Ella Jarrett shows off an ensemble from Finley and Co.

By Shari Benyousky
Guest Columnist

Column Note: BANTER is a new semi-regular column written by Guest Columnist Shari Benyousky of Diners and Dives.

Warsaw may be known for its lakes and small-town charm, but from Oct. 3-5, it transformed into a dazzling hub of style, creativity, and community spirit. The inaugural Downtown Fashion Weekend was an event that left attendees buzzing.

A Weekend To Remember

Presented by Toyota of Warsaw and hosted by Main Street Warsaw, and beloved downtown retailers Glam, Male Fashions, and Finley & Co, the weekend kicked off Friday evening with a lively Sip N Shop. But the main event was yet to come.

Saturday night’s fashion show was the crown jewel of the festivities. Guests arrived dressed to impress, walking a red carpet flanked by photographers and actors from the Wagon Wheel. Inside The Vic, the atmosphere was electric. With 100 guests seated in sleek rows lining the runway and another 50 volunteers, models, and supporters filling the space, the energy was palpable.

Attendees who purchased tickets were treated to champagne poured by Jason Brown of 110 Craft Meatery, hors d’oeuvres, stylish goodie bags, and a chance to win items from Toyota of Warsaw while they listened to live music, courtesy of the Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts. Outside the old courthouse, a live art display lit up the night, adding a dramatic and artistic flair.

Local Stars Shine Bright

Model Jada Parzygnot of Glam Boutique shows off her coat.

The runway came alive with a diverse cast of local models, each bringing their own flair and personality to the show. Angela Waddle, Rille Groninger, Angie Jarret, Ella Jarrett, Jenny Finley, Keith Sampson, Zach LeDrew, Ryan Ault, Shawn Brown, Michael Kuhn, Jalen Reese, Jada Parzygnot, Brandie Doty, Luanne Lozier, Mikie Brooks, and Emily Kosnick showcased styles ranging from practical fall layers to glamorous evening wear. The fashion was inclusive, seasonal, and reflective of the many tastes that make Warsaw unique.

While they did their walk, the Wagon Wheel singers welcomed the models with a heartfelt rendition of “The Way You Look Tonight”. The audience, a beautiful mix of young, old, men, and women, gasped and clapped, united by their love of fashion and community.

Afterward, Tim Hamman of Male Fashions summed up the spirit of the event perfectly: “I’m really excited as we didn’t know what to expect for the inaugural event, but we want to do it some more. I love working together with the other downtown stores. It’s great to do anything we can to help each other. I’m all for this.”

Voices Behind The Vision

Behind the scenes, the event was powered by passion and teamwork. Emily Illingsworth Kosnick, general manager and owner of Toyota of Warsaw, not only modeled but was one of the driving forces behind the concept. Her husband, Christopher Kosnick, proudly shared, “This idea was all Emily’s. I can’t take credit.”

Emily, beaming with pride, added, “I wanted everyone to be bought in. This whole weekend was such a team effort.” Her parents, dealer principal and owner Dave Illingsworth and Cynthia, were also in attendance, cheering her on and soaking in the stylish spectacle.

Jenny Finley, owner of Finley & Co., also reflected on the night with joy: “The night was incredible. Super fun and high energy by everyone. It was so much fun to see all of the people supporting us. My staff and models were a little nervous, but everyone was so supportive that it turned out great.”

Champagne And Chic Shopping Finale

Dave and Cynthia Illingsworth of Toyota of Warsaw enjoy the evening.

Sunday morning wrapped the weekend with a VIP Champagne Shopping event from 12–1:30 p.m., offering 20% off at participating stores. Guests sipped while browsing exclusive deals, chatted with shop owners, and purchased the looks they had admired on the red carpet the evening before.

Looking Ahead

As the final champagne flutes were emptied and the last goodie bags handed out, one thing was clear: Warsaw’s first Downtown Fashion Weekend was a resounding success. It brought together local businesses, artists, and residents in a way that was fresh, inspiring, and unforgettable. It was a celebration of Warsaw’s creative heartbeat, proving that style isn’t just found in big cities; it thrives in places where people come together to dream big.

With glowing reviews from attendees and enthusiastic support from organizers, the future looks bright and stylish for Warsaw. As Tim Hamman said, “We want to do it some more.” And judging by the cheers, smiles, and camera flashes, the town is ready to make Downtown Fashion Weekend a beloved annual tradition.

Sponsors: Lakeland Art Gallery, Ortho Worx, Kosciusko Visitors’ Center, Toyota of Warsaw, Glam Boutique, Finley & Co., Male Fashions, 110 Craft Meatery, Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Warsaw, Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts, and Brian Peterson Realty.

Do you know of an interesting place, restaurant, nonprofit, or person that you’d like to see featured in Diners and Dives or Banter? Send Shari Benyousky of SB Communications LLC an email at [email protected].