Annapolis Fashion Show Highlights '70s Inspiration, Furry and Trench Layers

Backstage a flock of hair stylists and makeup artists hovered around the two-dozen volunteer models, spraying rebellious stray strands into submission and gently powdering shiny noses.

They were getting ready for the runway at the eighth Strut & Sip for Autism, a fundraising fashion show and charity auction. The annual event was held at Paladar Latin Kitchen and Rum Bar at the Annapolis Towne Centre on Oct. 23.

The show included fall fashion and accessories from Nordstrom, where Deckman is a personal stylist. KAE Swimwear, a local brand founded by Krista Mills and her sisters, provided five swimsuits.

New this year to the fashion show was the inclusion of men's clothing. Mike Ryann, a full-time professional model with Brand Models LA, volunteered for the event.

"It's for a good cause," he says. "If you can't give an evening of your time to help a worthy cause, that's a shame."

Other volunteer models included young locals, such as Gracie Mong, 16. Mong, who attends Severn School, was strutting for the second time. Some of the models were beauty queens, including Mame Adjei, Taylor Burton and Mariela Peppin.

picture: http://www.queenieaustralia.com/black-formal-dresses-au

Marissa Templeman, a Nordstrom Topshop employee, says the show captured the season's trends. The garments on the catwalk exuded a cool 1970s vibe, with a hint of the swinging, futuristic look popularized by French designer Andre Courreges, known by some as the "inventor" of the mini skirt.

Highlighted were zippered denims, fur and faux fur-trimmed jackets and furry vests, similar to Sonny and Cher's signature style.

And, fringe. Lots of fringe.

The color palette included mustard yellows and golds, burnt orange, greens, blues and shades of gray.

"We're layering a lot of the looks," Templeman says. "The swimsuits are displayed with a cover. We're showing several looks with coats thrown on top to look trendy — and cute."

Michele Deckman, Strut & Sip's president,...