By Dawn Burleigh

The Orange Leader

 

Forty Plus Models Fashion Show, of Houston, is more than fashion and beautiful women. The event is also a scholarship fundraiser.

Forty Plus Models, Inc. was first a dream conceived by Callie Lewis-Watson.  The desire to present mature models on the runway became a reality in May 1990 when forty friends of Callie came together to present the first Forty Plus Fashion Show.  The show paid tribute to Mildred Johnson, Houston’s first black runway model.  The show was held at the Stouffer Hotel in Houston, Texas.
The Forty Plus Models, Inc. was officially organized in January of 1993.  The goal of the Forty Plus Models, Inc. is to show women over forty that they can be beautiful, graceful with mature and dignified styles from a size zero to a size 24, according to the official website.

Debra Lockett, Callie Lewis-Watson’s daughter, carries on the tradition as the new President/CEO of Callie Lewis-Watson and The Forty Plus Models, Inc.

Lockett, with Wythel Price, formerly of Orange, are helping coordinate the event here in Orange.

The Mission Department of Mount Sinai Baptist Church located at 1113 North Second Street in Orange is preparing for Summer Hat and Fashion Show at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 23 in the Fellowship Hall at the church.

The event will start off with a meet and greet before the fashion show begins.

The Houston show in April proceeds was able to provide $1,000 scholarships for 25 students.

The purpose of the organization is to sponsor and promote fashion shows designed to improve the image of mature women and men as well as to provide scholarships for the “average” high school senior and to support leadership and awareness within the community.

“These are not the A students,” Price said. “These are the C students who also need help attending college.”

For the Orange show, Lockett has decided to utilize models from the community such as member of Mount Sinai Baptist Church Mission President Jean Gibbs, Orange Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and member of Mount Sinai Baptist Church Anitrea Goodwin and former educator and Mount Olive Baptist Church member Bettie Curtis, member of Mount Sinai Baptist Church Gloria Gibson, and former Mayor and member of Salem United Methodist Church Essie Bellfield.

The event is free to public. Offerings will be accepted but not required to attend.

Refreshments will be served during the show.