Fashion, Style and Couture were the dress code for Thursday night, August 30. Those adjectives could describe Ann Romney and Janna Ryan at the Republican convention held the same night, but for Bartlett they were the words to describe the posh event Haute Temptation auction and fashion show. The benefit for the Bartlett Chamber Foundation held at the world headquarters of Allure was a who’s who of local fashionistas.
Sponsored by local businesses and co-hosted by Leadership Bartlett alumni, Maria McLendon, with the Bartlett Area Chamber of Commerce and Brooks McDonald with Nationwide Insurance, the event packed the lounge and runway of Allure. Allure is a premier bridal, prom and evening wear manufacturer. McLendon wore the signature evening gown printed on promotional materials, bringing to life the stunning jewel encrusted, strapless fashion statement. Brooks McDonald looked dashing in a trendy yet tailored suit and tie.
The evening started with an elegant champagne reception catered by Eat Well Sushi and Grill. After the reception and guests were seated in front of the runway, they experienced the best there is in this season’s autumn collections for casual, career, cocktail and evening attire. The event drew fashion lovers such as Charles Gulotta, president of the Millington Area Chamber of Commerce, and Ted Townsend, Regional Director at State of Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. Townsend modeled menswear while Shields Thompson, the current Miss Scenic City Outstanding Teen, and former title pageant holder, Jocelynn Jordan modeled ladies fashions. John Threadgill, Jerry Dupree and Phil Johnson all of the Bartlett Area Chamber of Commerce, tended bar for guests such as Summer Farmer attending with her grandmother Ollie Massic, Beverly Holmgren who manages the Bartlett Farmer’s Market and Lauren Whitaker of Paul Mitchell-the school.
The Bartlett Chamber Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization focusing on Leadership in the Bartlett Area Community serving as a vehicle to administer and implement programs that may not fall within the traditional purview of a Bartlett Area Chamber of Commerce. Main tasks include administering the Leadership Bartlett, Leadership Bartlett Alumni Association and Youth Leadership programs. In addition the Bartlett Chamber Foundation may address workforce and educational issues, promoting quality of life, lessening the burden of local and state government, and to be able to confront challenges that may face the community in the future.
The Bartlett fashion event of the year raised over $4,000 for the foundation to continue promoting, fostering and aiding leadership and commerce in the local community.
