The Many Versatilities of Fall Fashion

Hey there! I’m Mike Tomes, the creative director and stylist behind this year’s Fall Fashion issue, marking my second collaboration with The VOICE-TRIBUNE. 

I am an integrated marketing consultant here in Louisville with a wonderful husband- Sheldon, a spoiled cat- Zara, and a passion for all things fashion! Which led me here today, speaking to all of you great readers! 

Fashion isn’t just a job or hobby for me—it’s woven into the fabric of my life, shaping who I am today. There’s something magical about how fashion allows us to express ourselves, sometimes transforming garments into wearable art. Being chosen to work on such a major publication was a thrill! I had an absolute blast collaborating with some of Louisville’s best stylists and boutiques. Shout out to Glasscock, Sassy Fox, Rodes For Him & For Her, Leatherhead, Beauty Aesthetics, Genesis Diamonds, and Peppermint Palm. Pulling together styles that capture what fall fashion means to me with each of you and your team was nothing short of electric. 

For this shoot, I drew inspiration from a mix of sources. While I dipped into upcoming trends (I’m a trend-breaker at heart), I was more inspired by the kaleidoscope of colors and moments that autumn brings—especially here in Kentucky, where the leaves put on a dazzling show of greens, browns, and textures. Halloween, one of my favorite holidays, also played a big part in my vision. 

Think modern-day Wednesday Addams meets Beetlejuice, with a stylish twist that’s both fun and fashion-forward. I had a blast experimenting with a variety of colors, textures, layers, and fabrics while styling this shoot. I loved mixing vintage and consignment finds with the hottest current trends from high-end boutiques. The end result? A collection I’m incredibly proud of and one that can showcase how fashion can blend so harmoniously, regardless of where it came from. 

Now, even though I love breaking the rules, I can’t leave you without a sneak peek at Fall 2024 trends. Olive green is set to dominate, with deep reds right on its heels. Expect a revival of elevated western styles, structured tops with high necks, and a wild mix of leather, faux fur, and animal prints that’ll push you out of your comfort zone and into the wild side! 

A huge thank you to our amazing models—Vanessa, Crissa, Ember, Abigail, Jaime, Scooter, and Blair—for bringing the looks to life. And, of course, a big shoutout to Matt Johnson, our phenomenal photographer, who captured these visions perfectly. Thanks to Lauren with Repeal and Distill Hotel for the stunning location and to Susan’s Florist and Goldfingers for the props and aesthetics. I can’t forget Alisha and Julie for their behind-the-scenes help, and our fantastic CEO & Editor, Amelia, who not only gave me this opportunity but also served as our on-hand jewelry stylist and extraordinaire. 

This team knocked it out of the park, and I hope you love the hard work and creativity that went into this issue as much as I do! Enjoy! – Mike 

To stay in touch with Mike and to take a look at his fashions, find him on Instagram under Mike_Tomes_Social.