Threads of HERstory: Boutique and Mission Inn Foundation Debut Historical Fashion Show

"Clothing has never been about covering ourselves, it tells a story," Sorrelle Williams said. "It says, 'Today I feel confident, today I am celebrating, today I am beginning again.'"

Toni Moore Clothing, located Downtown, hosted its first fashion show in collaboration with the Mission Inn Foundation on June 28 through conversation and sparking ideas.

The foundation has collected historical clothing pieces over time. Williams, coordinator of the show, questioned how a modern-day boutique that sells contemporary clothing could connect with Japanese kimonos and mid-century fashion.

The connection was women.

The show was originally scheduled for Women's History Month but resulted in unveiling in late June. Williams connected with the foundation to find common ground between the two.

"The fun is discovering what connects seemingly different ideas," Williams said. "Once we found that common thread— celebrating women through cloth, craftsmanship and culture– the entire event came together naturally."

The show was named "Threads of HERstory."

"Every garment you see this afternoon carries a fingerprint, if not literally then certainly metaphorically," Williams said. "Each stitch represents patience, each repair represents perseverance, each textile reminds us that beauty is worth preserving."

Some of the models that walked the runway were women who contributed to the Mission Inn Foundation and they were styled by Williams.

Williams' objective in the clothing selection was to highlight pieces already in store while also showing off trends in the fashion realm.

Williams enjoys seeing how clothing styles allow women to express who they are. So when styling the models she chooses clothing pieces to match the model's personality, hair and style.

"Five women can wear the exact same garment and each will bring something completely different to it," she said. "Confidence, personality and individuality are what truly complete an outfit."

Susan Wassman, a docent for the foundation, was styled in clothing that she wasn't used to wearing.

"It's not my style, but I needed to try something new," Wassman said. "I felt comfortable in it, I felt like a model."

Nicete Hernandez, a guest of the show, said it served as a reminder that there are styles outside her own.

"It reminds you that fashion goes beyond just aesthetics, there's a lot more that plays into it," said Yareli Olazabel, a guest of the show. "Fashion can be the means of cultural expression, political expression, it can be used to tell a story."

The fashion show sold out, a sign to Williams that her community is excited to embrace fashion, history and local collaboration.

By Marissa Perez