Patriotic Austin Fashion Show Honors Vets

The inaugural Scars and Stripes fashion show brought together a patriotic audience to enjoy a Saturday afternoon of fashion and philanthropy.  Attendees enjoyed bites and sweets and snapped photos at the step and repeat in the lobby at the Red Oak Ballroom at Northcross Mall.

The event was organized by Modelemi Agency owned by Tim Bear and provided the runway talent for the show.  The Waco-based agency books talent for commercial print, commercials, film for models that are not  5’9 or taller.

Bear, a Vietnam and Desert Storm veteran has deep roots in helping veterans and active duty service men and women.  The fashion show benefits Operation Phantom Support based out of Killeen, Texas that provides services such as car repair, food services to active duty and vets.

The namesake for the fashion event is shared by a brand of apparel founded by Jan Ohrstom started in 2015.   “It was his way to use the arts to vent his PTSD issues and it turned into a company”, added Bear.  Ohrstrom is not only a clothing brand owner but he is also an MMA boxer.  The audience at the fashion show viewed a short film documentary with the longer version available online for purchase.  Some of the stories of these brave vets were very moving.  (more info here about Jan Ohstrom)

When each model took to the catwalk and stopped in the middle to pay tribute to the MIA unnamed soldiers’ memorial staged.  They placed their hand over their head and bowed their head.   “Basically it pays tribute to those MIA and lost veterans and they are in the room with us”, added Bear.

The models took to the catwalk and featured fashions from  Austin and Waco retailers showing prom, evening and casual wear.  Stores included:  Gatsby’s, Habitu Tailoring & Custom Designs, It’s Your Obsession Swimwear, Maylen Reyes Couture, Rainbow Rose Designs, Luxe Apothetique, Scars and Stripes Apparel Company, SOCHIC by Vanessa’s.

A patriotic afternoon of colorful fashion with a splash of red, white and blue!