For the first time in six years, fashion designer Heidi Elnora will host a runway show, one with an especially personal touch: In addition to celebrating the designer’s fifteenth anniversary, the show will directly benefit schools within North Jefferson County, where Elnora calls home.
The show, “Meet Me at the Altar,” will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 30. Tickets range from $25 to $75.
“ I saw a need in my community,” Elnora said. “I started brainstorming how I could support it through my talents, so I decided to do a runway show in my hometown to raise money for our schools.” The show will take place in conjunction with the Decorator’s ShowHouse at the Hallmark Farms pavilion (9484 Old Highway 31 in Warrior, Ala.) and all proceeds from ticket sales will go directly to North Jefferson schools including The Burkett Center, Bryan Elementary School, Warrior Elementary School, North Jefferson Middle School, and Mortimer Jordan High School. “There is a great need for support at these schools,” Elnora said. “There is, of course, a need in all communities, but I feel called to support the kids where I live. I’ve worked with each school’s principal and PTA and have a list of needs from each of the five schools. All proceeds from the ticket sales will go directly to filling those needs.”
Attendees will get to see the entire Heidi Elnora Atelier fifteenth anniversary collection, which was shown at New York City’s Bergdorf Goodman last fall, as well as some of her favorite wedding dresses she’s designed over the past 15 years. “I’ve done runway shows my entire career at different stages and places, but I haven’t carried a show concept so close to my heart in my entire existence,” she said. “‘Meet Me at the Altar’ is planted deep in my Alabama roots, my heart, and my soul. I think it is important to remember where you come from. I hope this runway show encourages others who come from small towns and have made it to never forget the people who are always cheering you on back home.” In that vein, all the show’s sponsors are smaller, locally owned businesses, and the show is all about community, Elnora said. Tickets can be purchased at heidielnoraatelier.com/events, and, in keeping with the intimate feel of the show, seats are limited. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. prior to the show’s start time of 6:30 p.m. “I encourage anyone who loves fashion or has a heart for supporting the community to attend,” Elnora said.
For more information, visit heidielnoraatelier.com/events.
