Being at an Art of Style fashion show, you can see that clothes can show off someone’s personality and confidence.
The Art of Style boutique in Cameron Village had its annual fashion show and four-year anniversary party at the Center for Architecture and Design downtown on Peace Street on Sunday night. The modern architecture of the venue was the perfect setting for the sleek, sophisticated clothes The Art of Style showcased.
Longtime friends and clients of owner Kendra Leonard and manager Natalie Drennon debuted their winter collection, which they described as, “work, casual and elevated for the holiday season.”
The show was a unique experience. At each song, a man and woman would appear out of a curtain on each side of the X-shaped runway, then strut toward each other and dance. You could tell the models felt confident in what they were wearing by the big smiles on their faces and their playful dancing.
“We don’t always dictate what they do,” Leonard said. “We want them to come up with something on their own that shows their own style and expresses themselves.”
Some of the men and women who walked together were actual couples who Leonard encouraged to be playful with each other with a cute, intimate moment and share a kiss.
“We try to keep it clean with a little edge,” Leonard said. “We’re all about sophisticated sexy, with a little edge.”
Drennon said the models have a big say in what they wear for the show. She and Leonard know their models’ personalities, so they pull clothes they know they’ll like and the models give their feedback. She said the models were even the ones who came to them suggesting they have another fashion show.
Versatility was a theme throughout the collection. Many of the clothes were layered skillfully yet looked effortless. For some of the looks, the models changed the way a dress tied to make it into a different look right on the runway.
“Our models are clients and friends very close to us who have very great souls. They’re all very vibrant, wonderful people,” Drennon said.
Fatou Ndure, a close friend of Leonard’s, walked in the show. The two met while working at a Banana Republic Store before The Art of Style opened, and they have known each other for about 15 years.
Leonard also announced The Art of Style’s new gift registry. The Art of Style can put a garment that a shopper wants on hold after they give a down payment. Then the store reaches out to friends and family of the shopper to see if they would like to contribute to that item as a gift.
She said this winter show’s venue was chosen for its intimate atmosphere. Drennon said The Art of Style also has a show in the spring, which, in the past, has featured a runway over a pool.
