Despite Saturday’s rainy weather, the Baton Rouge Fashion Council’s 2016 Fall Fashion Fest held at Tin Roof Brewing Company was a ray of sunshine for the city. Vendors put their best fashions forward, providing guests with an amazing arrangement of game day essentials.
Deflecting attention from the outdoor downpour, more than 30 vendors greeted customers with smiles and positive attitudes. Upon arrival, guests visited the BRFC’s information booth to enter a giveaway and enjoy a delicious macaron.
BRFC founder and president Leslie Presnall said the weather significantly affected the Fashion Fest’s turnout. However, she said a pleasant time was still had by all.
“The vendors seemed to be happy, and hopefully guests were able to get a few of their looks for game day,” Presnall said.
O Bag Factory, Article & Thread and Purple Rack Boutique were among the vendors thatset up shop at Tin Roof with trendy tailgating looks. Providing beautiful, plastic arm candy, O Bag Factory offered deals on their merchandise.
Though this year marked its Fall Fashion Fest debut, Kat Noel Designs’ handcrafted jewelry proved to be a hit, worthy of its placement alongside veteran vendors.
Kat Noel Designs boasted a pleasing selection of accessories on-site providing trendy looks. Two of her fall necklaces were real leaves dipped in gold, Noel said.
After guests perused through all the pop-up boutiques, Drybar of Baton Rouge offered hair styling services. From French braids to fishtails, the Perkins Rowe staff executed it all.
With many of the vendors donating proceeds to surrounding food banks and shelters affected by the flood, the event proved a charitable success, as well.
Meredith Waguespack, founder of Southern Football T-shirts, raised $38,235 from her “Cajun Navy” tees, inspired by the community’s recent flood response and rescue efforts.
“That Monday of the flood, we posted a picture of the men in their trucks and boats, and it went viral,” Waguespack said. “People started to request we create a shirt, and within three hours, we did.”
The shirts are still available for purchase online and in her showroom.
Hosted by Miss LSU-USA Emilie Hebert, a former employee of The Daily Reveille, the fashion showcase offered attendees a tutorial on how to pair accessories with certain gameday outfits.
As the models flaunted their outfits throughout the Tin Roof Brewery patio area, the disc jockey played upbeat music.

Gallery • 5 Photos

Courtesy of Leslie Presnall.

One rack of gameday outfits at Saturday's Fall Fashion Fest.