The saying goes: “It’s too cold outside to be trying to look good.”
But that idea was out the window Saturday as Binion’s and Grey Goose’s 7th Annual Fur and Leather Fashion Show models strutted sexy custom outerwear through an outdoor tent next to Binion’s Restaurant and Bar near the Loop.
The fashion-forward fur and leather pieces were products from Antwann Binion’s custom online store (www.impressionsleathers.com). Before going online, Binion sold leather and fur gear out of a storefront called Impressions, across the street from the Fox in Grand Center.
Level Ground provided live catwalk music for the annual fashion show that celebrated Binion’s Restaurant and Bar’s one-year anniversary at 5917 Delmar Blvd. near The Loop.
Fashion showgoers enjoyed a three-course dinner inside of Binion’s bar before heading next door to an ample tent attached to the establishment.
“I wanted it to be different, so I wanted it to be outdoors since it’s outerwear and I know that having a live band is something different for fashion shows here,” Binion said.
The show started with both casual and chic leather pieces and ended with furs n from boots to hats. All models were styled by Skylar.
Many of the modeled pieces and models with pep in their catwalk were met with plenty of oohs, aws and other “sweet somethings” from the mostly female spectators.
“I loved everything and everything fit, and that’s so hard to find,” said model Tracie Kernie.
“The pieces were top-of-the-line things that you could dress up or dress down and the colors were bold.”
Kernie also liked that the show featured various sizes.
Elson Williams of Major Brands, which sponsored the show with its popular Grey Goose Vodka, said he was impressed.
“The outdoor tent was a nice touch. It kept you warm and cozy and had a real club feel,” said Williams, who couldn’t help but to point out that the mostly female crowd favored the Grey Goose La Poir drink.
But Grey Goose wasn’t the only vendor with products moving. Binion, who also owns Binion’s Restaurant and Bar at 5917 Delmar Blvd., pushed some his hot winter outerwear.
Hot picks for that night and this season, he said, are patent leather jackets, military leather shirts and jackets, leather gloves accentuated with fur, and other fur and leather combos.
Runway Report this weekend
There’s more fashion coming down the catwalk this weekend. The 51st Annual Ebony Fashion Fair presents The Runway Report 2008-2009. Hosted by the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Inc. and its Federation of Block Units, the fair is one of the most creative, anticipated and dynamic fashion shows in the country.
Models hit the catwalk at 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29 at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center at the University of Missouri n St. Louis. Tickets are $35 and $50. For tickets or more information, call (314) 516-4949 or visit www.touhilll.org.
