My fashion-show debut was in the juniors department in Macy’s. It was the culmination of several weeks of classes in style and etiquette, and I strutted down the make-shift catwalk in a yellow polka-dot outfit. I don’t remember the details, except I think there was a vest and I know my collar was up (hey, it was the 80s). The experience was a chance to bond with my mom, who had had her own stint as a department store model in her college days, and who had designed and made all her own clothes from her teens until she had kids to outfit instead. She’s great to watch Project Runway with because she can tell if they really know how to design and sew, or if they are just all about the drama. When we started to plan a fashion show to complement our upcoming exhibit, Katharine Hepburn: Dressed for Stage and Screen exhibit, I knew exactly who to call.
I invited mom for an afternoon at CHS to get her invaluable opinion on how to offer guests a great fashion experience. We talked about our partnership with Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets, and speculated on what we hoped they’d bring (we’re sure Saks and Talbots won’t disappoint!). Then we started re-imagining the CHS auditorium. A long t-shaped runway, lots of chairs—we even set up a few rows to see just how many fashion fans we could comfortably accommodate. Delicious refreshments with a sparkling toast would make it perfect. And what could be better than doing it all the weekend of Mother’s Day? I’ll be bringing my mom to say thank you for all her help and to show her the fabulous Hepburn costumes and film posters—I hope you’ll be able to join us!
Here are all the details:
Kate Chic: A Hepburn-Inspired Fashion Show
Saturday May 10 │ 11:00 am & 2:00 pm │ $25 per ticket │Buy Your Ticket Here
Kate Hepburn’s independent spirit and sense of style continues to influence the informal, elegant approach to American style seen on today’s runways. Join experts and models from Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets to learn how to incorporate Hepburn’s style into your wardrobe. With refreshments and a visit to the Katharine Hepburn: Dressed for Stage and Screen exhibit, it is perfect Mother’s Day weekend outing. Space is limited, so don’t miss out! For more information, please call (860) 236-5621 x289 or email jennifer_steadman@chs.org.
Jennifer Steadman is the Adult Programs Manager at the Connecticut Historical Society
inside the CHS 
Pingback: What is this? | inside the CHS