Just like one of her signature pixie cuts, hair artist and Shi Salon owner Marie Simone kept her thoughts about The St. Louis American Foundation’s Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala extra short and super cute.
“It’s the elegance for me,” Simone said.
Of course, awarding millions of dollars in scholarships and honoring one of the most noble, yet unsung professions would, and should, bring the masses – as it has for nearly 40 years.
But with the Education Salute, The St. Louis American Foundation created a blueprint for going above and beyond the ordinary banquet.
Guests ascend up the escalators with the expectation of seeing the best of Black St. Louis looking their absolute best.
“You can’t really tell anybody about Salute,” Simone said. “You have to just tell people to come, so they can see it for themselves.”
In a little over a week, they will have the opportunity to do exactly that. On Saturday, October 12 the 37th Annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala takes over America’s Center.
Co-chaired by David and Thelma Steward of the Steward Family Foundation, the 2024 Education Salute will be epic. The legendary Jackie Joyner-Kersee is this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Ellicia Lanier, Founder and Executive Director of Urban Sprouts will receive the 2024 Stellar Performer in Education Award. Other honorees include SEMO Counselor of the Year Kimberly Merrill of University City High School and the 2024 Excellence In Education Awardees: Asquith S. “Sean” Armstrong of Washington University; Dr. Latricia Singleton-Clark of Hazelwood West High School; Dr. Mary Hairston of Urban League Head Start and Lieutenant Colonel Nina McLean of James Avant Elementary School-ESTL.
The evening will also bless area students with resources to pursue higher education. Last year more than $2.8 million in scholarships were awarded.
As hundreds have gathered in the name of empowering educators and scholars they also bring an abundance of style and grace each and every year. So much so that top tier fashion is the guaranteed aesthetic.
Fashion designer Brandin Vaughn and photographer Lawrence Bryant joined forces with a display of high fashion that is inspired by the elegance regularly served up by the Education Salute. Among the models is Felesha Clarke. In 2017, she became the first-ever recipient of the Dr. Donald M. Suggs Scholarship at University of Missouri – St. Louis.
Vaughn and Simone also offered tips for those looking to level up their fashion game for the Salute while being mindful of style trends and go-to standards.
“Classic glamour is timeless,” Vaughn said. “You can put on that dress or that blazer at any point in time and it will still look regal. It is sophisticated elegance. It’s dressing like you’ve got somewhere to be – and you are trying to impress somebody.”
He loves the classics, but says it doesn’t take much to build upon the look and add contemporary flavor. His number one piece of advice is to “try something different and bold” and “make a statement”
“I love sequins. I love animal print,” Vaughn said. “There is absolutely nothing wrong with a classic tuxedo. I would say widen the leg, shorten the jacket and get a statement piece – a conversation piece. It may be a broach. It may be an ascot instead of a bowtie.”
Whatever it is, make sure it is something that is going to catch somebody’s eye. “Those conversation starters are what it’s all about,” Vaughn said.
He also urges those looking for an upcycle in their glamour to look at what’s happening this season and incorporate a trend or two into their typical formal attire.
“Blue. Burgundy. Emerald Green. Mauve is hot – and black, of course,” Vaughn said. “Try accessory broaches for both men and women, or cuff links. It’s the fine details in the accessories that are going to push that regular looking suit or tux over the edge.”
Bold silhouettes are essential.
“Or try something with shape – or structure, that looks like architecture or origami,” Vaughn said. “Hair accessories that really tie into the ensemble are major right now too.”
As far as the hair, Simone wants to remind men and women that glamourous hair includes texture too.
“It’s about healthy glam and making a statement,” Simone said. “For so long, a lot of people were afraid to push the envelope with their hair. They would do it with their makeup and their clothes, but now they are using their hair to really make their whole look pop.”
And part of that pop is Black hair in its natural state.
“For so long people thought that glamour meant that your hair had to be smooth, but Black hair in any state can be glamour – and it always has been,” Simone said. “I think we are finding our identity again. We are seeing the beauty of our texture and the versatility of our hair, and l love it.”
The St. Louis American Foundation’s 37th Annual Salute to Excellence in Education will take place at 6 p.m., (5 p.m. reception) on Saturday, October 12th at America’s center. For more information, visit www.stlamerican.com or call (314) 533-8000.
The style team for 2024 St. Louis American Foundation Education Salute fashion photo shoot includes: Lawrence Bryant, co-creative director and photographer; Brandin Vaughn, co-creative director and designer/stylist; Marie Simone, hair artist and creative associate; Mary Collins of Vauje Jewelry, jewelry artist and creative associate; Diamond White, makeup artist and creative associate; Phil Hamer, creative associate. Models: Felesha Clarke, David Evans, Meadow Grace and Tef Poe.
Featured art (as seen in 21c Museum Hotel): Pulled Roots, 2023, yarn on wood by Elevate at 21c artist Douglas Dale. After Angela, 2015 by Van Hoang. Gold leaf, acrylic paint on cotton canvas.
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