INDEvents

Celebrating Fashion, Lafayette-Style

by Cherry Fisher May

Announcing the sponsors of the 2013 INDstyle Awards

The INDstyle Awards were launched last year as a celebration of Lafayette's sense of style, the people who wear it well and the local retailers who make it possible. After the inaugural show, veteran local clothier Brother Abdalla opined: "Lafayette has never seen anything like this!" And as one of the city's most enduring fashion retailers, we figure he's in a good position to know.

Photo by Robin May

Bottom row, left to right: Christina Barbieri, Maven; Delanna Menard, Aveda; Emily Clark, Knotting Hill; Kay Outz, Raffaele/Dolci Modi; Hanna Herrington Lavergne, Herringstone's; and Sharon Moss, Moss Motors. Second row: Daniel Barbieri, Maven; Larie Barnett, Sky Blue Clothing; Vanessa Vicari, Vanessa V; and Katie Frayard, kiki. Top row: Chef Robert Sandberg, Jefferson Street Pub; Alicia Abdalla Mouton, Brother's; Marty Thibodeaux, Party Central; and Guz Rezende, Jefferson Street Pub.

As with all things, the success is in the details - and in producing this event, there are literally thousands of them. From the audition requirements for the runway models to the great venue the Acadiana Center for the Arts provides, our production team and retail partners make every choice knowing that The INDstyle Awards event is a showcase for Lafayette as a mecca for great shopping, from classic looks to edgier trends.

The choice of honorees also reflects that range of styles. This year's list includes Ben Berthelot, Angela Cole, Burton Durand, Roxanne Graham, Amy Guidry, Don Holbert, Jillian Johnson and JD Mosley. You can read all about them in this issue of IND Monthly. We applaud their collective fashion sense and support of this event, which in turn supports the Dolly Parton Imagination Library project of the United Way of Acadiana's Women's Leadership Council.

The event would not be possible, of course, without sponsor support. Thanks to Sharon Moss of Moss Motors, who has supported the spirit of this event from its start as The Big Hair 'Do, and to Jeanie and Steve Domingue of Mason Specialty Tools, who signed on as supporting sponsors last year. Coordinating food and beverage service this year is Jefferson Street Pub, Don's Seafood Hut and The Petroleum Club of Lafayette. Party Central is our event production sponsor.

The fashion retailers are, of course, the real stars of the show, and this year's group of INDstyle retail sponsors includes Brother's, Herringstone's, Hemline, kiki, Knotting Hill, Maven, Park Lane, Raffaele/Dolci Modi, Sky Blue Clothing, Shoe La La and Vanessa V. It's the job of our show production team to make them look great on the runway; that team includes Robin Hebert, Bob Pastor, Simone Foreman and Jasin Muffoletto. The Aveda Institute will provide styling for hair and make up.

Come see all the great reasons to shop Lafayette. Tickets are on sale now. Runway/VIP tickets are $75 each and include a pre-party.

Reserved balcony seats are $45, and standing room only tickets are $25. For more information, contact Robin Hebert at [email protected] or (337) 769-8603.  It's our very own fashion night out. Join us!