It’s taken a few years.
But now the stars have aligned. And today the Downtown Merchants Association announces its next new community event: Fashionably Westport.
On Thursday, May 16 downtown and Playhouse Square merchants will sponsor a great runway show in Christ & Holy Trinity Church’s Branson Hall. Entertainment includes DJ/Joyride spin instructor Mo Prestor, and comedian Leah Bonnema.
All models are local, including 2nd Selectman Jennifer Tooker, 3rd Selectman Melissa Kane, TV host/author/realtor Mar Jennings, and several kids.
The next day — Friday, May 17 — is filled with storewide happenings and promotions, including pop-ups, trunk shows and giveaways.
Over 30 downtown retailers and salons have signed on so far.
So has Eva Amurri Martino. The very popular lifetstyle influencer (and “Happily Eva After” blogger) hosts and emcees the fashion show.
Eva Amurri Martino
She’s an inspired choice. She, her husband Kyle Martino and their 2 young kids have just moved downtown. Part of the reason they bought where they did was the chance to renovate a beautiful, historic home.
Eva epitomizes the WDMA’s mission: finding ways to enhance and stimulate downtown.
She says, “As a mom raising my kids in downtown Westport — and a blogger who loves all things fashion AND party — I am thrilled to be participating in Fashionably Westport to support WDMA, the local merchants, and Project Return. I hope everyone comes out to party with us!”
“We’ve wanted an event like this for a while — something downtown that’s focused on and produced with the support of our merchants, that enhances the community and draws people in,” adds WDMA marketing and membershiip director Colleen Wiedmann.
The non-profit has sponsored several well-attended events already, like the Fine Arts Festival and Westoberfest.
Which is why a business like The Grapevine — the new liquor store in the old Crossroads Ace Hardware space — asked to be part of Fashionably Westport even before they opened officially earlier this month.
And it’s why Garelick & Herbs — neither of whose 2 Westport locations are downtown — is donating catering services.
Speaking of donating: The Downtown Merchants Association is giving part of their proceeds — including a raffle — to Project Return, the Homes with Hope program serving young homeless women.
It’s become fashionable lately to knock downtown Westport. Next month, Fashionably Westport will strut its very cool stuff.
(Click here for tickets to the May 16 fashion show, and for more information on all of Fashionably Westport — including participating merchants.)
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I love this! I’ve been a huge proponent of events to enhance our downtown experience for many years.. I’m so happy to see our fantastic Westport merchants banding together to promote themselves. The P&Z can only do so much via regulations, it’s up to the people to create the atmosphere. Congratulations to the DMA for a well thought out event .
Thanks Collen and randy and jac I can’t wait to be at both events or will be fun I am glad it is downtown thanks melissa Kane and Jen tooker
Thank you, Dan, for always supporting our downtown events and for such a fantastic write-up! We are thrilled to be working together with our merchants and our wonderful partners to continue to deliver inspired events for our community. We are very fortunate to have talented members of the Westport community that also place a high level of importance on continuing efforts to build a more vibrant downtown. Thank you again to you, and all of our supporters.
Now everyone go and buy tickets!! Support your downtown and Project Return! 🙂