Article Courtesy of Angie Fenton, Managing Editor, TheVoice-Tribune.
What happens when you combine the influences of the brilliant late British designer Alexander McQueen and the Louisville Ballet? Attend The Voice-Tribune’s Best Dressed of Louisville Presented by Churchill Downs and you’ll find out how combining the two dynamic forces will mesh into one spectacular show that will – we promise – be unforgettable.
While we don’t want to give away too much about this year’s fete, which takes place at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, at the Louisville Marriott Downtown, we can tell you guests won’t know what hit them.
The Best Dressed committee has worked relentlessly to provide guests with a fashion event like no other. For months, The Voice-Tribune’s Managing Director Tracy Blue has worked alongside Kommor, Best Dressed Creative Director Douglas Riddle, Design Director Ron Wolz and Project Manager Lauren DePaso, and the hours have more than paid off.
“We’ve put together the hottest fashion event in the city,” said Riddle, who gleaned the show’s concept after attending the opening of Alexander McQueen’s “Savage Beauty” exhibit at the Met and then watching the Louisville Ballet’s performance of “The Rite of Spring,” choreographed by Adam Hougland.
“This year will have much more of a European influence. The whole show sort of plays off of Alexander McQueen shows, but we’ve also done some special things with the ballet,” said Riddle, who is president of Bittners.
Louisville Ballet Artistic Director Bruce Simpson looks forward to showcasing the progressive, contemporary choreography of the United States’ sixth oldest ballet company within the context of what Riddle said will be an “edgy but beautiful” Best Dressed.
“Much like the fashion industry, we have to at all times remain cognizant of social and artistic trends, not only locally but internationally,” Simpson said. “Certainly the ‘Savage Beauty’ of the Alexander McQueen exhibit and the edgy urban environment of ‘The Rite of Spring’ have common threads. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with (The Voice-Tribune). Douglas has been a truly creative partner in bringing together people and ideas, which I am sure will result in a fabulous and inspiring evening for all involved.”
Once again, Joseph’s Salon & Spa will style hair for the Heyman Talent models who will walk the runway in makeup by MAC Cosmetics and fashions from Boutique Serendipity, Circe, Clodhoppers, Dressing Room, Nyam’s, Rodeo Drive, Rodes For Him & For Her and Sunny Daize.
Each boutique will also feature one look that would be fitting to wear to Breeders’ Cup (Nov. 4-5).
And – for the first time – presenting sponsor Churchill Downs will dress models in several looks from Vineyard Vines, which first teamed up with the corporation at this year’s Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby. Churchill Downs and the East Coast prep-wear clothing company will partner once again with a new fall line to be debuted at Best Dressed.
Lest we forget, Kommor reminded, “Best Dressed is as much about the fashion and our fabulous guests as it is the benefiting charity, Dress for Success Louisville.”
Since Best Dressed 2010, the charity has suited more than 400 women and launched the Career Transformation Center. “We are now helping women not only get ready on the outside but on the inside with training and skills to get a job and advance at work,” said Executive Director Betty J. Fox. “We were so blown away just to be chosen (as the benefiting charity) and then, to attend the event was like being at the most extravagant, high-fashion runway show ever. But being presented with $20,000 and surprising our board of directors and all our guests at our annual luncheon with the check was truly the icing on the cake. There may be a dollar sign involved, but it was truly priceless.”
Photograph Courtesy of Angie Fenton.
