Clothing Collection of Alabama Businesswoman June Collier to Premiere April 19 at UA

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The clothing collection of the late June Collier of Montgomery, one of the first female business leaders in the automotive industry, will be showcased in a new exhibit at The University of Alabama.

The exhibit premieres with a black-tie event, Saturday, April 19 at 6:30 p.m. in the Alabama Museum of Natural History on the UA campus.

The collection will feature 30 couture outfits, ranging from business suits to her wedding gown, all designed by her couturier, Kelle` Thompson of Mobile.

“As chairman and president of National Industries, June Collier was one of the first female leaders in the automotive industry,” said Dr. Virginia Wimberly, UA professor of fashion design and the exhibit’s curator.

“Knowing the importance of first impressions, she partnered with couturier Kellé Thompson, who had extensive training in Paris, to help her craft the proper image. “It is that partnership of these two successful individuals that is on display in this exhibit,” she added.

The exhibit, scheduled to run through May 9, is sponsored by The Alabama Museum of Natural History.

For more information, contact Valerie Duncan at 205/348-2542 or vduncan@ua.edu.