Powering the local economy with style
As seen in the St. Louis American.
Not even an audience full of fashionistas would take offense to Susan Sherman being singled out as the best dressed person in the room. As usual, such was the case three Tuesdays ago when the Saint Louis Fashion Fund team brought together influencers within the style community to the Missouri History Museum to announce programming for their upcoming 10th anniversary.
Sherman wore a power dress in the shade of saffron. A turtleneck with a sleeve that transited into black beads just above the elbow – a bold color and a risky sleeve that paid off with dividends. She beamed as sponsors, corporate and community partners shared what can be expected while offering a sneak preview of what SLFF has in store for its milestone.
“It’s not going to be a one-night celebration, It’s not going to be a one weekend celebration – it is going to be a one-year celebration of St. Louis fashion – past, present and future,” said Dr. Jody Sowell, President of the Missouri Historical Society. “Ten amazing events happening throughout the year.”
In addition to the kickoff, The Missouri History Museum will be the designated venue for Threads on April 13. Contemporary fashion designers will peruse the Missouri Historical Society’s textile collection – one of the largest in the country – select an inspiration and develop a garment based on what inspired them. The ensembles will be showcased at a fashion show that is part of the Threads programming, which Sowell described as “The Missouri Historical Society’s answer to the Met Gala.”
“That is just one spectacular event highlighting the vitality of St. Louis’ fashion industry that you are going to see this year,” Sowell said. “And we are so happy to be a part of it.”
Sowell introduced Sherman to the crowd, though every person in the room knew exactly who she was. Sherman, Tania Beasley-Jolly, Sharon Tucci and Elizabeth Tucker founded SLFF in 2014. SLFF supports emerging designers and promotes fashion education in the efforts of revitalizing St. Louis’ garment district.
“Susan has many titles – artist and entrepreneur, civic booster and cofounder of the Saint Louis Fashion Fund,” Sowell said. “But the title I love most is history maker, and that is what this event is about. It is not just about celebrating history. It is about making history.”
Sherman spent her time at the podium thanking the individuals and institutions that have contributed to efforts, mission and goals of the SLFF. She acknowledged the 10th Anniversary Industry Partners, a cohort that has dedicated themselves to be at the forefront of the programming for the year ahead.
“Each of them has committed to being front and center throughout next year with high visibility events that will deliver a powerful community impact to help us reclaim our roots as a fashion epicenter,” Sherman said. “It takes a village.”
Industry partner Mother Model Management will be presenting its Tribute Fashion show at 7 p.m. on November 17 at The Hawthorn (2231 Washington Ave, 63103)
“Having a global company right in the heart of the city has meant the world to us,” said Mary Clarke, who operates Mother Model Management with her husband Jeff Clarke in Midtown.
Not only is St. Louis a good place for fashion, fashion is good for St. Louis.
“One of the reasons Edward Jones is involved in the Fashion Fund – is to get young creatives to come back to St. Louis or to make this their home,” said Jeffrey Panchot, retired General Partner for Edward Jones. “And make it the place where they want to create energy, build momentum and capabilities and work and create jobs in the St. Louis community.”
Jason Hall, CEO of Greater St. Louis Inc., said the anniversary comes at a time when St. Louis’ civic and economic resurgence is rooted in a deep belief that the city’s future can be something bigger and more just than its past.
“There is a confidence that we are building in this region because we are winning again – from rebuilding our profile as a thriving corporate headquarters town, to greater global connectivity,” said Hall. “Great cities are not automatic, but they are certainly not accidental either. Susan Sherman and the entire civic community that is the Saint Louis Fashion Fund honor our rich and proud history as a center of fashion, design and art – with a vision to innovate it for what it needs for the future in the 21st century.”
Co-owner and chief brand architect for St. Louis City SC Lee Broughton along with Gent! founder and St. Louis City Futures coach Dwight Carter announced that in April St. Louis City SC would host a fashion show that is slated to include members of the team.
“There are two things that I love – as many probably know – and they are soccer and fashion,” Carter said. “I think it’s going to be a match made in heaven. I am super excited. St. Louis is the soccer capital. St. Louis was the second largest garment district next to New York. Putting them together is going to be exceptional.”
Among those ten events is the first-ever fashion lobby day in Jefferson City.
“Note to all of our legislators,” Sherman said. “One hundred of us are boarding buses from St. Louis and Kansas City to lobby on behalf of the 3.3. Billion-dollar fashion industry that is right here in St. Louis.”
Sherman closed out the afternoon of reveals – which included the announcement that the one and only Michael Kors would headline the 2024 “Speaking of Fashion” lecture and trunk sale event– with a toast.
“Together we will continue to make fashion history,” Sherman said. “Fashion is as important to the fabric of St. Louis as baseball, soccer and beer.”
For more information and a full list of programming for the 10th anniversary of Saint Louis Fashion Fund and its #10forthetenth, visit www.saintlouisfashionfund.org