'Effortless Elegance' on display at Palm Aire Country Club

By Lesley Dwyer
| 10:45 a.m. February 23, 2025

East County
Neighbors

When Katherine Pike was 20 years old, she was asked to be a spokesperson for Cover Girl.

When asked if she regretted turning down an offer from the cosmetics company because she had just started nursing school, she said, “To this day."

But she said it with a huge smile on her face.

“I ended up being a nurse administrator,” Pike said. “I had a great nursing career (for 38 years). I worked with children who had cancer.”

On Feb. 21, the smile didn't leave Pike's face as she relived her modeling days and strutted around the Palm Aire Country Club for the annual fashion show hosted by the Palm Aire Women’s Club.

This year's theme was Effortless Elegance. The clothes were provided by Darci’s Boutique, and everything worn by the models was for sale.

Darci's also set up a pop-up shop in the back of the ballroom.

Victoria Frigo picked up a pair of mod sunglasses and a blue crossbody bag. She’s not a club member, but her friend Allyson Cooney modeled in the show.

“I wanted to come see what Allyson was up to,” Frigo said. “They do a great job. It was so organized. Everything went smoothly, and lunch was delicious.”

Proceeds will go toward the club's scholarship fund and to local charities that serve women and children.

Kay Kwenski shows off a green jumpsuit to a crowd of about 140.

Melodie Dickerson has some fun and pretends her purse is an actual camera.

Katherine Pike's sleeves are trimmed with ostrich feathers.

Eileen Hackler models a black sequined top and satin skirt.

Darci's Boutique has a pop-up shop set up in the back of the ballroom.

Lesa Hardigan lets audience members feel the purse as she works the room.

Emcee Darcie Jacob calls the dress Susan Romine is modeling "the perfect little black dress."

Debi Frock is the co-president of the Palm Aire Women's Club.

Victoria Frigo is at the luncheon to support her friend Allyson Cooney, who is modeling, and to do a little shopping.

Peter Pike says he has happily volunteered for the fashion show for the past three years for his wife Katherine Pike.

Vice president Sandy Keir is the organizer behind the fashion show.

author

Lesley Dwyer

Lesley Dwyer is a staff writer for East County and a graduate of the University of South Florida. After earning a bachelor’s degree in professional and technical writing, she freelanced for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Lesley has lived in the Sarasota area for over 25 years.