I have always loved clothes and shoes,” admitted Jennifer Wilson-Harvey. “I can remember going to Monroe, Louisiana, with my mother to buy clothes because there were not many places to go in El Dorado, where I grew up,” she explained. “When we got home from a long day of shopping, my father would sit at the bottom of the stairs, and I would parade down in each outfit and do a fashion show.”
Wilson-Harvey’s inner model has probably gone on hiatus since her high school days, because as a wife, mother of two grown children and the chief operating officer of Wilson & Associates, PLLC, her time to shop and parade down stairs is limited. But even with her busy schedule she still finds time to garden, read and occasionally shop. Luckily, her involvement with the Arkansas Repertory Theatre recently provided her with an outlet for her inner fashionista.
For more than 25 years Wilson-Harvey has been involved in one way or another with The Rep, and for the past two years she has been a member of the board. So it is fitting that, as a lover of fashion and an admirer and patron of the arts, she would be involved with this year’s Passion for Fashion event, which conveniently is a runway show.
“I have been attending performances since 1983 or 1984, when The Rep was in the old church,” she said. The Rep was really different back then. “We would bring a picnic of sorts in to have a casual dinner with our friends. Then we would drag our chairs onto the balcony to watch the performance.”
Wilson-Harvey said that she becomes nostalgic for the old theatre, but the current Rep location has provided greater opportunities for producers, writers, actors and audiences over the years. The Rep has even provided opportunities for theatre lovers like Wilson-Harvey to have a moment in the limelight.
“I love the theatre,” she said. “I just bought the walk-on role for the second year in a row at the live auction at The Rep’s annual Saints and Sinners Ball. Last year I walked onto “Evita!” and had the time of my life. I do not know which performance I will be in next season, but I definitely have a secret (well, not so secret now) hankering for theatrics.”
The upcoming Passion for Fashion event, which will be held at The Rep on Monday, April 18, at 6 p.m., is essentially a fundraiser for the theatre. The event also gives ladies a chance to enjoy an exclusive look at some Barbara Graves Intimate Fashions, including chic sleepwear, loungewear and swimwear by VIX, Fernando Sanchez, Oscar de la Renta and several other designers.
“The Rep is our state’s largest non-profit professional theatre company,” Wilson-Harvey said. “Without The Rep and its many educational and outreach programs, the live theatre experience would be out of reach for many people, both geographically and financially. The support of the community is vital.”
The event not only features clothes, but guests will also enjoy champagne, wine and a cocktail buffet by Cajun’s Wharf, Capers and Copper Grill with live entertainment during the runway show. Dancers from The Rep will also be performing backup choreography with the band during intervals in the fashion show.
“I was a hostess for the event last year,” said Wilson-Harvey. “I thought it was great fun! It is a different kind of event. I love that it is on a Monday night, when there are not as many other activities and events going on. It is a great time. I’m a hostess again this year and hope to see a great turnout.”
Get tickets today! Visit TheRep.org or call Bethany Hilkert at 378-0445.