The fifth annual Charles Street Couture Fashion Show on Tuesday, May 8, marked the end of Beacon Hill Women’s Forum’s (BHWF’s) 2017-18 season.
Meredith Braunstein modeling a transitional three-in-one skirt by Paridaez.
For the past two years, event chair Kjerstan Fonzi has orchestrated this popular neighborhood tradition and BHWF signature event involving dozens of volunteers, an impressive undertaking. Over a hundred attendees gathered at the beloved Hampshire House to cheer on beautiful models of all ages showcase looks by prominent Charles Street boutiques – Core de Vie/Crane & Lion, Crush, December Thieves, Helen’s Leather, J.McLaughlin, Ouimillie, Paridaez, Sara Campbell and Whitney + Winston. Townhouse Beauty Bar prepped the models, who were mostly BHWF members, and photographer Susan Symonds of Infinity Portrait Design snapped away as they strut down the runway. Guests also enjoyed visiting displays by Artefacto, Blackstone’s of Beacon Hill and LexRx.
A nonprofit social club founded by Lisa Macalaster, BHWF, with “Connect, Inspire and Enjoy” as its motto, aims to foster community by bringing together all women living in Beacon Hill and its surrounding neighborhoods. Ending its fifth year and having close to 200 members, it facilitates building friendship across generations. Sponsored by Tom Kershaw, monthly forums meet at the historic Hampshire House on the second Tuesday of each month, September through May. Throughout the season, countless get-togethers such as brunches and dinners at trendy restaurants, family park playdates, book clubs, cooking clubs, card game nights, yoga sessions, and many other activities are additional opportunities for members of all ages with various interests to meet and enjoy the company of one another.
Led by President Sandra Gilpatrick and Vice President Karen Hensey for the past two years, the new season will commence in September, with incoming President Senaida Currie and Vice President Meredith Braunstein. Program Directors Thérèse Byrne, Deborah Smith and Patricia Arroyo will reveal the upcoming season’s forum speakers and Connections Directors Sarah Papajohn and Mimi Sun will announce the list of activities in late summer. Finance Director Justine Laugharn, Membership Directors Jacqueline McBride, Lisa Cleary and Nancy Kingman, Marketing Directors Mary Beth Kelley and Melanie Berger are also members of the 2018-19 board of directors.
Further information and membership registration for the upcoming seaso at www.beaconhillwomensforum.org.