The Blackfoot Valley's News Source Since 1980
The Blackfoot Valley's News Source Since 1980
Sarah Perez and Ellen Burns take the stage in classic gowns from the 1950's.
Show organizer Hope Quay and Hollie Moshier strike poses in different styles from the 70s.
Mishayla Fallis rocks a classic 80's workout ensemble while behind her Ellen Burns sports a vibrant floral print dress from the same decade.
Mishayla Fallis strides across the stage in a 1960's era evening gown.
Danielle Barnett wears a wedding dress from the 1920s as part of the shows vintage wedding dress finale.
Andi Kalous twirls in a pink dress dating back to the 1950s.
Tahne Menard steps back nearly two decades and into a casual outfit from the 90's.
Show organizer Hope Quay and Hollie Moshier strike poses in different styles from the 70s.
All the models take the stage at the end of the show.
As I scrambled to organize and finalize the details on 70 outfits the night before the second annual Heritage Day Vintage Fashion Show, I couldn't help but wonder why I would ever agree to spearhead such an event.
Finding volunteers and working around their schedules for fittings, planning outfits, organizing timing and semantics, obtaining, dating, cleaning and repairing the clothes– nearly none of these tasks can be delegated. As a result, no matter how I try to prepare, inevitably the night before and day of the show are busy and exhausting.
However, despite spiking stress and anxiety levels and the mountains of clothing that inevitably covers every surface of my bedroom for a good week thereafter, the moment it's over I immediately begin looking forward to next year's show.
What makes me want to keep doing it? When you come right down to it, there are three reasons.
First and foremost are the clothes. I love to see the clothes I have chosen on the models. Each item of clothing from a bygone era has a story to tell. I wonder who they were made for, who wore them, and what kind of life they lived. When I see them being worn, it's like I'm giving them a whole new life. I hate to see them fall into disrepair or end up in landfills, and I love the originality vintage pieces bring to a wardrobe. I hope that by doing the show I can encourage others to see their value as well.
Secondly, I love the camaraderie. In a world where women are all too often raised to compete with one another, it's wonderful to see a diverse group of women step out of their comfort zones and come together in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Lastly, the reaction of the audience as old memories are stirred makes it all worthwhile. The obvious delight and nostalgia I glimpse from the stage warms my heart.
For all of these reasons, I am already considering ways to make next year's show bigger and better for both the audience and the participants, and hoping to attract even more of both.
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