Alyse Kelly / Trilogy
MARYLAND- Everyday people was an idea behind Darlene Curtis’ Vintage Fashion Show. “I love vintage clothing, I love the era that I believe the vintage came out of, the 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s.” Darlene says that models were selected on a basis of “everyday people,” and that she did not necessarily want a size two model, because everyday people are not a size two.
Jerome Curtis (Darlene’s husband) and Darlene came all the way from Delaware to present their first fashion show in Maryland at Mid County Community Recreation Center. A portion of the proceeds go towards an entity for disadvantaged youth.
Jerome was a DJ for the event and he says that the music line up was a mixture of up tempo and old school hip-hop.
There were different categories for the clothing such as, classic wear, business wear, evening dresses, and wedding dresses.
Prior to the start of the show, Kendra Bryant says, “I think it’s a very nice set up, I like how they have the mannequins dressed up with the hats and the vintage outfits. I mean, I’m a hat person so I like the hats.”
“It’s very interesting, I was hoping to see a stage where they’d walk across, but everything else is nice…. oh, the outfits on the mannequins are gorgeous!,” says Joy Sharps in regards to her initial reaction to the set up of the show.
“I think it’s very nice, she (Darlene) has it nicely arranged, I just love everything, the way she has made it so stylish,” Sheila Nivens added.
Attendee Doretha Clark has a granddaughter in the fashion show. She says that she is very excited to she her granddaughter perform, given that it will be her first time actually witnessing her model. “You have a lot of options, vendors, and the seating looks nice,” Doretha said in anticipation of the show.
Darlene stood behind the screen of Roman style pillars, which created a classic feel silhouette. She crouched down low placed both hands on her knees, she got up pointed to each side of the room, then brushed her shoulders off… the music began playing, “I’m Coming Out,” by Diana Ross. She abruptly walked around the silhouette. Darlene wore a full set fur, tan pants and red stilettos. The richness of the fur did her petite frame and height justice. She swayed from side to side at her arrival to the end of the run way.
Sophomore, Dominique Burton, of Woodrow Wilson High School was a model in the show. She says the process of preparing the show dealt a lot of hard work. Dominique says that her favorite piece she wore was a zebra print dress with a purple tie.
A question and answer session took place during intermission. “What’s your favorite piece?,” Ana Marie would ask different audience members. In addition, there was live entertainment, a photo booth, vendors and refreshments available. A trio sung, “Got To Be There,” by The Jackson 5.
Just to name a few garments there were cream suites, swing coats, mink coats, cashmere sweaters, hunter plus feathered hats, strapless tops, jumper pants suits, riding pants and interchangeable outfits.
“If you hold on to anything long enough it will come back,” said the host.
Laughter and smiles filled the room; neighbors greeted each other, every seat was filled and a few people were even seat less. The outfits were gorgeous and accentuated each model’s frame. Well done, fashionista Darlene!
