Retro Runway: Glamour Met Purpose in Waco

By Debbie Wright

On Thursday, September 25, 2025, Retro Runway transformed the Lee Lockwood Library & Museum into a dazzling world of glamour, nostalgia, and timeless style. Presented by Cultural Arts of Waco and benefitting The Yellow Cottage Kitchen, the event celebrated the unforgettable fashion of the 60s, 70s, and 80s—while championing a forward-thinking mission in our community.

As one of the models walking the runway, I had the incredible opportunity to step into this showcase of vintage Hollywood and television costumes once worn by some of the era’s most glamorous stars.

The curated exhibition featured highlights such as:

• A burgundy velvet and dyed fox outfit worn by Eva Gabor in The Princess Academy

• The iconic cream and black floral dress and hat from the infamous Joan Collins vs. Linda Evans catfight scene on Dynasty

• A yellow coat dress and turban worn by Joan Collins on Dynasty

• A red and black lace cocktail dress worn by Linda Evans on DynastyA gray day dress worn by Stephanie Beacham on The Colbys

• A red suit and hat worn by Joan Collins on Dynasty

“These outfits represented not only extraordinary vintage design but also the bold, glamorous storytelling of television in the 1980s,” said Doreen Ravenscroft, President of Cultural Arts of Waco.

Retro Runway brought sparkle, style, and a dash of nostalgia, but its impact went far beyond fashion. Proceeds supported The Yellow Cottage Kitchen, a program providing culinary opportunities and meaningful employment for adults with intellectual differences. Learn more about the Yellow Cottage Kitchen- https://culturalartswaco.org/yellowcottagekitchen/

The afternoon unfolded with a vintage-inspired runway show, curated costume exhibition, delicious summer fare, and of course, mimosas. Guests left not only with memories of glamour but also with the knowledge that they were helping to build a more inclusive future.