Murphy – It’s likely that the folks from fashion week in New York or even Paris will harbor some jealousy about Murphy’s own fashion show, Wear the Care runway event that will raise funds for Reach of Cherokee County Inc.
This must-see event engages pockets of the community from business owners and fashionistas to models from Murphy High School’s theatre department. The charity show will open at 6 p.m. Thursday inside The Ballroom on Hiwassee Street downtown.
The brainchild of Lizz Aquarian of downtown Pizza, Jody Quillian of Glitz & Glamour Boutique and high school theater teacher Wendy Alexander, the event planning required very little coaxing. The trio share interest both in fashion and the work Reach does fitting domestic violence and sexual abuse in the community.
“Between the three of us, we each had something to bring to the table,” said Aquarian, who donated use of The Ballroom for the show. “Our goal always was to use The Ballroom for the community.”
More than 40 outfits from Quillian’s boutique will sashay down the runway, modeled by Wendy Alexandra’s students at Murphy High. Despite being a self-proclaimed “big tomboy,” Quillian was always fascinated with fashion.
“When I was a girl, I wanted to be a Dallas Cowboys quarterback,” she laughed, but always had her eye on the sparkle.
Cecilia Crawford-Faulkner, executive director of Reach, plans to spend the donated funds to refurbish the nonprofit’s 24-hour shelter.
“We need new bedding and linens to make it more like home,” she said, adding, “We want it to be a therapeutic space for our clients.”
Each outfit, including accessories, will be on sale at Quillian’s boutique until 9 p.m. the night of the show. Aquarian’s husband built the runway, which Lizz claims will provide “a legit runway” experience.
“Glitz & Glamour is on trend,” she said. “It’s real fashion.”
If you are interested in attending the runway show, call Jody Quillian at 828-557-8927 for tickets or business sponsorship opportunities. One hundred percent of the ticket price and 10 percent of the clothing sales will go directly to Reach.