Evan Rolfe is bringing two of her passions — fashion and medicine — together for an evening where the runway serves a larger purpose.
Her Couture At Heart Fashion Show, Saturday, Oct. 10, will feature 50 models showcasing looks from eight participating designers, brands and stores, while raising money for the American Heart Association.
The show begins at 6 p.m. at the NEW Forum Theatre, 141 S. Ellis St., in Wichita. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
Guests can expect a mix of styles from Gentry Limited, Jewel Angels Boutique, Occasions by Dress Gallery, Dillard’s, Aida Stenholm, Trish, Hazel Stabler and One4Us. All are local designers, brands or stores except Dillard’s.
The models will include talent from Models and Images, the modeling agency that represents Rolfe, alongside her friends, family and community members. Among those stepping onto the runway are two physicians who will also share heart-health messages during intermission.
Bonnie Bing will introduce the show, with Carla Eckels and Andy McFadden serving as emcees.
The evening continues after the runway presentation with a reception featuring food, drinks, shopping and opportunities to meet participating vendors and designers.
General admission is $50, including the show and reception refreshments. VIP tickets are $75, adding front-row seating and a reserved table at the reception.
Rolfe is participating in the American Heart Association’s Leaders of Impact campaign, a seven-week competition that combines fundraising with community education about heart health. All money raised at the fashion show will benefit the association and count toward Rolfe’s campaign fundraising goal.
For Rolfe, the cause connects directly to her work.
A Loyola University New Orleans graduate with a degree in applied science specializing in psychology and business, Rolfe has worked in healthcare for four years, including in an emergency department and a cardiovascular clinic in New Orleans. Since returning to Wichita two years ago, she has worked in a primary care clinic.
“I thought that putting on a fashion show and bringing in and incorporating heart health and fashion would be such a cool thing to do,” Rolfe said.
She plans to become a physician, but first wants to explore how far modeling can take her. She has modeled in Kansas City and St. Louis and recently participated in showcases in Los Angeles and Chicago while seeking additional representation. She hopes to participate in a New York showcase in November.
For this event, she is putting her runway experience to work behind the scenes, organizing her first fashion show — and inviting Wichita to enjoy an evening out that supports a cause close to her future career.
