red sweater.

Even the veteran models were a little nervous for the event.

Katie Connors, a senior at Assumption High School, has modeled for Miss Teen Iowa USA. Dressed in a maroon party shirt and black pants, the 17-year-old was ready to walk the style show walk.

“This is the biggest show I’ve done,” Connors said. “I’m a little nervous, but the show is a good thing for the area.”

Rock Island resident Maggie Woods has heard about the style show from family but never attended until this year.

“I thought it would be a fun girls’ night out,” said Woods, whose daughter-in-law, Sarah, is visiting from Texas.

“I think there’s definitely some interesting clothes,” said Sarah. “What a great idea for a fundraiser.”

The city desk can be contacted at (563) 383-2450 or newsroom@qctimes.com.

If you go

Quad-City Arts Festival of Trees at the RiverCenter, 136 E. 3rd St., Davenport

Today’s events:

11:30 a.m.: Home for the Holidays, a home-decorating luncheon filled with entertainment ideas.

6-9 p.m.: SugarPlum Ball, formal father-daughter dinner dance.

General admission hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Parking is available at the RiverCenter parking ramp at 2nd and 3rd streets entrances

Prices: General admission tickets are available at the door. Adults, $7; Seniors, 60 and older, $6; Children, 2-10, $3.

For more information, call (563) 324-3378 or go to www.quadcityarts.com/festoftrees.