Veiled Prophet 2nd Annual Fashion Show

For the second year in a row, high fashion has supported a number of St. Louis charities. Conceived by the Veiled Prophet Community Service Initiative (CSI), the Fashion Show, held on two levels of Saks Frontenac Store, Thursday, June 11, 2015, included a VIP reception at 5:30 PM followed by 6:30 PM general guest “dress mingling”. Cocktails continued throughout the third level along with professional models displaying the latest gowns to guests via 6 raised stations where they could view up close the designs worn by the models. This approach proved more interactive than a standard runway show and appeared to gain the approval of all attending. Presenting sponsor Saks Fifth Avenue and platinum sponsor Audi Kirkwood hosted the event, which could surpass $100,000 raised over the past two years.

The affair featured an unprecedented collection of evening gowns from leading fashion designers, including:  Gustavo Cadile, George Chakra, Carmen Marc Valvo, Carolina Herrera, Herve Leger, Monique Lhuillier, Marchesa, Zac Posen, Rubin Singer, Vera Wang and Zang Toi – all presented by professional models. KMOV News 4 Anchor Jasmine Huda returned as Mistress of Ceremonies, accompanied by Miss Merrill Clark Hermann, the 2014 Veiled Prophet Queen of Love and Beauty and a CSI participant.

Suzanne Johnson, Fashion Show committee member, commented, “This is a very generous community — but you need to be creative when starting a new event to catch the attention of sponsors and guests. Given Veiled Prophet’s role with one of the premier debutante balls, we thought it would be fun to present some of the leading fashion designers. Even with a great idea, we could not have done this without the support of Saks Fifth Avenue – they have truly been a most gracious and generous host.”

Proceeds from the night benefited the Veiled Prophet Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Veiled Prophet and select CSI partners. Thirteen charities received funding from this year’s event; several specific projects are highlighted below:

• Building a library for Marian Middle School.
• Providing permanent landscape improvements around St. Louis City Hall on behalf of Brightside St. Louis.
• Building a raised vegetable and flower garden for the residents of the U.S. VETS St. Louis campus.
• Remodeling a kitchen at the North Side Community School as part of a childhood development center.

Support also go to: Beyond Housing, Food Outreach, Forest Park Forever, Girls, Inc., Great Circle, Rainbow Village, Red Cross, St. Patrick Center, and the YWCA.

The Veiled Prophet Community Service Initiative (CSI) was founded in 2003 with the mission of providing service opportunities for members and their families. Since CSI’s establishment, father-daughter teams of volunteers have worked tirelessly to enhance the greater St. Louis community.