Modeling Wedding Dresses for Leisha Gust Bridal Collection

Every girl dreams about the day they get to put on a wedding dress, that special moment where you feel like you are the most beautiful girl in the world. Well, I got to do just that, WITHOUT the whole commitment of an actual marriage of course! 

With two of my best International sisters, Maddy Thoele and Megan Ehlert, two former Minnesota International titleholders, we arose bright and early to get all dolled up at the Landmark Center. It is a beautiful historic building with breathtaking architecture. 

We had a blast discovering new poses, interesting backgrounds and lighting. Thank you so much Leisha for inviting me to help your vision become real. I hope all the photos of your new designs meet your expectations! We were more than willing to give you our time because you do so much for the Minnesota International pageant. 

After the photo shoot we conversed with local businesses at the Bridal Fair, ate cheesecake in a martini glass, chocolate covered strawberries, and even made a few silly faces in the photo booth! 

We love you Leisha, and best wishes and luck for your future success!

Minnesota International girl forever

XO,

Krista Wanous

GO RED Fashion Show, Minnesota Fashion Week

Produced by MNfashion and held in partnership with Carly Aplin of The CW Twin Cities, The Red Dress Collection paired local designers with local celebrity models for a one-of-a-kind runway show at the Graves 601 Hotel.

Guests could also participate in a silent auction featuring packages from MAC makeup, 501FIT, spa packages and more. Each package included an original sketch of one of the red dresses featured in the runway show. 

All proceeds from ticket sales, the silent auction and additional donations will benefit the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women program. 

I have been so anxious for this event to finally arrive! I was ready to hit the runway in my fabulous Samantha Rei Crossland design.  She made me a custom one of a kind dress that was fun, flirty and edgy paired with an adorable fat and beautiful statement jewelry donated Realia Deisgns. Carly Aplin did an outstanding job putting this evening together to benefit Go Red. 

Some very inspiring women were also modeling the fashion show. This young lady’s name is Erin. She is only 7 years old, has already had 4 open heart surgeries as well as many on going procedures through her very young life. It broke my heart to hear her story of survival but also reminded me jus how important the Go Red movement is. I could relate very closely to her story because like I always say, “You are never too young to start caring for your heart.”

Some of my International sisters came to cheer me on! Sarah Bazey, Mrs. International, Carolina Reyes and Becky Ringen, both former Miss Minnesota Internationals. Thanks ladies! Seeing your faces in the audience made all the jitters melt away!

GO RED!!

Xo,

Krista Wanous

Miss International 2012

RedDress Collection Fashion Show!

Who doesn’t love a fashion show! Especially, when the event is highlighting the “Go Red for Women” campaign, shines the spot light on local designers during MN Fashion Week, and the vibe is simply fantastic! The Graves 601 Hotel located in downtown Minneapolis was the host venue and the turnout was not only wonderful in volume, but full of energy.

As Mrs. International, I was asked to model a St. John’s Collection necklace made up of shimmering gold metallic beads and milky white agate in several strands. The piece was classic St. John’s with a timeless style and felt amazing with just the right amount of weight. It was my pleasure to mingle throughout the crowd and promote the raffle of such a lovely necklace for a good cause!

The event was packed with local celebrities and talent including Miss International, Krista Wanous, who was one of the lucky red dress models, and I am certain you will hear more about the experience from her! Congratulations to the American Heart Association, Hostess and Organizer Carly Aplin, and gracious sponsors, as the evening was a huge success!

Amanda, Laura and Becky

Mingling with the guests as the necklace is displayed!

Amelia Santoniello on the runway!

Carly emceeing with the models and designers being cheered!

Photo opportunities after the show

Warm Wishes,

Sarah Bazey
Mrs. International 2012

Minnesota Fashion Week Go Red Fashion Show

Blasphemina’s Closet by Samantha Rei Crossland

I was thrilled when asked to be a “celebrity” model in the Go Red Fashion Show during Minnesota Fashion Week! I have an obsession with fashion, not that I can afford runway attire, but I certainly love to admire the art form that it truly is. I was paired up with a designer who owns Blasphemina’s Closet, “An Elegant Wonderland for Lad and Ladies”. 

Her designs are so fun, punky and unique with a whimsical, feminine, storybook like quality. She sketched out the design she will have me wear in the show and I am so excited! It is going to be a knock out!

I visited Samantha this week for my fitting. We talked about accessories, hair and make- up. Her studio is a creative person’s heaven; filled with idea boards, beautiful fabrics and designs, shiny trinkets here and there. Two of her most recognized styles feature a peter pan inspired fabric accessorized with ornate hats, feathers and bows. 

All the models in the Go Red Fashion show will be wear custom one of a kind red dresses in support of the American Heart Association Go Red Movement. Stay tuned to see her Red Dress design rock the runway February 17th.

Check out the other celebrity models, designers or buy tickets, click here: http://www.reddressmn.com/

Thank you Samantha and Carly Aplin for inviting me to be a part of this fantastic event! I am sure it will be a night I will never forget.

All my love,

Krista Wanous

Miss International 2012

Medina Country Club Holiday Fashion Show

What a treat it was to co-emcee the Medina Country Club Holiday Fashion Show with looks from chic casual to party favorites from the Shoppes at Arbor Lakes! Ms. Becky Thoreson and I had a wonderful working together at the podium as we introduced the models and described their fantastic ensembles.

My favorite look was a long winter white sweater with a fringed collar and cuff over chocolate brown leggings with a fabulous boot. The model wore her hair up and had a splash of color around her neck in a textured scarf. Another favorite of mine was worn by the only adult male model of the day, who happened to be a crowd favorite, and he wore a classic look with deep gray slacks, navy and black mixed.

Events like this not only get you in the mood for the holidays, but they make me want to go shopping! I hope anyone visiting the Maple Grove area in Minnesota will consider the wonderful selection of stores at the Shoppes at Arbor Lakes. For more information: http://www.shoppesatarborlakes.com/

With appreciation,

Sarah Bazey
Mrs. International 2012

Emceeing the Maple Grove Fashion Show

 

I was the emcee at the 2012 Back to School Fashion Show. As much as I love volunteering, it is fun when I get to switch up my normal routine of public speaking or fundraising and do something a little more glamorous. The night before the show we had a big rehearsal. First, the senior citizens strutted their stuff down the runway in the latest fall trends and fashions. The Fountains at Arbor Lakes Mall sponsored all the clothing and accessories.

I had a ball with the seniors! They were so excited to be on the runway and wanted to make sure they did everything just right. I took some time to introduce myself and show them a few of my moves. Not that I am anything like a runway model but hey, I’ve got a mean pivot turn! After rehearsing with 40 seniors, it was the younger crowds chance. We had young women from elementary, junior high, and high school all working the runway in the cutest back to school fall trends. There were lots of cute flats paired with leggings or colored denim and always accessorized to the max!

The girls did such a great job at rehearsal and the final show. I was so proud of them! I was very shy at their age and would never attempt to be in a fashion show with all those big spotlights on me! But these brave young women weren’t scared at all! I had a great time behind the podium describing all the outfits and watching the girls work the crowd. We raffled off a few prizes donated by the local community businesses and ended the night by handing out flowers to each of the participants and taking photos outside. What a fabulous and fun filled night!

Krista Wanous