the stylist behind runway '12
Story by Audrey Hanes, Photo by Amy Long
Later this month, 10 strong, beautiful breast cancer survivors will proudly walk down the runway for the sixth annual Runway to the Cure Fashion Show. Helping those amazing women feel stylish and confident is Candice Moore, a visual merchandising manager at Dillard’s who is as passionate about fashion as she is about making people feel good about themselves.
Moore has been with Dillard’s for 12 years. She started out working part-time while she attended Arkansas State University and has worked her way up from there. She was promoted to her position as the visual merchandising manager in 2006 and has been styling Dillard’s shoppers and local fashion events ever since.
“Dillard’s is committed to providing the highest quality merchandise and the best customer care in Jonesboro,” said Moore. “We take pride in serving both our customers and the community. Runway to the Cure is a great opportunity for Dillard’s to not only give back, but to also help raise awareness for an illness that affects many of the people who shop with us, both women and men.”
For the 2012 Runway to the Cure, Moore is working with a capable team of personal shoppers and stylists at Dillard’s to create fashionable, memorable looks for the models in the annual fundraiser. The team, known simply as “The Committee,” formed nearly three years ago because of its members’ desire for fashion to be a top priority in Dillard’s and in Jonesboro. The Committee works on fashion projects within the store, as well as on other fashion-related events within the community, such as the Runway to the Cure, the Guys for Girls 5K and The Southern Women’s Leadership Conference, in addition to several fashion events for Curves, The Mall at Turtle Creek and the ASU College of Business.
The current members of the committee of fashion-forward stylists are Moore, Chelsea Green, Victoria Perry, Linda Parten, Linda Spicer, Morgan Carter, Ashley Fortenberry, Beth Maxwell, Skylar Woodard, Julie Geha, Mary Evelyn Sloan, Angela Wewers, Rhonda Thielemier, Luisa Kidd, Tommy Hendrix, Jamie Johnson, Justin Dupree and Remington Brown.
“I would have to say, the opportunity to work with some of the strongest women in Northeast Arkansas is what we enjoy most about being involved with the Runway to the Cure,” said Moore. “The models are an inspiration to us all. They have overcome a huge battle in their lives, and they deserve the opportunity to be pampered a little bit and have fun.”
The 2012 Runway to the Cure will be held at noon July 20 at St. Bernards Auditorium. The event is sponsored by St. Bernards Healthcare, Dillard’s and Occasions Publishing Group; proceeds from Runway to the Cure benefit the Arkansas Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Advance tickets are $25 each or $160 for a table of eight. After July 6, tickets will be $30 each or $175 for a table of eight. Tickets may be purchased at the St. Bernards Development Foundation office, 400 East Street, or online at stbernardsfoundation.org. Tickets may also be reserved by calling 336.5009. Ticket sales close July 19.
What do you enjoy most about your job? I enjoy the freedom to be visually creative. When I get an idea for a display or an event, I can just run with it and do what works, within reason. I also enjoy being able to work as a stylist and personal shopper and help people find their personal style.
How did you decide on the looks for this year’s Runway to the Cure models? Color blocking is huge this season, and with the bright, bold colors, why not? The colors that we used are colors that look great on any woman. It allows women to step outside their comfort zone and put together colors that would normally be considered not matching. These days, pretty much anything goes.
Other than color blocking, what big trends will shoppers find at Dillard’s this season? Bold colors and prints, asymmetrical hemlines, lace, Aztec prints and ruffles are all hot this season. Overall, I would have to say the silhouettes this season are a little more feminine than last season with higher waists, lace and ruffles. Accessories also play a huge part in this as well; we are seeing a lot of gold and rhinestone jewelry with huge embellishments and bling – the bigger the jewelry the better. Also, Michael Kors handbags are bigger than ever. It really seems that women are investing in classic styles of handbags that are more versatile instead of buying several bags to go with several different outfits. The classic, high-end handbags from vendors such as Michael Kors and Brahmin are what we are selling the most of at this time. Let’s not forget shoes; wedges, suede, bling and back-straps are huge. The shoes this season have a lot of color and detail.
Do you have any fashion advice for our readers? I would like to tell women not to be afraid of fashion. Fashion is an expression of who you are. How you dress says a lot about who you are and how you feel. Step outside the box and experience new things; you may be surprised by the outcome!