On November 14, 2023, Talk Greenville magazine hosted its annual fashion show, Luxe Be a Lady, at the Poinsett Club in downtown Greenville. The event was a celebration of women and their achievements, as well as a fundraiser for the Julie Valentine Center, a nonprofit organization that provides free and confidential services to survivors of sexual assault and child abuse.
The fashion show featured local women from various fields and backgrounds, who walked the runway in outfits curated by local boutiques and designers. The show was divided into four segments: Luxe, which showcased elegant evening wear; Be, which highlighted casual and comfortable styles; A, which displayed edgy and trendy looks; and Lady, which presented feminine and sophisticated ensembles.
The show also included a silent auction, a raffle, and a live performance by singer-songwriter Kylie Odetta. The event was emceed by WYFF News 4 anchor Jane Robelot, who shared her personal story of overcoming adversity and finding success in her career.
The inspiration behind the event
The Luxe Be a Lady fashion show was inspired by the mission and vision of the Julie Valentine Center, which aims to end sexual violence and child abuse in the community. The center provides crisis intervention, counseling, advocacy, forensic interviews, medical exams, and education to survivors and their families.
The event was also a tribute to the women who have made a difference in the lives of others, whether through their professional achievements, their personal passions, or their community involvement. The event honored women from various sectors, such as education, health care, law, media, arts, business, and philanthropy.
The event was organized by Talk Greenville magazine, a monthly publication that covers lifestyle, culture, entertainment, and fashion in the Upstate. The magazine’s editor, Kim Hassold, said that the event was a way of giving back to the community and supporting a cause that affects many women and children.
“We wanted to create an event that would celebrate women and their accomplishments, and also raise awareness and funds for the Julie Valentine Center, which does such amazing work for survivors of sexual assault and child abuse,” Hassold said. “We are so grateful to our sponsors, our boutiques, our models, and our guests for making this event possible and successful.”
The impact of the event
The Luxe Be a Lady fashion show was attended by more than 300 guests, who enjoyed a night of fashion, music, and fun. The event raised over $50,000 for the Julie Valentine Center, which will help the center continue to provide its vital services to the community.
The event also showcased the talent and diversity of the local fashion scene, as well as the beauty and strength of the women who participated in the show. The models, who ranged in age from 18 to 80, represented different backgrounds, cultures, and professions, but shared a common bond of being women who have overcome challenges and achieved their goals.
The event also inspired and empowered the guests, who witnessed the stories and styles of the women on the runway. The event’s theme, Luxe Be a Lady, was a reminder to the guests that they can be anything they want to be, and that they deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.
The event’s motto, “Be Bold. Be Brave. Be You.” was a message of encouragement and affirmation to the guests, who left the event feeling more confident and hopeful about their future.
The feedback from the participants and the guests
The Luxe Be a Lady fashion show was a memorable and meaningful experience for both the participants and the guests, who expressed their gratitude and appreciation for the event.
The participants, who volunteered to be models for the show, said that they felt honored and humbled to be part of the event, and that they enjoyed the opportunity to showcase their personalities and passions through their outfits.
“I had so much fun being a model for the show, and I loved the outfit that I wore, which was from a local boutique called Savvy,” said Kelly Byers, a model and a teacher at Greenville High School. “I felt like a star, and I was so happy to support the Julie Valentine Center, which is such an important organization in our community.”
The guests, who attended the show as spectators and supporters, said that they were impressed and inspired by the event, and that they learned more about the Julie Valentine Center and its services.
“I thought the show was amazing, and I was blown away by the models and their stories,” said Sarah Jones, a guest and a nurse at Greenville Memorial Hospital. “I also learned a lot about the Julie Valentine Center, and I was touched by the stories of the survivors and the staff. I think this event was a great way to raise awareness and funds for the center, and I hope they do it again next year.”