Carolina Creative Director Wes Gordon and Supermodel Karlie Kloss Honor St. Louis at Fashion Fund "Speaking of Fashion" Event
by Joan Berkman / photos by Suzy Gorman
About 800 people attended Saint Louis Fashion Fund's annual "Speaking of Fashion" speaker series - in partnership with Washington University in St. Louis and Caleres - featuring globally acclaimed fashion designer Carolina Herrera Creative Director Wes Gordon The nationally recognized speaker series has featured American fashion legends such as Michael Kors, Diane von Furstenberg and the late André Leon Talley.
A “Conversation with Wes Gordon” was moderated by Derek Blasberg, a native St. Louisan, journalist, author, and fashion industry personality, in Graham Chapel at Wash U and they did not disappoint. Guests were inspired by Gordon's thoughtful narrative about his career journey as well as his artful storytelling and kind advice for fashion students and emerging brands and creatives.
Earlier in the day, thanks to the Steward Family Foundation, the Fund hosted a luncheon for Wes and Missouri fashion students from across the state. Gordon met with each student providing one-on-one reviews of their respective collections and then celebrated with St. Louis food favorites from Katie's Pizza and Bissinger's chocolates. His visit was topped off onstage at Graham Chapel for his lively Q&A with Derek Blasberg.
Globally acclaimed fashion designer Carolina Herrera Creative Director Wes Gordon.
Derek Blasberg
“Thanks to our generous partners at WashU and Caleres and their signature sponsorships, Gordon’s St. Louis appearance delivered a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the region’s fashion and design community,” said Susan Sherman, co-founder, and board chair of Saint Louis Fashion Fund. “
Other Program highlights:
St. Louis City Mayor Cara Spencer presented a proclamation to Wes Gordon and officially proclaimed November 18 "Wes Gordon Day in St. Louis."
Special guest appearance by Supermodel, Super Entrepreneur and former St. Louisan Karlie Kloss.
Saint Louis Fashion Fund Executive Director Becky Domyan presented Wes Gordon with Fashion Fund’s highest recognition – the Saint Louis Fashion Fund Award for his major contributions to fashion. Past recipients include Diane von Furstenberg, Michael Kors, the late Andre Leon Talley and Karlie Kloss.
For those who couldn't attend, here is the link to Wes's and Derek's conversation:
Mayor Cara Spencer with proclamation (l-r): Derek Blasberg, Susan Sherman, Wes Gordon, Mayor Cara Spencer, Karlie Kloss, Stephanie Martin, Bill Blasberg (Derek's Dad), WashU Chancellor Andrew Martin, Becky Domyan
