First-time fashion show fundraiser considered big success by organizers – The Andalusia Star-News

A fashion show fundraising event hosted by AIR Artists proved to be a big success, according to organizers.

AIR Artists welcomed the community to its “Timeless Fashions: A Tribute to International Fashion Designer Vicky Tiel” on Saturday, April 6, with a sold-out crowd and plenty of positive feedback.

The event took place at the historic Andalusia Railroad Depot on South Cotton Street. Sue Wiggins, Andalusia native and founder of AIR Artists, Inc./AIR Andalusia and the Cotton Street Gallery, has known Tiel for nearly three decades.

“Everything went absolutely great for our fashion show and dinner on the night of the event. We completely sold out of tickets and were glad to see the community come out and show support. The show was an amazing juxtaposition of a 100-year-old rustic structure few had ever seen before. We had over 40 years of clothing designed from silk and antique lace fabrics,” Wiggins said.

Those who attended gathered for social time prior to the event, which began at 6 p.m. Rev. Tim Trent welcomed attendees and Bill Alverson served as the master of ceremonies. Following a documentary tribute to Tiel, guests were treated to dinner. The band 55 South performed music.

The fashion show followed dinner along with a live auction. There was a total of 16 models and four ushers for the show. Serving as fashion models were Victoria Anderson, Julia Avant, Ivanka Bzhezinska, Leah Kaltenbach, Sophie Mancil, Sarah Catherine Patrick, Terri Proctor, Khayria Reynolds, Ivy Rogers, Emily Sasser, Keaton Spears, Lexi Stallworth, Clara Rose Stewart, Philann Stewart, Kim Ward, and Ella Ward. Ushers were Tommy McGaha, Josh Bell, Justin Walker, and Andy Shelander.

Wiggins said 14 of the models were representatives of the local community. The remaining two were Avant, a reporter for WSFA-TV in Montgomery, and Kaltenbach, one of her friends from Dallas, Texas.

“The models from the Andalusia community could have walked any fashion show walkway in any country. We are so proud of everyone who helped create a wonderful evening. Stay tuned for more exciting events to come,” she said.

All proceeds raised from the event went to AIR Artists, which is a non-profit organization supporting artists who work in textiles in honor of Andalusia’s textile history.

To learn more about Vicky Tiel, visit vickytiel.com. To learn more AIR Artists Inc./AIR Andalusia, visit airartists.org. To learn more about Cotton Street Gallery, visit cottonstreetgallery.com.