Wild Theater celebrates “The Art of Fashion” on Saturday. This is his ninth annual Art of Fashion runway show, showcasing fashion from more than a dozen Metro-East retailers, entrepreneurs and curators.
The Edwardsville mothers of two, Brandy Smith and Kelly Schlechte, are especially excited to be participating. Smith and Schlechte own a clothing company, Local 618, which creates unique, locally inspired designs.
The Art of Fashion event takes place on Saturday at 7pm. VIP seating is $50 (includes gift bags and reception at 6:00 in the Chandelier Room) and reserved seating is $25.
Local 618 participates in fashion shows by presenting their own designs along with many other local fashion companies. Other participating companies include Minerva Boutique, The Charlie Bell Shop, Gabi and Grace Clothing Company, Cassandra’s Closet Boutique, One Closet to the Next, Rushmore Boutique, Josephine’s Tea Room and Gifts, Boheme Boutique and Lovely Clothing. And Textile, Mai, etc. Mother’s Dress (Kae Schmitt), Gliks. Schlecte explains: “Not only will we have a great opportunity to see our designs walk the runway, we will be hosting his pop-up boutique in the Wildy Lobby throughout the evening.”
From the design process of choosing all materials, colors and fonts, this local dynamic duo designed the website and shared hundreds of local photos of community members wearing Local 618 gear on Facebook. We run the entire business ourselves, right down to the marketing plan that we do. “The art and design behind the clothes is very special to us and we are thrilled that he will be showing off her looks on the 12 runways at the fashion show,” explains Smith.
Smith continues: We know we share the runway with other local fashion businesses that we support, respect and love. This community definitely supports local businesses and this fashion show is a perfect example of why we love the community that inspired our brand. “