VERO BEACH — Those for whom shopping is a source of pleasure and enjoyment were certainly in merchandise heaven at “Follow the Bow,” the St. Edward’s Parents Association’s 21st Annual Trunk Show March 1-3. Chaired by Catalina Pines and Marcia Ware, the show brought in 50 vendors from around the country, (no closer than about 100 miles from Vero).
The clever concept behind this fund-raiser was to broaden one’s shopping horizons by offering “luxury, one-of-a-kind items,” which – specifically – can’t be found locally. Pines elaborated, “We don’t want to compete with local businesses, of course. Sometimes local business (people) will even come to the show and see items they may want to carry in their own shops.”
“Just follow the pink line,” instructed Parents Association Executive Board member Shelly Caldwell as she greeted arrivals and gestured to the wide pink tape, which stretched down hallways and around corners, showing the way to refreshments and vendors.
The upper school gym and activity center were barely recognizable, transformed into a garden of shopping delights – rows of mini-boutiques with names such as Sailor Rose, Snappy Gator, Whimseas, Catch All, Marg of Pepper Pike, Status Faux.
Entering the showrooms, one’s first impression was of color, a dazzling, virtual rainbow beckoning from each display, inviting a pause, a browse. Clothing was presented as art – sumptuous, watery silks, batik, wonderful weaves and textures, quilted jackets, scarves, shawls, wraps from Nepal, Mexico, France, Italy.
And, oh, the jewelry – breathtaking hand-crafted baubles, sea glass, metals, gemstones, pearls, glowing, traffic-stopping necklaces that summoned visions of nights at the opera, of Zelda and Scott, Arthur and Guinevere.
There were gorgeous orchids, lollypop-hued hair ribbons and bows, handbags, hats, shoes, monogrammed stationary, luxurious linens, educational children’s games, hand-painted glassware, silk florals, exotic skin and leather pieces.
“This is the best toffee in the whole, wide world,” stated Kate Woody, enthusiastically seconded by pal Eileen Gallagher as they crunched samples from Toffee To Go, offering three divinely decadent, melt-in-the-mouth varieties involving white, milk and dark chocolate. And nuts.
Among the vendors were two former St. Edward’s students: jewelry designer Trish Becker is based in New York City; and recent St. Ed’s grad Sarah Layton is a designer with Naples, FL, pearl and gemstone jewelry company Pierre and Harry.
Chicago-based artist Steve Mayer stood before a brilliant display of rainbow-hued men’s ties. Barely in his 30’s, Mayer has been drawing since early childhood and is now a nationally renowned designer of high end English woven silk ties. He still creates each design for his company, Bad Dog Bay, with a No. 2 pencil.
A close look at the intricate patterns reveals the artist’s wit and whimsy. Each tie has a title: a tiny crab design contains one little crustacean holding a beer bottle – “Drunken Crab.”
In an ever more sartorially casual world, what is the market for such an elegant accessory? The entire eastern seaboard, says Mayer. And Texas. California, not so much.
Pines explained that the funds raised from the annual event go to the St. Edward’s School Parents Association, which considers current special needs and projects, then gifts the proceeds back to the school. St. Edward’s is a not-for-profit, pre-K-through-12, college preparatory school located off of A1A along the Indian River Lagoon.
