Fashionably Spring…@ The Arc’s Strawtown Jewelry

Hope Wade
Darlene Love wearing a Hope Wade design, with former President Barack and Michelle Obama.

The Arc Rockland’s Strawtown Jewelry will present Fashionably Spring this Friday.

Local models will wear dress designs by Hope Wade, of Pomona, with accessories by Strawtown. The free event will take place Friday, April 27, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Strawtown Jewelry, 40 S. Main Street, New City.

Wade began her career as a designer in 1991 after losing a job. “My church had a big New Year’s Eve event coming up. The pastor asked everyone to dress formally for the evening,” she recounts.

With no funds to purchase the appropriate attire Wade banked on ingenuity.

“I figured out how to sew.”

Her design was such a hit that people began ordering dresses from her.

“I charged $50 back then,” she recalls.

Today, she is known for a signature style featuring rich fabrics including silk, linen and lace. Iconic singer Darlene Love will be inducted in to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year wearing one of Wade’s creations. Wade will be on hand Friday to meet with guests at the Strawtown event.

Deborah Spagnoli, owner of Sparkle Up in New City, will be among the models wearing Wade’s designs. Sparkle Up specializes in events and glamour parties for girls ages 4-14. “But we’re becoming ageless,” Spagnoli says. “We do ‘tween parties, hair and makeup and adult makeup and hair too.

“After raising my family, when I was ready to go back to the work force, I decided to pursue the idea. The result is Sparkle Up.”

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