Simon Says

Throngs of stylish Queen City dwellers flocked together Friday evening for a night of fashion, philanthropy and pampering, better known as SouthPark’s 4th annual Simon Fashion Now event. Guests noshed on canapés and indulged in mini-makeovers before settling down to watch the season’s top trends take the runway. Fresh-faced models sported looks from Seven for All Mankind, Trina Turk, Lilly Pulitzer and True Religion, to name a few, all of which were all available for purchase immediately. (Talk about instant gratification)! “There is nothing worse than seeing something you love on a runway or in a magazine and knowing it isn’t available for an entire season,” says Jacque Ellis, Vice President of Corporate Special Events and Simon Style Setter. ”This event truly celebrates the “Now” factor Simon Mall shopping offers.”

But the best was still yet to come. As the retail-sponsored shows came to a close, local designers scurried around backstage, making last-minute adjustments for their runway debut. Six Charlotte-based fashionistas ran the show for evening’s final event: a showcase of ensembles, each inspired by a child from Autism Speaks, the world’s leading nonprofit organization for autism research and advocate for autistic individuals’ and their families’ needs. Jacque elaborates on the collaboration: “Autism is such a growing issue for so many families.  We felt that Autism Speaks was an important organization with whom to partner to help bring a greater awareness to our shoppers about Autism.”

Each designer met with a bright-eyed child to discuss hobbies, hopes and dreams, all of which were put into reality with custom-made outfits to be donned by WBTV 3 favorites Maureen O’Boyle, Astrid Martinez, Tonya Rivens, Katie Garner and Kristen Miranda. Every unique ensemble, done in Autism Speaks’ signature blue hue, garnered roars of applause–not to mention several catwalk crashers in the form of elated muses, eager to dole out a heartwarming hug. This brightening display of talent was dubbed “Design Wars” for a reason: Three notables, including Charlotte’s most charming bachelorette, Emily Maynard, as well as Loree Elswick, a board member for Autism Speaks, and Kelly McKay from 107.9, gathered to critique the collection, giving winners gift card rewards. Their adoration of each piece was evident, but eventually three winners were agreed upon. Caleb Clark received second runner-up with a sweet, striped shirt dress, Amanda Gaskins and Emily Kramer first runner-up with a flirty full-skirt frock, and Tara Davis first with a sleek peplum bodice dress. Get a peek at the looks and a few tidbits on Charlotte’s local talent:

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