Leavitt's annual fashion show set

Daiya Dillman-Owen and John Leavitt prepare for the 25th annual fashion show this Saturday at Black Butte Ranch. photo by Tom Chace

For the 25th consecutive year, Leavitt's Western Wear of Sisters will hold its annual fashion show for the benefit of the Central Oregon Cancer Treatment Center at St. Charles Medical Center.

The event is set for Saturday, November 1. The noontime event will again be held at Black Butte Ranch.

The fashion show is coordinated by Daiya Dillman-Owen, manager of the downtown Western wear store.

"We will have 27 models, both men and women, from teenagers to seniors, showing the latest Western wear fashions," Dillman-Owen said.

John Leavitt, owner of the local store, said that a dozen or more of the store's vendors will show their lines, some new this fall.

"Among those we will present will be the Double D line of high-end western clothes including leather coats and skirts. We'll also show a number of things from Manuel in gabardines with rhinestones and embroidery," he said.

Some of their models have been volunteering for this event since its beginning and some of the younger ones are brand new this year. Guests will come from all over Central Oregon, "and we get a goodly number who drive over from Portland, and Salem," Leavitt said.

They have a regular group that comes from Eugene and, "in fact, we have guests from all over the Valley," he said. "It has become that popular and the benefit is so great."

Sixty percent of the luncheon cost is given to the medical center, which equals a donation of $15 from each reservation.

Pendleton will be well represented at the show. The local store carries over 200 of their blankets in stock.

According to Dillman-Owen, many don't realize that this Eastern Oregon Company has a full line of sportswear, coats and jackets, as well as the traditional wool sweaters and other woolen items for which Pendleton became famous.

She added that one of Central Oregon's own companies to enter the Western fashion field, Imperial Ranch Clothing, near Madras, will also show its line of wool sweaters, vests and scarves.

"There will not be a bad seat in the house," said Sara Woody, special events coordinator for Black Butte Ranch, "The models will walk among all the tables in both of our dining rooms. There will not be a runway, so that each outfit can be seen close up."

Every model will have three or four clothing changes presenting a total of some 85-90 different outfits.

Also showing will be the Filson's men's line of work clothes. Aria Footwear and Stetson and Shady Brady Hats will be worn by the models.

Leavitt said that his store will donate a number of door prizes including boots, a $200 Western outfit and a $100 gift certificate. A flower arrangement from Wild Dusty Rose will also be presented.

"Everything over and above the actual cost of the lunch will go to cancer treatment," Leavitt said, who lost his wife, Sally, to the disease a few years ago.

"One of the interesting things about the new Western fashions is that they have merged with everyday wear," Leavitt said.

The store owner noted that as with Western or folk music, it is hard to distinguish in which category to place a new song.

"That's what we're seeing today in Western clothing," Leavitt said.

The luncheon will be served at noon.

"Because the event has become so popular over the past 25 years, reservations are necessary," said Woody.

Call 595-1260.