ASHLAND – Flapper dresses and pinstripe suits will be all the rage when the Roaring ‘20s return to Ashland during The Great Gatsby Fashion Show Thursday night at Ashland University’s Redwood Hall.
The fashion show is the brainchild of Dorea Kellem, owner of Truly Yours, Fashion boutique at 105B W. Main St. in the former Gilbert’s Furniture building. Kellem, a 2006 Mapleton High School graduate, is a former model with a passion for bringing a big-city atmosphere to downtown Ashland.
“People were telling me there’s nothing to do in Ashland, so I wanted to create events, fun ones, for people to go and enjoy,” Kellem said.
Kellem modeled when younger before deciding to study criminal justice.
“That Sandra Bullock move, ‘Miss Congeniality.’ That’s me,” Kellem said with a chuckle. “Fashion has always been a big part of my life so I just decided that I was going to open up a store and create fun things and fun clothing for people to wear, and just bring something different to Ashland. I wanted to bring a city vibe to downtown.”
Kellem hosted a smaller fashion show in her store in December which was a success and spurred her to dream big for her next event. With her love of the era and the classic novel “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the theme for the event quickly became obvious.
“I love that era,” Kellem said of the 1920s. “I should have been born in it.”
Twenty models – friends and friends of friends – will be modeling period piece outfits. Kellem has been scouring local thrift stores for clothing items that fit the theme, but said some pieces being modeled in the show are actually from the time period.
Isaac Coffy of Coffy Creations Photography is partnering with Dorea to put on Thursday’s fashion show.
“When Dorea first shared her thought about the fashion show, I just knew it would be a hit,” Coffy said. “With this fashion show, Dorea wants to give Ashland something new and fresh. Upon sharing this vision with me, I knew I had to get involved.”
Coffy Creations will be providing its Creations Booth photo booth during the event so attendees can capture a memory of their night in the past.
“I’m super excited to be part of this event and cannot wait for people to experience a night in the ‘20s,” Coffy said.
The family-friendly show will run from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday and feature live jazz music, vocal performances by Lexi Portner and Molly Brown, caricatures drawn by artist Sarah Adams, a cash bar, and DJ services provided by Hitman Entertainment. Those who attend are encouraged to dress in period attire.
Early bird tickets are available online or in the store for $5 until 7 p.m. Wednesday. At the door, tickets are $10. Children age 5 and younger are free. VIP tables are available for $70 for a bottle of champagne and bar service all night.
Following the event, an after-party will take place at Linder’s, 66 South St., where the employees also will be dressed in 1920s attire.
Kellem already has her next fashion show event planned called “Beyond Dress Codes.” On Oct. 14, Kellem will be closing off South Street, which runs behind her store, for a block party show featuring clothes made out of trash and recycled items.
