MUSCATINE, Iowa–Two years after opening Red & Lee Vintage, owner Jennifer Williams wanted to bring a runway show to Muscatine, but to do more than just show off some of this season’s most inspiring trends. “We were trying to think of something to make it special and possibly help a non-profit,” she explained.
As Williams thought about organizations in Muscatine that could use community support, she selected It Takes a Village Animal Rescue and Resources. “They’re new in town and have a lot of active volunteers,” she said. “We thought it would be a great opportunity to showcase their dogs.”
Out of these ideas grew Couture and Canines, a unique daylong event Oct. 15 celebrating art, fashion, and rescue animals. Set to highlight several downtown businesses, Couture and Canines will appeal to fashion and animal lovers alike.
From 2 to 4 p.m. KeDough Bakery at 201 West Second Street in Muscatine will have unique examples of local art on display. Featuring a variety of media, from paintings to photography, people of all ages will find pieces they enjoy. People may also purchase works they like.
Adults 21 and older who would like to enjoy drinks and snacks can stop out to Contrary Brewing Company at 411 West Mississippi Drive in Muscatine for a fun flight of beer and treat pairings, with goodies courtesy of the KeDough Bakery. After purchasing tickets on site, attendees can try out peanut butter porter with thumbprint cookies, lemon raspberry shandy with lemon bars, and the ever popular Pollinator with banana bread bars. The tasting will last from 4 to 5:30 p.m., giving everyone a chance to refresh before the rest of the night’s events.
Following a ticket raffle for outstanding prizes at Pr%f Social (208 West Second Street, Muscatine) and some time for fresh, made from scratch cocktails, attendees can head outside for the runway show, either in the VIP area with drinks allowed or general seating. Taking place on Second Street, volunteer models will sport some of the trendiest fashions from three Muscatine establishments with lighting and sound from Dreampost Media Services to compliment them. Red & Lee Vintage and Meg’s Vintage Collective will highlight vintage and gently loved looks, while Liv Leo, which recently opened in Mucatine, will showcase several of their new gender neutral mix and match pieces, which come in a wide variety of sizes and styles. Each model will bring a rescued dog from It Takes a Village Out with them. At the end of the show, models will bring the dogs back out with them, allowing people to meet and greet dogs they could adopt.
To round out the night, an after party with DJ Yesi will take place at Pr%f Social from 9 p.m. to midnight. During the course of the night, organizers will announce the raffle winners, who must attend to collect their prizes.
A new opportunity for people to experience fashion and support It Takes a Village both through ticket sales and donation boxes, Williams hopes to see a fantastic turnout at the event. “The goal is to highlight our community and the adoptable cats and dogs at It Takes a Village and to show Muscatine something they haven’t seen before,” she shared. “Another huge goal is to bring in people from other communities to come see what we have here.” Attendees may purchase tickets online or at the door.
