By Dawn Burleigh

The Orange Leader

 

Forty Plus Models gave the Fruit City a taste of Houston on Saturday during a fashion show sponsored by the Mission Department of Mount Sinai Baptist Church.

Debra Lockett, President/CEO of Callie Lewis-Watson and The Forty Plus Models, Inc., said it was very likely the organization would return to Orange if an organization sponsored the group.

“We will come and do a Hat Parade for your group,” Lockett said. “Or we can bring 38 models and the full scale show.”

Not only did Lockett bring the latest in fashions for women with curves, she also brought a fast and upcoming hat designer, John Williams.

Williams drove in from Nashville Saturday morning for the show on Saturday before heading back to Houston for another engagement.

“He is very high in demand,” Lockett said. “We are so grateful to get him and to get him to drive here.”

Williams, of J. Henley Couture, is inspired by the big hats he would see in church.

“I was intrigued by the big hats,” Williams said. “I want to bring hats back to church. They are making a resurgence again especially in the younger demographics.”

Saturday’s show was a sample of what the Forty Plus Models do in Houston during the annual April show which raises funds for scholarships.

“The C averages,” Lockett said. “These are the kids we support.”

Lockett also offered some fashion tips to the audience.

“Do your own thing and create your own style,” Lockett said. “Invest in one hat and wear it everywhere, even with different outfits. Soon people will start asking where is your hat and you have created your style.”