The Boerne community is known for hosting fabulous events and being extremely generous. A gorgeous example: the Boerne Retailers’ Style Show & Shopping Event. This annual parade-of-style enables community members to support a wonderful cause while enjoying an exciting evening of fashion, food and fun!
“It’s not just about business, we want to make a big impact. We believe in community over competition. And that’s what I love about the Boerne community!” says Ashley Ermis, the event’s director. Each September, the Boerne Retailer’s Association puts on a full-fledged fashion show highlighting many of the unique boutiques we have in downtown Boerne. Non-traditional shops like The Christmas Store participate too, and all the proceeds are donated to the Kendall County Women’s Shelter.
It all began when Ermis had an idea back in 2018. Ermis, who also manages Joli Boutique, saw a similar show in San Antonio and proposed that the Boerne Retailer’s Association bring a similar event up I-10. The trade group saw the ingenuity and decided to make it happen. Even though Ermis was the youngest member of the association at the time, she was made the leader of the project. Ermis credits her mom for teaching her how to be active and volunteer in the community — and even how to ask for donations. When asked about her favorite part of the event, Ashley said, “I love being able to make an impact on my community through philanthropy.”
Unlike traditional fashion shows, models on these runways are chosen by each boutique from their clients, staff and friends, so all sizes and shapes are represented. Seeing friends and community members on the runway adds an extra element of fun. Each boutique chooses the songs their models walk to as well so their unique vibe and personality can shine. The organizers want to show everyone can shop in Boerne and feel beautiful!
The Bevy Hotel hosts the event and graciously donates their ballroom each year transforming the venue into a full runway fashion show with small pop-up shops all around. Sponsoring retailers in the show include floral shops, art galleries, and the thrift store, Fabulous Finds, which benefits the Kendall County Women’s Shelter year-round. Attendees can immediately indulge in purchasing the beautiful items they have just seen on the runway, or they can try their luck in a silent auction of donated items and the raffle drawing.
Ermis is thankful she has a large group of board members, volunteers, and sponsors to help her make the Style Show amazing every year. Amy Bierstadt, owner of Handmade on Main, Lauren Watson, owner of Under the Fig Tree, and Catherine Stuart are all instrumental in planning and organizing things like refreshments, decor, donations for swag bags, volunteers and sponsors. Sponsors in the past have included Valero and Cavender Cares, among others, and are especially instrumental in making this event happen.
In the first year of the show, the Style Show raised $8,000, and each year that number has gone up. Even in 2020 when the pandemic forced the show’s cancellation and donations were collected, the support for the Women’s Shelter grew. Last year, over $20,000 was raised, and expectations for 2023 are even higher!
Tickets are on sale now. General admission includes a swag bag and refreshments. VIP single and table for four include early private shopping time and a “Bougie Bag” in addition to the general swag bag and refreshments.
The Boerne Retailers’ Style Show & Shopping Event is on September 16. Go to boerneretailersstyleandshop.com for details and to get your tickets today. We’ll see you there!
“It’s not just about business, we want to make a big impact. We believe in community over competition. And that’s what I love about the Boerne community! They show up.”