Love among 'clothing' offering seasonal warmth at Broadway UMC Fashion show

"Clothe yourself with love" is the message from Colossians 3:14 that Broadway United Methodist Women put forward on Saturday, Oct. 7.

But even love can be supplemented and enhanced, so "Fall Into Something New" was a sub-theme, all tying into the Methodist Womens Fall Fashion Show.

Judy Gardner of the Silk Purse in Knoxville offered not only fashions, but ideas for fall decorations, purses, belts and accessories. The accessories and clothing on the runway, plus others the spirited shop owner brought to Blount County were available for examination and purchase after the show.

A menu of delicious chicken salad, Scandinavian relish salad, muffins, brownies, coffee and tea was served by the gentlemen of the church. The fellowship hall had a festive fall look. Models were Jennifer Barnett, Jessica Campbell, Mary Anna King, Susanne Martin, Pat Matthews, Maxine McMahan, Gayle Stachel, Amy Trundle, Mitzi Myer and Doris French.
"I dont think Ive seen a prettier fall," began Judy Gardner, and she wasnt speaking of the beautiful Blount County leaves. The clothes for the season, said Gardner, are rich and vibrant, simply "pretty" this year.

The models proved her correct as they paraded everything from solids and block-print sweaters paired with the wardrobe staple black pants; camouflage tops, jackets and purses with gauchos; stunning dusters and cropped jackets in tapestry fall colors; vintage looks with peasant skirts and a nod to retro (and prayer for well-shaped legs) with leggings and tunic tops. There were seasonal returners as well with the trench coat (this one in a luscious powder blue), polks dots, Christmas sweaters and animal prints.

The dress-up, dress-down must-have of the season, Gardner told the ladies, is a five-letter word: Denim.

Skirts, pants, jacket, tops, boots, trims - it doesnt matter, said Gardner. Denim is everywhere and for every age.

The fashion show was a fundraiser for the programs of the Broadway United Methodist Women. Donations were so generous to help cover expenses, organizers said, that more than $1,000 was raised on Saturday.

Sherri Gardner Howell attended the fashion show and took these photos for Blount Today.