For the first time, local radio station WRUU-FM and the “Take it Off” fashion podcast are teaming up to host the “Southern Speakeasy Fashion Show” on Sept. 30 at King Oliver’s Creole Jazz Bar.
It will be an entertaining night of music, food, and fashion catered to Savannah locals.
“When I did the ‘Take it Off’ fashion podcast, I was focusing on fashion and social issues, which I was really inspired by when I moved to Savannah three years ago. Being in here, the South has really given me so much, and I wanted to do something to give back to the South,” said Elizabeth Andarge, host of the “Take It Off” fashion podcast.
Andarge, who grew up in Washington, D.C., used her sense of style and fashion to both connect with her peers and build up her confidence.
“I went head-deep with fashion after that. It's something that has always been inside of me, but I really didn't know that it was something that I wanted to do until I moved to Savannah,” she said.
There is no shortage of fashion inspiration in Savannah, giving the organizers plenty of local boutiques and designers to collaborate with for the event.
Designs and Alterations by Vanna Styles, Meaningful Boutique, Mahogany G Custom Formal Gowns, Bria Monei, House of Daniette, Vintage Vortex, and A Touch of Afrika will all hit the runway with their different designs.
Crystal Jenkins, local designer and owner of Designs and Alterations by Vanna Styles, has been sewing since she was nine years old..
“Growing up we didn’t have access to the latest fashions. When I attended middle school, I was picked on for not wearing what was popular at the time. I was inspired to create my own clothes,” she said.
For the “Southern Speakeasy Fashion Show,” designers are challenged to feature clothing inspired specifically by the 1920’s while incorporating modern fashion and styles. Throughout the night, the best of local Savannah fashion will be on display.
“It was important for me to have this show be all local, up to the vendors, the entertainment, the designers, and the venue. I feel like this is a way for people in the community to come together in a celebratory way,” said Andarge.
Modeling in the show will be an array of students from Savannah State University and Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), as well as models from the organization Savage, Inc., and the public.
When it comes to music, Andarge plans on having an eclectic mix.
“We will have a variety of music styles covering jazz, folk, country, and more. We have a range of vendors that include clothes, jewelry, and even a psychic medium,” she said.
DJ Beam and DJ Jive English will be providing additional beats and WRUU radio show host, GQ Smooth, and Kareem McMichael will emcee the event. Attendees will have the chance to purchase food and drinks from King Oliver’s Creole Jazz Bar.
This show is designed to help raise funds for local radio station, WRUU-FM, a “Community Radio with Global Soul.” The station was voted “Best Local Radio Station 2019–2022” in Connect Savannah’s “Best Of” issue.
Overall, Andarge expects the event will be an opportunity for the community to learn more about the radio station’s mission, while enjoying a night of local fashion.
“I hope that they discover that behind the voices and behind the music are people who genuinely care about this community and who want the best for local students and local adults. They want to see this place flourish and thrive in a way where everyone is accepted. I mean, that's one of their core missions at WRUU,” said Andarge.
The show is on Saturday, Sept. 30, at 7 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit wruu.org/events
