Girl Next Door Walks the Walk at Coquina Beach Club

By Kellie Westfield| gargoyle@flagler.edu

The Girl Next Door Surf Shop put on a fashion show at the Coquina Beach Club to show off some of their new apparel on Nov. 12th.

Many people from the St. Augustine community came out the support the surf shop and see the new clothes available. Even the people who were there solely to dine were in for an exciting surprise as models walked the runway set throughout the restaurant.

“I think the best part of the event that we recognized immediately was that we were able to bring out all aspects of the community. We had families, adults, college students, and younger children as well,” Event Planner and Coordinator of the event, Martina Louise said.

Women and men modeled all types of clothes of different brands including RVCA, Volcom and Oneil. They even showcased some of their wetsuits available for those who want to surf in the chilly North Florida waters. The children models were guided down the runway by the hands of the older girls while they showed off the children swim suit line for GND.

Flagler College student and model for the event, Sara Lear, was hesitant about being involved with the event as a model before she decided to participate.

“At first when I heard there was a fashion show I laughed because I am the least fashionable person ever! But I thought it would be really funny to be apart of something unexpected like that. All the clothes were my style thanks to Lisa Autrey and Martina Louise. The little kids were definitely my favorite part and the music was great!”

Two not for profit organizations, Surfrider Foundation and Keepers of the Coast were at the fashion show to support GND and to tell the community more about the organizations causes. The mission of the Surfrider Foundation is “the protection and enjoyment of oceans, waves and beaches through a powerful activist network.” The focus of Keepers of the Coast is to get the community involved and encourage people to help maintain the beaches of North East Florida. They work to keep the beaches a “beautiful part of our local environment.”

Louise worked with manager of Girl Next Door, Janie Million to make the fashion show a success.

“The purpose of the fashion show was for Girl Next Door to gain more exposure. It was just a fun way for our staff to work together and bring the community out for a fun, family night,” said Louise. “It was a great way to bring attention to the shop as well as Coquina Beach Club and both the non-profit organizations that attended.”