As the first blush of autumn leaves change colour, so do fashions.

To keep up with this ever-revolving door and to celebrate Fashion Week, the St. Albert 50 + Club (formerly thevSt. Albert Senior Citizens’ Club) is hosting Fall in Love with Shopping in St. Albert.

“The last fashion show we had was two years ago,” said show publicist Kerry Akins. “With the club’s new name change we wanted to raise awareness.”

This year’s themed presentation, to be held at the club on Saturday, will feature a broad spectrum of the hottest styles and colours designed for the 2012 fall/winter wardrobe.

Organizers selected 12 local boutique stores and shops to showcase their wares.

“We can dress you from dawn until dusk,” said fashion committee organizer Jean Irwin, a local yoga teacher who has also modeled in a past show.

There is a good cross-section of clothes for teens to adults. Each store will display anywhere from four to six outfits.

“We have Cloud Nine, which is pajamas, whereas Cerulean is high-end cruise wear. We have Suzanne’s, which is mid-point casual to dressy, and Monjeloco is a high-end jean line. Auvigne & Jones has fabulous shoes and Ennoja is business, casual and dressy. Modern Eyes will accessorize the outfits and Tip Top will show what men wear. Mint Yoga is casual and Meese shows its own local designs. And Addition Elle and Sublime are for cruise folks,” added Irwin.

She also believes this is a more sophisticated lineup than past shows.

“We find stores are dressing their models in more cutting edge clothing.”

In a break from previous events, this fashion presentation will not roll out the traditional runway. Instead models will walk into the auditorium and mingle a few minutes at each table with patrons.

“Sometimes at a fashion show, you don’t get to touch and feel the garment. We wanted people to touch the fabric and see the model,” Akins explained.

Organizers have also invited a variety of high profile St. Albertans to model, including children’s festival artistic director Nancy Abrahamson, cultural services visual arts coordinator Heidi Alther and food bank executive director Suzan Krecsy.

Masters swim champs Catherine and Richard Roberts will also have an opportunity to sashay around the tables along with Volunteer Citizen of the Year Wendy Stiver and Gwen Crouse, the mayor’s wife.

In an added touch of genteel gallantry newly arrived RCMP Inspector Kevin Murray, Fire Chief Ray Richards and four firefighters will escort the models around the hall.

“This was one way to bring other people into the club. We are not just catering to seniors,” Akins commented.

During the first 15 minutes of the program while appetizers are served, local violinist Lara Hyrak will perform.

Organizers have also collected a series of auction gift certificates and items. There are a huge variety of gift certificates ranging from a pedicure, spray tanning for four and cleaning services to restaurants and a maternity boutique.

“It’s always fun to see the latest fashions and it’s important to support the community businesses. I like to shop locally. This is the community I live in and I want it to do well.”

The fashion show runs from 2 to 4 p.m. at 7 Taché St. Tickets are $25. Call 780-0433, ext. 0.

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