The Gem Theatre is like stepping into the most fabulous of time warps. The building, built in the 1920s, is a two-level theatre with intimate stage-level seating at cabaret tables on the first floor and traditional row and aisle seating on the second level. The Spanish Revival architecture was a beautiful setting for libations and hors d’oeuvres before the show began. But enough about the theatre, let’s talk about the fashion.
Each interior design team was tasked with creating a full, fashionable look from interior design finishes (think wallpaper, carpet backing, tile and LED lights) based on classic literature. The models’ interaction with audience and judges, along with their hair and makeup, were also categories for judging. The stage came alive with characters such as Glenda the Good Witch from the Wizard of Oz, Puck from a Midsummers Night’s Dream and the prince from Beauty and the Beast.
Five awards were presented overall, and the winner of Best in Show, Best Craftmanship and People’s Choice went to Memoirs of a Geisha, a team effort composed of Neumann /Smith, Allsteel, Gunlocke, Interior Environments, Amy Byrd, Charlotte Lembke, Sherry Innes, Christie Johnson and Dawn Kim. It was a well-deserved win. Everything from the materials used for the garment and the beautifully creative hair and makeup right down to how the model showed herself on stage was on point. Congratulations to the Neumann/Smith team – you certainly finished that fashion!
