On the runway at “Fashionably Westport,” sponsored Friday by the Westport Downtown Association were, from left, Kanika Taylor is in a white slip dress from Cove Collective; Jordan Brett introduces men’s fashions from South Moon Under, and Gina Carloto, a former Miss Connecticut, in an off-the-should gown from Fred. / Photos by Gary Webster
Photo at left: Three generations of the Scherling/Dinatale family offer a fresh spring look from A Splash of Pink. Right: Headed down the aisle is Tabitha Lobo in an Alexandra gown from the Plumed Serpent.

By Gretchen Webster

WESTPORT — Models strutted their stuff in sparkling evening gowns, golf ensembles, even in PJs, at the fifth annual “Fashionably Westport” runway show, sponsored Friday by the Westport Downtown Association.

The latest finery and accessories from 26 Westport retailers were showcased during the event at the Westport Library. Local hair and nail salons helped the show’s 85 models look their best on the runway, directed by Carey Price, owner of the Cove Collective store in Saugatuck.

Co-hosts were television journalists Dave Briggs, also an emcee last year, and Alisyn Camerota, both Westport residents.

Photos left to right: Danielle Dobin, Board of Finance member, walks the runway with Macey Jane Masiero, wearing clothes from the shop Macey Jane; Matthew Pritchett in a sporty outfit from Brand Nu, and Selectwoman Andrea Moore models a skirt and top from Brochu Walker.

Maxxwell Crowley, president of the Westport Downtown Association, said Fashionably Westport is one of the merchant organization’s larger annual events, raising money for Homes with Hope, a Westport-based nonprofit dedicated to ending homelessness and hunger in Fairfield County.

Helen McAlinden, the Homes with Hope president and CEO, told the audience she was “amazed by the generosity of donors and the generosity of Westport,” explaining the agency’s programs that benefit from the fashion show proceeds. For instance, she said, the Gillespie Center emergency shelter is always full, and a total 1,350 people last year received support from the range of Homes with Hope programs.

Photos left to right: Pleased with a new suit from Steven Kempson is Andrew Colabella, a Representative Town Meeting member; Lauren Bromberg in silk pajamas from Savvy + Grace, and Jake Nolan wearing golf garb from Rhone.
Photos left to right: Mother/daughter duo, Penny Yee and Bella Lee, pose in Winged Monkey clothing, and Michaela Evans and Kerian Wilson-Evans in casual outfits from Splendid.

At the end of Friday’s show, revenue from ticket sales and silent auction was not yet tabulated, but the auction, held online, had featured $60,000 worth of donated merchandise to sell. Proceeds from the silent auction, which continues till 9 p.m. Saturday, were also earmarked for Homes with Hope.

Freelance writer Gretchen Webster, a Fairfield County journalist for many years, was editor of the Fairfield Minuteman and has taught journalism at New York and Southern Connecticut State universities.

Addressing the Fashionably Westport crowd, from left: Maxxwell Crowley, president of Westport Downtown Association, event sponsor; broadcasters Alisyn Camerota and Dave Briggs, the co-emcees, and Helen McAlinden, president and CEO of Homes with Hope, beneficiary of the event proceeds.
Photos left to right: Francesca Page in a sparkly gown from Milana Bartolotta; Josie Caricato in sports clothes from Court Girl, and Deb Placey, owner of the Post, wears a sleeveless maxi dress from her shop.
Photos left to right: Relaxed weekend look modeled by Michelle Gersh for Jenni Kayne; RTM member Alma Sarelli in a vegan red leather dress and felt hat from Scout & Molly, and chic in stripes from Great Stuff is Robin Hammond.
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