The Voice-Tribune’s Best Dressed Presented by Churchill Downs was a great display of fashion and art. The scene was set from the inspirations of the late and great fashion designer Alexander McQueen’s “Savage Beauty” exhibit. Best Dressed 2011 took place at Louisville’s Downtown Marriott with the who’s who of local fashion in attendance.
The show started with a spectacular high-flying opening segment with the Louisville Ballet. It was a beautiful interpretation from McQueen and quickly grabbed the full attention from everyone in attendance. Dancers rushed the stage for a brief performance of “Rite of Spring”. For those unfamiliar with McQueen, he was not just another fashion designer, he was an artist. McQueen designed not only clothing, but true statements of fashion. They captivated runways and were true fashion shows; not meant for models to just wear them down the runway but to create a feeling like a movie with a deep and sometimes dark story.
Best Dressed delivered a creative play on McQueen’s antler headdresses by having The Leatherhead of Louisville’s owner Nick Boone create headpieces and belts complete with antlers on the front and back of them. The other boutiques featured in the show were Serendipity, Circe, Clodhoppers, Dressing Room, Nyam’s, Rodeo Drive, Rodes and Sunny Daize.
The Best Dressed awarded honors to; for women - Amy Cimba, Ashley Blevins, Claudia Coffey, Jessica Green, Lori Robbins, Michelle Beam and Vicki Dortch. For men; Brian Pickard, Craig Pishotti, John Wilson and Michael Trager-Kusman. For couples; Bryan & Margi Sperry, Chad & Chelle Wabrek and John & Elizabeth Lenihan.
One of Louisville.com’s nominee articles featured Mr. John Wilson of Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse. When we had the chance to catch up with him, we were thrilled that he was an honoree and asked him what he thought when he heard is name called. Wilson said “I was very shocked when I heard my name called. When it comes to situations like this you have to go in it like it’s not about you. It’s all about the charity and raising awareness. But I must say, there was a selfish bit of gratification. I just thought “I can’t wait to tell my mother.”
The presenting sponsor for The Voice-Tribune’s Best Dressed 2011 was Churchill Downs. The other sponsors for the evening were Chambord – Fleur De Lis Sponsor, Little Black Dress Wines – Spirit Sponsor and Bittners – Couture Sponsor. The Runway Sponsors were Breeders Cup 2011, Louisville Ballet, Calospa, Pandora, Joseph’s Salon and Spa, Heyman Talent, Highland Cleaners, Dr. O’Daniel, Jeff Ruby’s, Susan’s Florist, Vint, Woodford Reserve, Yum!, Serendipity, Circe, Clodhoppers, Dressing Room, Nyam’s, Rodeo Drive, Rodes, Sunny Daize, AARP, JYB 3 Group, Korbel, Louisville Detailing, Optik by Korrect and Prime Lounge.
Photographs Courtesy of Anthony Raspberry and Angie Fenton of The Voice-Tribune.
Special thanks to Chrissie Richardson and Sandy Muench co-owners of Sunny Daize Boutique for dressing me for this event; you ladies are amazing.
