I had the extreme honor of being ask to return to The Club in Birmingham for another fashion show by Stein Mart. The show is facilitated by Darlene Real Higginbotham with The Real Model Connection. She is the founder of The Real Model Connection and President of Appearance Matters, Inc. She is also a fashion stylist and coach. If you would like to contact her for a style update, call her at 205-902-4808.
Before the show, I was introduced to the manager of The Club, Mr. Gary D. Kamenicky. He was kind enough to share some of the past of this historical Birmingham venue with me.
The Club has been a part of the Birmingham-Red Mountain landscape since 1951. The visionary who followed his dream of building a private dining club for out-of-town guests, was Robert S. Smith, a 48-year-employee of US Steel.
As a native of Birmingham, Mr. Smith wanted a unique experience for visiting US Steel executives in order to show off his beloved city. After looking over property on Red Mountain and the Hollywood section of Homewood, Mr. Smith and his investors decided on property atop Red Mountain and construction began in 1949. The 25 acres purchased had previously been a goat farm.
Construction was wrought with difficulties. Abandoned ire ore mines were found beneath the surface which presented numerous foundation problems. It took three attempts before the building’s footprint was established.
However, once the foundation was in place, the building began to take shape and was soon described as a “showplace comparable to any fine dining establishment in the nation.”
The views are spectacular and unmatched to this day in Birmingham. As we begin our fashion show in this “architectural jewel in a setting of natural grandeur,” it is most fitting that some of the fashions are from names like Kaspar, Ellen Tracy and even Michael Kors. And all of these fashions were fitted for the models from Stein Mart of Vestavia Hills, AL.
Stein Mart Fashion Show
We begin with Linda in an orange, lace dress by Kelli & Diane.
The scarf was the perfect addition to this dress.
Isn’t she beautiful? And she is a grandmother! Oh wait, I’m suppose to talk about the clothes…
Next we have Ginny who is so bright and cheerful in this green, pea coat by Michael Kors.
Ginny is a gorgeous lady with height that makes her a perfect model.
Our next model is Trish who is sporting a lovely black and white suite by Kasper.
Trish’s dark hair is a perfect match for this suit. The jacket could be worn separately with either dark or white jeans.
Raneta is a lovely young lady who would stop a clock in any outfit. This black and white number had time standing still.
This lady was a hit with the crowd and I believe it was because of her infectious smile.
This lovely red-head is Barbara and she is such a sweet, demure lady in this Coco Bianco top.
In 1965, there was a play titled “Billie” about a girl who “wasn’t like the other girls.” I believe this is true about this lovely lady. She is secure in who she is and what looks good on her. She loves dresses and for good reason. This Ellen Tracy looks as if it were designed just for her.
“Cindy” could be short for Cinderella.
Her fairy godmother has dressed her in this maxi tiered, orange dress by Max Edition.
Between Cindy and Judy, we have the very pretty, Colleen in this Ronni Nicole dress. Colleen seems like such a fun lady.
If you remember the last fashion show at The Club, you’ll remember Judy. She has the coolest haircut.
Memorial Day will be even brighter in this outfit. The top is by Elsyes and I might have to stop by Stein Mart for this beach bag.
Ellen is our next sassy model, wearing a blue maxi skirt and white peasant blouse.
And last but not least, we have the spunky and fun – Kay.
Sixty-three years ago the fashion may have looked a bit different at The Club. But regardless, fashion will always be current in an architecturally enduring venue like this one.
Next week, I will share Stein Mart, Part Two.
#FashionFriday #cozinest #emptynest #SteinMart #TheClub
