Setting The Stage For The Annual Fashion Show

Story by KaDo Gorman

Photos by Brandon Davis

Step through the doors of MAC this December and prepare to be transported into Wonderland, because the Holiday Fashion Show is no ordinary runway event. It’s a dazzling tradition where imagination, artistry, and community come together for two unforgettable days of festive celebration. Every year, members and guests eagerly anticipate this annual club tradition, where MAC’s own member models light up the runway in showstopping looks from Portland’s top designers and fashion icons. Four sold-out shows, over a thousand attendees, and a whirlwind of creativity make this a must-see event of the season, hosted by the Culture & Style (C&S) committee.

Members and guests are invited on a whimsical journey, Through the Looking Glass, inspired by Lewis Carroll’s novel, which comes to life on the runway Dec.10 – 11. Join in celebrating this immersive collaboration of fashion, food, and our community. Reservations open at noon on Oct. 13 – 16.

The C&S committee’s vision for the show was anchored in creating an intentionally inclusive immersive art project where every detail is thoughtfully curated to allow imaginations to run wild, invite a little whimsy into the club, and showcase the incredibly talented members and staff. The committee has been working closely with MAC’s chefs, mix master, salon, show producer, A/V team, events, and communications teams to bring the vision to life.

For every committee-led event at the MAC, there’s a simple truth at its core: it’s the volunteers who make the difference. From the quiet volunteer who helps set up the decorations before the event to the energetic committee members who spend countless hours planning, volunteers bring life, vision, and a sense of belonging within the community. Member volunteer involvement is key to a successful Holiday Fashion Show year after year, and every other committee-led event at the club.

Not every member has time to be on a committee due to busy careers, kiddos, or other reasons, which is why the Holiday Fashion Show has several behind-the-scenes volunteer roles (both leading up to and during the fashion show) to include more members in the event.

Meet the Co-Chairs

The C&S Holiday Fashion Show committee co-chairs KaDo Gorman and Judith Arnell are absolutely thrilled to be chairing the show together. They met last year on the C&S committee and instantly bonded. The two women share the belief that life is best spent with people who make you laugh and feel loved, that travel is an absolute necessity, and every day we are given is reason enough to dress up, and too short to not have a sense of humor.

The Winged M: How did you come up with the theme this year and does it have any special significance for you personally?

KaDo Gorman: I have always loved all things Alice in Wonderland, so when I was asked to chair the HFS this year, Wonderland in some form immediately came to mind.

Through the Looking Glass was inspired by the idea of transformation and perspective — how we see ourselves, how we present ourselves to the world, and how fashion allows us to step into different versions of who we are. I wanted a theme that felt imaginative, a little whimsical, but also reflective — literally and metaphorically.

For me personally, the phrase carries a sense of stepping into the unexpected. Much like in the classic story, walking “through the looking glass” represents entering a world where the ordinary rules don’t apply, a place of creativity, surreal beauty, and bold self-expression. That’s exactly what fashion is at its best. It’s about self-expression, breaking norms, exploring identity, and turning fantasy into form.

Especially during the holiday season, there’s a kind of magic in the air. People dress up, take risks, and allow themselves to shine. I wanted to create a show that celebrates that spirit of wonder, transformation, and reflection — inviting everyone not just to look at fashion, but to see themselves in it.

WM: How did you get involved with the committee? What led you to chair one of the biggest events at the MAC?

Judith Arnell: I’ve spent my entire adult life in the fashion industry, so joining the C&S Committee, especially for the Holiday Fashion Show, feels like a natural fit. About 10 years ago, I served on and chaired the C&S committee and loved the experience so much that I returned for another three years, helping to inspire our members with the magic of fashion and fantasy.

This year feels extra special, as we bring the whimsical world of Through the Looking Glass to life. I’m truly excited to be part of what I know will be our most memorable show yet.

WM: What are you most excited about for attendees to experience during the fashion show this December?

KG: I am most excited for attendees to feel completely transported the moment they walk through the doors of the MAC. Through the Looking Glass isn’t just a fashion show, it’s an immersive experience. From the design to the music, lighting, food, drinks, and, of course, the fashion and models — every detail is being designed to feel like you’re stepping

into the whimsical world of Wonderland. I hope everyone will find something that speaks to them personally. That’s the beauty of a theme like this — it invites interpretation, imagination, and wonder.

JA: It will be a magical two days where we can embrace the unknown and be inspired to dream what is possible. I am excited for the attendees to experience the beauty of these extraordinary designers’ imaginations brought to life on the runway! I’m also excited for the imaginative dining experience the chefs created as part of the whole experience, and hope the attendees enjoy it too.

The Winged M Photoshoot

The October photoshoot came as a complete surprise to the committee this year at the beginning of August. The C&S committee, club photographer, event liaison, and Communications team pulled together a magical photoshoot at Duckridge Farm. The day of the shoot was absolutely perfect — sunshine in the gardens, gorgeous couture designs by Velvet Zephyr, sparkling jewelry by Judith Arnell, dreamy makeup by Brice Terrible, dramatic hairstyling by member Courtney Dolin, and the perfect “Alice” member model, Emily Yensen. It was hands down everyone’s favorite day of the summer!

Get to Know Alice … aka Emily Yensen

Emily Yensen is a 7th-generation Oregonian, a Portland native, and a legacy MAC member. She and her husband, Zac, have two children, Archie (4) and Holly (2), and they are all heavily involved at the club.

Emily grew up playing competitive club volleyball at MAC, but really came into her membership at 22 when she joined the committee system and experienced the All-Committee Dinner for the first time — themes, costume competitions, and a free prime rib dinner. She started on 20s/30s, eventually becoming chair, moved onto Member Events, and then House Committee, where she was the youngest chair of the committee ever. Most days you’ll see Emily at the club with her children as both Archie and Holly are currently enrolled in MAC’s Playschool.

In addition to being a full-time, stay-at-home mom, Emily also does marketing and sales for her family’s wine business, Balsall Creek. After 10 years in real estate, and even longer enjoying wine, the pivot in career came naturally, and she loves working alongside her family.

Without much free time for extracurriculars these days, but as someone who regularly preaches MAC life and loves dressing up for a good party, Emily was honored to be asked to do the photoshoot.

Getting Involved & Giving Back with Multnomah Athletic Foundation

Following a successful first year, the open model casting call once again proved to be an accessible way for members to get involved in the Holiday Fashion Show and displayed just how many incredible members want to be part of it. The committee often hears how members always wanted to be part of the show but didn’t know how much until the casting call was offered. The committee was thrilled with the turnout and enthusiasm of everyone who came through in September.

At the 2024 Holiday Fashion Show, the sparkle went far beyond the runway. With the generous donation of airline tickets from Alaska Airlines, attendees took part in an exciting raffle that raised over $15,000. Partnering with the Multnomah Athletic Foundation (MAF) made it possible to turn that generosity into lasting impact — funding a college scholarship for a local student and awarding a grant to a nonprofit serving youth access to athletics. Together, the C&S committee and MAF created a powerful connection between celebration and purpose, investing in brighter futures for our community.

Attendees and guests once again have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets supporting MAF during the fashion show. The C&S committee and MAF are eager to unveil what will be raffled off when reservations open later this month — stay tuned!

Thank you to the C&S committee for all their time and dedication to make the 2025 Holiday Fashion Show a magical one!

C&S Committee: Roberto Villalobos (Chair), KaDo Gorman, Judith Arnell, Kori Allen, Katrinka (Trink) Easterday, Beth Faherty, Tanny Johnson, Olivia Larson, Traci Parker, and Stacie Sinai

SHOW DETAILS

Wednesday, Dec. 10 & Thursday, Dec. 11

Showtimes: Luncheon 11 am & Dinner 5 pm

Take a whimsical journey into Wonderland for the annual MAC Holiday Fashion Show, Through the Looking Glass. There are four shows total with two lunch and two dinner options to choose from.

Attendees and guests have access to holiday sneak peeks, exclusive one-of-akind designs, and custom couture pieces on the runway and in the boutique.

Members can select and purchase up to 10 seats during registration. Charges are applied to the individual member accounts associated with each reservation.

Wednesday, Dec. 10 Luncheon: SCEL1210

Registration opens Thursday, Oct. 16 at 12 pm

Wednesday, Dec. 10 Dinner: SCED1210

Registration opens Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 12 pm

Thursday, Dec. 11 Luncheon: SCEL1211

Registration opens Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 12 pm

Thursday, Dec. 11 Dinner: SCED1211

Registration opens Monday, Oct. 13 at 12 pm