An emphasis on some of the best moments of the new issue, stylish settings, sovereign pups and more.
Standout Quote
“Coming together as a whole is the key. Yes, every individual has their own unique story, but together they show courage, commitment and compassion.”
– Xamaria Collins, Tjuana Byrd Summer Internship Program participant with the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas
The Empress’ New Clothes
We may have styled four times as many models as we typically do for our fall fashion shoot, but one standout character — The Empress of Little Rock — needed no assistance from us. The Quapaw Quarter bed-and-breakfast was the perfect setting for our elegant vision, with so many swoon-worthy spaces it was hard to choose which ones to capture.
“It was like going back in time,” art director Emma Devine says. “There was classical music playing softly in all of the rooms, and [owner Antonio Figueroa] whipped out the real silver and glass knife rests to add to our table because ‘you can’t have a dinner party without silverware.’
“The fact that they bought this place, then COVID happened and they put in a ton of work when they couldn’t have guests, and now they have a four-diamond rating from AAA — it’s incredible. They repainted, added new furniture and decor, but stayed true to the house and the history. There’s even a map mural on the ceiling of the library. Each piece was carefully considered, and everything is there for a reason.”
Team Hodges
Cutest Dog Contest winner Hodges won over Team Soirée the moment he stepped through the door. (Who are we kidding? We’ve been Team Hodges since he claimed the crown in June.) Even at 10 years young, he still had a thing or two to teach us about modeling, and we’ll never be the same. Did we mention he brought his own merch?
Suited Up
Last fall, we fell in love with a red Jacquard suit on display at NWA Fashion Week, and we’ve had our eye on designer Oliver Michael Fitzpatrick of Ndeed Regime ever since. This summer, we couldn’t wait to get him in the studio.
“Oliver’s pieces are so striking that we had to shoot against a white backdrop to really make the photos all about his designs. The quality and craftsmanship speak for themselves. The fabrics and constructions are even more impressive in hand!” stylist Josie Burnett says. “Plus, he was easy to work with, brought a vision and was open to ideas while on set, and that always makes for a fun photoshoot.”
On the Horizon
Over the past few weeks, we’ve also been hard at work on another publication, the “Top 100 Women of Impact in Arkansas,” in collaboration with the WFA. Inside, you’ll meet some amazing women changing the state for the better both now and for future generations. Keep an eye out for its debut near the end of the month, coinciding with WFA’s Power of the Purse event.