Spring fashion comes to life on Women's Guild runway

Mary Schultz shows off the latest Lilly Pulitzer style on the St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Women's Guild spring fashion show March 16 at the Sarasota Yacht Club.
Mary Schultz shows off the latest Lilly Pulitzer style on the St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Women's Guild spring fashion show March 16 at the Sarasota Yacht Club.
Photo by Dana Kampa
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Some of Longboat Key's most fashionable ladies donned their florals for the St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church Women's Guild spring fashion show.

The luncheon and showcase took place March 16 at the Sarasota Yacht Club. Models from within the guild stepped up to the runway to showcase this season's line from Lilly Pulitzer.

The timing was fitting for a celebration, considering the St. Armands shop is nearing its one-year anniversary since reopening from the 2024 hurricanes.

The fashion brand is well known for its floral prints and pastel color palettes, and those characteristics were on full display at the show. Ruth Everhart provided makeup by Mary Kay Cosmetics.

Proceeds from the Sunflower Soiree support the guild's programs and mission, particularly its scholarship fund.

Event co-chairs Debbie Ehret and Jonell Yoeckel welcomed attendees, who supported the charitable effort by purchasing spring gift basket raffle tickets.

"Today, we celebrate all the work we have done this past season with this celebration," Ehret said.

Members also took a moment to officially nominate and elect a new board. Outgoing president Kay Kochenderfer said the guild will swear in the new leaders in April, including Barbara Sikora as president.

Members of the St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church brightened up the Sarasota Yacht Club on March 16 for the Sunflower Soiree luncheon and fashion show.
Members of the St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church brightened up the Sarasota Yacht Club on March 16 for the Sunflower Soiree luncheon and fashion show.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Marie Pusinelli opens the show at the Sunflower Soiree luncheon and fashion show.
Marie Pusinelli opens the show at the Sunflower Soiree luncheon and fashion show.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Karen Geck models the Lilly Pulitzer Love Active Dress in the
Karen Geck models the Lilly Pulitzer Love Active Dress in the "Sunny Daisies" print.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Matthew Costello gives his fans a bow at the Sunflower Soiree fashion show, where he and George Watterson assisted fellow models on and off the runway.
Matthew Costello gives his fans a bow at the Sunflower Soiree fashion show, where he and George Watterson assisted fellow models on and off the runway.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Betsy Bauernschmidt graces the stage in a capri blue embroidered linen dress.
Betsy Bauernschmidt graces the stage in a capri blue embroidered linen dress.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Janice Reiser hits the catwalk next.
Janice Reiser hits the catwalk next.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Cheryl Mulherin gives her Barbados zip-up jacket a flip over her shoulder.
Cheryl Mulherin gives her Barbados zip-up jacket a flip over her shoulder.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Debbie Grob walks the runway with confidence in her springwear.
Debbie Grob walks the runway with confidence in her springwear.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Audience members get a tip of the hat from Debbie Grob.
Audience members get a tip of the hat from Debbie Grob.
Photo by Dana Kampa
JoHanna Krempel gives an over-the-shoulder flick of her jacket during the fashion show.
JoHanna Krempel gives an over-the-shoulder flick of her jacket during the fashion show.
Photo by Dana Kampa
George Watterson strikes an end-of-the-runway pose.
George Watterson strikes an end-of-the-runway pose.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Jenny Mott-Mueller flashes a smile as Sunflower Soiree attendees look on.
Jenny Mott-Mueller flashes a smile as Sunflower Soiree attendees look on.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Matthew Costello models a full menswear spring ensemble.
Matthew Costello models a full menswear spring ensemble.
Photo by Dana Kampa
Jonell Yoeckel and Debbie Ehret co-chaired the Women's Guild fashion show this year.
Jonell Yoeckel and Debbie Ehret co-chaired the Women's Guild fashion show this year.
Photo by Dana Kampa

 

author

Dana Kampa

Dana Kampa is the Longboat Key neighbors reporter for the Observer. She first ventured into journalism in her home state of Wisconsin, going on to report community stories everywhere from the snowy mountains of Washington State to the sunny shores of the Caribbean. She has been a writer and photographer for more than a decade, covering what matters most to readers.

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