Fashionation and Best of Luck Carlos!

Please find the Friday Guest Blog below, this was written by Shawn Harrington

Des Moines is beautiful, did you know that?  If not, then I suggest heading down to 1408 Locust this Saturday to check out a scene to make you forget for a moment that you live in a state better known for its sprawl of cornfields.  It is something other than that, of course, as Fashionation is DSM Magazine’s annual Fall Fashion Show where they are not afraid to show off the cities classiness.

“DSM Magazine and Not Your Daughter’s Jeans bring you Fashionation.. with doors open at 6:30 p.m. The second annual fashion show will showcase the newest women’s fashions, plus we’ve added men’s wear this year. Come see the latest styles from dornink, B Posh Boutique, Sahar’s Salon, Day Spa and Boutique, Backcountry Outfitters, Fashions by the Hall Tree and Badowers, just to name a few” -dsmmagazine.com.

I’ve also included a featured video courtesy of Stefan and Thomas Hansen for the behind-the-scenes Fashionation Preview.  Tickets are required for Saturday! <Click the behind-the-scenes link to see the video>

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This weekend marks the departure of a good friend who has certainly left his mark on Des Moines’ scene.  When we talk about those who are not afraid to step in and get involved, Carlos Garza has done this better than anyone else could.  While we hate to say goodbye to him, it certainly is understandable his motivations for moving back home to Texas where his family resides.

When we refer to the success of the first Do More Village at 80/35, much of this was praised to Carlos who was able to lend us the tents needed to get together our first village on a bare-bones budget.  It didn’t matter that he didn’t know us at the time, and I still don’t think it does for anyone who has come across his assistance within Des Moines’ Arts and Cultural scene.  For the past nearly two years, I’ve served on the DMSC Board with Carlos, who was our first Chairman of the Board and got our non-profit off to the successful start it is continuing on with today.

Aside from all that, I must continually give him praise for being a reliable bartender on the early morning of St. Patrick’s Day as Des Moines kicked off it’s parade down the stretch of Locust street.  He had to deal with some rowdy patrons that day who were sure to kick the first keg of green beer before noon. I have no idea who those people were, except that this guy was up to the challenge.  Maybe we can get him back for next year’s?

Carlos, no matter what your next path is, thanks again and don’t think too lightly of what you’ve accomplished!