Fashion show to benefit children’s mental health foundation

The vibrant colors of spring might call for a wardrobe refresh. Local boutique Subtle & Sass is launching its summer collection with a fashion show on March 12 to benefit the Gracie Brave Foundation, a nonprofit that empowers children and families to find healing from depression and other emotional challenges.

The outdoor event at Oyster Point in Mount Pleasant will feature a runway show with 20 new summer looks from the boutique. The theme of the show is “turn yourself off mute,” a response to the monotonous Zoom calls that have become a norm. Renee Smith, the owner of Subtle & Sass said guests can expect to see bright pops of color as a trend at the show.

“A lot of the stuff in my shop is a little bit more subtle, but this (collection) is the whole sass version,” said Smith.

At the event, guests will have the opportunity to shop all of the looks in the show as well as many other fashion pieces from Subtle & Sass and accessories by Winter B. Coterie. Drinks will be available for purchase from Tap Truck Charleston and guests can purchase individual charcuterie treats by Low Country Boards and gelato from Marion’s Gelato.

“It’s been such a such a fun way for so many women-owned businesses to come together and work together and bring some color and fun back to such a hard time,” Smith said.

The ultimate goal of the event is to give back to the community. Smith chose the Gracie Brave Foundation, a nonprofit organization formed by mother-daughter co-authors who wrote a children’s book about mental health. One of the authors, Kate Eldean who is a Mount Pleasant local, is a Subtle & Sass customer and mentioned the organization to Smith.

Smith related to the cause because she has a 9-year-old daughter and knows how important it is to have mental health conversations with young women. She said mental health concerns in children is oftentimes ignored, but a necessary topic to talk about.

“Even though fashion is an outward expression of beauty, it’s just as important to cultivate the beauty within. I wanted to work with Gracie Brave so they can continue their mission of helping young people feel confident and valued,” said Smith.

Eldean and her mother Pam Krikke will be at the event to share the Gracie Brave Foundation’s mission to inspire and empower children and families to find hope and healing from depression and other emotional challenges. The Gracie Brave Foundation is working to achieve this through the published book, “Gracie Brave,” along with speaking events at schools and partnerships with local organizations such as Dee Norton Child Advocacy Group.

Subtle & Sass seeks to empower women of all ages by supporting organizations like the Gracie Brave Foundation and providing size-inclusive clothing with styles that align with a variety of ages. The boutique operates out of Smith’s home, so customers can shop the collection by appointment or order a customized style box that includes items to try on prior to purchasing.

The fashion show event is on March 12 from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at 1500 Pearl Tabby Drive in Mount Pleasant. Tickets are $40 and includes one drink from The Tap Truck Charleston. Tickets can be purchased at www.eventbrite.com/e/subtle-and-sass-fashion-show-benefiting-gracie-brave-tickets-259023575487.