Fashion show brings Hollywood to Orange

Published 5:53 am Wednesday, July 3, 2019

By Dawn Burleigh

The Orange Leader

 

Rain did not dampen the spirits of the models or guests at the 2019 Summer Hat and Fashion Show on Saturday sponsored by the Mission Department of Mount Sinai Baptist Church.

Debra Lockett, President/CEO of Callie Lewis-Watson and The Forty Plus Models, Inc., brought the latest in fashions for women with curves, she also brought a fast and upcoming hat designer, John Williams of J. Henley Couture.

Photos by Dawn Burleigh
Models from Orange and The Forty Plus Models, Inc., in Houston, inspired with a 2019 Summer Hat and Fashion Show on Saturday at Mount Sinai Baptist Church.

Models from 40 – 80+ were on hand to display casual to elegant as they walked the catwalk striking a pose for the audience. 

Hatattitude, the parade of hats portion of the event, was one amazing hat after another while each model was in black. The color scheme helped accent the hats and showed how basic black dress could become spectacular with the right accessory. 

Lockett was Mistress of Ceremony for the event again. 

Photos by Dawn Burleigh
Models from Orange and The Forty Plus Models, Inc., in Houston, inspired with a 2019 Summer Hat and Fashion Show on Saturday at Mount Sinai Baptist Church.

Create your own style,” Lockett said. “Who said we can’t wear polka dots with stripes?”

The rule she referred to was thrown out the window as a model wearing a dress with polka dots and a hat with stripes walked down the runway proving it was possible to combine the two and make it work.

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 students,” Lockett said. “These are the kids we support.”

Photos by Dawn Burleigh
Models from Orange and The Forty Plus Models, Inc., in Houston, inspired with a 2019 Summer Hat and Fashion Show on Saturday at Mount Sinai Baptist Church.

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. 

Photos by Dawn Burleigh
Models from Orange and The Forty Plus Models, Inc., in Houston, inspired with a 2019 Summer Hat and Fashion Show on Saturday at Mount Sinai Baptist Church.

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.

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.

The dates for the annual show in Houston have not been finalized at this time.