The third annual fashion show at the historic Crazy Water Hotel celebrated community, creativity, and style last Thursday evening in Mineral Wells. From Western wear to boho chic, everyday essentials to standout statement pieces, nearly 60 different looks from local boutiques graced the runway.
The event, sponsored by Mineral Wells Main Street, was organized by downtown business owners Shawn Brown and Misty Nix, and featured fashions from numerous local retailers.
Torie Kent, owner of Rockin Hair Body & Soul Salon, served as emcee alongside Tiffany Montgomery. Kent’s team of stylists volunteered their hair and makeup services to prepare the models.
Creating Community Connections
“We have so many great boutiques in town and this gives them the perfect opportunity to showcase their style,” stated Torie, whose team of 7 stylists curled, fluffed and finessed models all day long.
Kent, a hair stylist with over two decades of experience in the industry, created the fashion show after moving her salon and spa to Mineral Wells five years ago.
“I started the fashion show as a way to connect with the community of Mineral Wells. By doing the hair and makeup at no cost it gives a chance for my salon team to showcases their skills, while helping highlight other businesses and providing a fun community event,” said Torie. “I always say it’s important to serve the community that supports you and this was a fun way to that. Mineral Wells has a lot to offer and it’s important to showcase that.”
Runway Highlights
The show featured nearly 60 looks from local retailers, modeled mostly by local residents, showcasing the diversity of fashion available in Mineral Wells.
Kicking off the show was La Reina Ranch & Company, the newest boutique inside the Crazy Water Hotel. Owner Nevada Huffman, alongside Paige Meier, were the first on stage(carrying “money guns”) with Huffman wearing a custom-shaped hat from the boutique’s hat bar and an outfit designed in-house.
Paige wore a stunning La Reina Ranch & Co cowboy hat, a Buddy Love dress accessorized with authentic Native American jewelry.
“Together, they capture the heart of La Reina Ranch &Co – where Western elegance meets modern sophistication.”
Coral & Lace, a downtown storefront, presented several looks including owner Lindsay in “a quilted texture set in light pink, the perfect combination of comfort and sophistication. The standout detail? Pearl-accented ruffle sleeves, adding a beautiful touch of femininity and charm.”
Merrimac & North, one of the original storefronts in the downtown renaissance, showcased comfortable luxury with owner Becky modeling a 2-piece PJ set that’s “equal parts comfortable and chic. This lounge-ready look features uniquely paired buttons, deep side pockets, a stretch waistband with satin tie.”
Travis Montgomery represented The Uptown Man in the “7 Diamonds Marquez Polo” and “Zuma 8″ Short, made from premium 4-way stretch fabric,” while Sensology/The Perfect Pair featured several looks including Linda Drake in an Emily McCarthy ensemble.
Melody Grace Vintage, one of the boutiques in The Collective, showcased repurposed fashion with Kayla Davis “rocking a look that’s all about repurposed fashion with edge.”
She stunned in a vibrant emerald dress featuring ruffled sleeves and tiered layers, cinched with a gold medallion belt that brings structure and shine.”
The program notes emphasized the recycle boutique’s philosophy: “Mix it. Layer it. Make it your own.”
Models from Gypsy Soul displayed bohemian-inspired outfits, including Brooke Seaman in “Gypsy Soul Brand Cropped Denim Distressed Overalls” layered with a “Gypsy Soul Floral Mesh Top.”
The Outfitters of Palo Pinto County contributed sporting looks perfect for an active lifestyle.
Brian Shoemaker looked “effortlessly cool in the Pins & Aces Men’s Polo in Pink Hibiscus, paired with Scales All Tides Shorts in Navy Blue” while wife Cara complemented his look “in the Pins & Aces Polo Tank in Pink Hibiscus, styled with the Catch & Club Tiered Skort in Navy Blue.”
The coordinating pair showcased golf and pickleball gear, demonstrating “that performance and polish go hand in hand.”
Greer’s Western Store also presented several Western-inspired looks throughout the show. One standout featured Paige in an “Ariat-Tek shirt designed to take on Teasx heat with sunprotection, ventilation and moisture-wicking technology. It’s paired with Olivia cuffed jeans from Kim’s Ranch, and a pink roughout boots from Black Star Boot Company.
Additional boutiques that participated in the fashion show included Birdie’s Boutique with vibrant floral dresses, Brown Bird Boutique featuring Ivy Jane designs, Chell Rae Boutique with versatile everyday wear, Moxie Maiden Boutique showcasing feminine silhouettes, Rural Roots Boutique with Western-inspired casual styles, So Much More Boutique displaying colorful spring looks, Thousand Miles presenting graphic statement pieces, and Wildflower & Thorns featuring bold patterned designs.
Rickhouse Brewing also joined the lineup with branded apparel. Together, these local retailers demonstrated the impressive range of fashion available right in Mineral Wells.
Fashion Show Supports Small Business Growth
The fashion show certainly highlighted more boutiques than in the years past and is hopefully an upward trend as downtown continues to evolve and more businesses expand in this difficult economy.
Misty Nix owns several boutiques in the downtown area including Senseology, The Perfect Pair and Uptown Man. Along with business partner Shawn Brown, owner of Brown Bird Boutique, she has created opportunities for emerging retailers.
“That was the whole point of The Collective,” said Nix of the retail space they created in the refurbished Seamon Building. “We wanted to offer small business owners a place to showcase their items without the huge expense of building their own storefront.”
The Collective houses many small boutiques that dressed models for the fashion show which was a great marketing opportunity for some of the newer, smaller boutiques in town. The Collective at Poston’s Plaza, is located adjacent to The Outfitters of Palo Pinto County.
The fashion show also included entertainment from The Beat Dance Factory, with Miss Teen Denton, a former dancer, introducing the performers. Sound was provided by Alan Young, music by Adam Hull, and Fresh & Fruity and Swaggy Snow served sweet snacks for attendees.