End of an era: VintageNOW Fashion Show concludes, but support for Safe House continues

After almost 16 years of empowering women and inspiring the community through fashion, the annual VintageNOW Fashion Show will not continue.

Deb Maevers, founder and executive director of VintageNOW Productions, announced the conclusion of the event Friday, Jan. 17, through a social media post and news release.

The release states the event was originally intended to be a one-time event that grew into a major production that has raised more than $1 million during its run for the local Safe House of Southeast Missouri, supporting victims of domestic violence.

“Without the VintageNOW Fashion Show, much of the growth and expansion of services that the Safe House has experienced in the past fifteen years would not have been possible,” Jessica Hill, Safe House executive director said in the release. “We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Deb Maevers, the Maevers family, the amazing volunteers, and our generous community who made the fashion show the premier fundraising event in Southeast Missouri.”

While the large-scale productions are ending, VintageNOW will continue supporting the Safe House through smaller events and projects.

In a Facebook post, Maevers expressed her pride and gratitude for VintageNOW and how along the way it became more than a fashion show and instead entertained, raised money and became a source of encouragement and empowerment for many.

“I’m overcome with pride & gratitude for many things concerning VN. Which makes this decision all the more heartbreaking. As they say, all good things must come to an end, but the memories remain forever,” she said in the post. “Some of you may not realize that we work all year long to present this production, which leaves little time to do other things in our community or little rest for all of our faithful volunteers. However, please know we will continue to support the Safe House in all of their future endeavors. They will always be one of our beneficiaries for any of our future projects.”

Maevers said VintageNOW Productions will still be around but will look a little different. It will be doing smaller community events, photoshoots with themed attire, fashion styling for parties, more live mannequin events, supplying models, actors, dancers, wardrobe and props for commercial media and more.

“In addition, who knows, maybe a big VintageNOW Reunion fashion show will make a comeback in the near future as well. That most definitely is not out of the realm of possibilities. Bottom line, Never say never!” she said.

The Safe House House Party will be held Saturday, Oct. 11, at Buckner-Ragsdale Event Center in downtown Cape Girardeau, with more details that will be announced soon.

“First and foremost, I’m proud to know we have certainly helped make a positive change in the lives of victims affected by domestic violence in our area. Needless to say, we could not have done this alone. It truly takes a 'village' to put on a successful annual event. Thank goodness we live in a generous, caring community. A community who rolled up their sleeves and got involved by helping us shine a light on the darkness, if you will,” Maevers said. “Together we showed victims of abuse there is a way out. A safe place to be. A new start free of fear & violence. A place of hope & new beginnings. You do not have to suffer in silence. In reality, when we first started all those years ago many people did not know Cape Girardeau had a Safe House. VintageNOW has been a big part of changing that fact. With our help, they were able to build a new, more spacious and modern house to service more victims of domestic violence. Through the years, VintageNOW has raised well over 1 million dollars net profit for the Safe House. Again, for that I am proud.”

For more information, visit www.semosafehouse.org or follow Safe House of SE Missouri on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. And to stay up-to-date with VintageNOW Productions, visit www.vintagenow.org or on Facebook and Instagram.