Barrnington Charm

Turning up the excitement, the co-chairs are looking forward to a fabulous event this fall. Jessica Spentzos wears Teri Jon off shoulder turquoise dress, Amber Nelson-Wolfe wears Talbot Runhof satin turquoise dress, Melissa Khamkhounnavong wears Helmut Lang black solid dress, and Amber Wirkus wears Jovani white silver sequin dress. Wardrobe provided by Neiman Marcus Northbrook. All jewelry furnished by Long & Co. Jewelers of Barrington. PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBIN SUBAR / HAIR & MAKEUP BY LAUREN WARD FROM DISTINCT ARTISTS / STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA

If there’s one good thing that can be said about the year following a pandemic, it’s that people are incredibly open to fresh starts and new beginnings. Such is the case for the committees behind this year’s Barrington Junior Women’s Club (BJWC) Fashion Show who are pulling out all of the stops for a spectacular in-person event on Saturday, November 6 at the Avanti in Fox River Grove.

“I’m so proud to be part of this group that pulled off the impossible last year—a virtual fashion show that raised more than $85,000 to support Barrington initiatives that focus on women, children, and seniors,” says Medbh Huschitt, BJWC President. “But you can never replace that experience of being in person and being able to inspire one another. That connection among women is so powerful. While we’re monitoring the news very closely, we’re hopeful we can all be together again this November.”

Southern charm abounds as BJWC’s co-chairs take a moment at Barrington’s White House to chat about the upcoming fall fashion
show. Amber Nelson-Wolfe wears Halston black lace dress, Jessica Spentzos wears Aiden Mattox blue top and floral dress, Amber Wirkus wears model’s own, Melissa Khamkhounnavong wears Dress the Population pink dress. Wardrobe provided by Neiman Marcus Northbrook. All jewelry furnished by Long & Co. Jewelers of Barrington.

Amber Wirkus, Melissa Khamkhounnavong, Jessica Spentzos, and Amber Nelson-Wolfe are co-chairing this year’s event titled “Barrington Charm: Fixin’ to Be Fierce.”

“We really want to tie into the idea of southern hospitality, a sensibility that really speaks to the women who live in Barrington,” Wirkus explains. “When people walk into the Avanti for the fashion show, we want them to feel like they’re walking the streets of Charleston by the fashion and décor on display and the food and drink that we’re serving.

There’s also a ‘fierceness’ that many local women approach their community service projects with, and this is an ode to them for how much we appreciate all that they do.”

While the fashion show will deliver all of the things women have come to love about this annual event, the shopping experience will showcase the vendors women have enjoyed the most in previous years.

“We’ve really focused on the best of what we can offer,” adds Khamkhounnavong. “There will be that high fashion, high glam component that everyone expects alongside styles that are more accessible. There will be something for everyone.”

Additionally, there will be an impact raffle, reverse auction, live auction, Juniors Favorite Things, and a surprise Mr. BJWC element.

“The Mr. BJWC is a new section of the show that will showcase men’s clothing and accessories on the runway,” Wirkus says. “We’re very excited to partner with the local police departments as our models.”

The BJWC was founded in 1936 with a mission of philanthropy and community service in Barrington and the surrounding communities. Today, the 501(c)3 organization boasts of more than 150 members and continues to grow. For decades, they have helped support grant and scholarship programs for the greater Barrington area. Despite the pandemic last year, BJWC gave out almost $10,000 in scholarships and more than $55,000 in grants.

As in past years, this event is expected to sell out. Tickets will go on sale October 1. Advance ticket purchase is recommended at bjwc.org.