Page 22 - South Mississippi Living - January, 2025

PEOPLE
Chic &Sassy
Kambri Watts, Madilynn “Madi” Payne, Cornerstone Boutique. La Sauce Style.
Alex Stewart, Islander Outfitters.
Gulf Coast Icons Energize Authenticity
They are chic. They are sassy. They are iconic in all the best ways. They are the models of the Bridging the Gap ICON photoshoot sponsored by the Junior Auxiliary of Biloxi-Ocean Springs and they are empowering, confident, and truly authentic.
The Bridging the Gap program aims to provide a memorable experience while advocating for diverse representation in media and fashion. The project selected nine Gulf Coast fashion models aged
13 to 18 for a photo shoot with local photographer Jessica Holland of Bloom Photography & Design at the House of the Jackson Pearl in Ocean Springs.
The second annual influencer collaboration includes Laura Drake, styled by Lee Tracy in Ocean Springs. Louis Niolet, styled by Golden Our Athleisure & Lifestyle in Ocean Springs. Trent Fedele, styled by Golden Our Athleisure & Lifestyle in Ocean Springs. Bailey Mainor, styled by Charisma in Ocean Springs. Zachary Basilio, styled by Coastal Roots Clothing Co. in D’Iberville. Alex Stewart, styled by Islander Outfitters in Ocean Springs. Madilynn “Madi” Payne, styled by La Sauce Style in
Ocean Springs. Kambri Watts, styled
by Cornerstone Boutique in Biloxi, and Mahogany Bishop, styled by Dime Store
Diva Petite Boutique in Biloxi.
And there’s a lot scheduled for these
iconic photos. Multiple shots of each model will be used in digital marketing media campaigns for the boutiques that lent time and fashions to fit and dress these fabulous models and will also be featured on posters and window hangings throughout each shop.
But that’s not all, an inaugural Krewe
of Wonder Mardi Gras Ball is set for January 11. Bridge the Gap has partnered with the Order of Glaucus for the event as well as Embrace Abilities, a nonprofit organization in Ocean Springs that fosters an inclusive community for children and
22 | January 2025
www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living
story by Cherie Ward photos by Bloom Photography & Design