This article appeared in the Spring 2008 issue of Texoma Living!.
by Krista Lowery
Spring has arrived and out come the colors! This season comfort rules with lightweight cottons. Stripes and bold colors dominate the wardrobe.
To show off the season’s best, Belk Department Store and Texoma Living! held auditions in January for young men 18-28 years old. Only amatuers were eligible, but when you see the photos on the next pages you’ll agree these guys are on their way to a career in fashion modeling, if they choose.
Out of all those who applied for the assignment only nine were chosen. Each man selected won a prize package worth over $2,500 each that included outfits from Belk, a studio photo session with Terry Spearman, a professional fashion portfolio, and an appearance in this Spring Fashion Preview photo spread.
The Winners
(R-L, top to bottom): Clifton Boyd, Trace Branch, Jared Dooley, Dane Beste, Lance Ruder, Addison Weiss, Jeremy Lett, Jared Tredway, and Adam Vrla.
Addison Weiss, 19, Denison
Attends Grayson County College studying Business Administration
Employer: Chili’s and Nautilus Fitness Center
Marital Status: Single
Hobbies & Interests: Working out and coaching peewee football.
A pull over yellow fleece zip-up by Ralph Lauren is layered over a navy Ralph Lauren Polo, low boot-cut jeans are Levi’s 527 above Sperry Topsiders.
(See picture) A Ralph Lauren knit sweater feels just right for kickin’ back with man’s best friend. Ralph Lauren khaki shorts and a Geoffrey Beene belt and Sperry Topsider make a perfect fit.
Dane Beste, 19, Whitesboro
Attends Grayson County College
Employer: Pac Sun
Marital Status: Single
Hobbies & Interests: His career goal is to teach and coach athletics. He says he’s honest and dependable. Who says nice guys finish last?
Surf’s up on the coast and Dane is ready for action in his blue and orange layered Ralph Lauren Polo shirts topping Hawaiian print shorts also by Ralph Lauren.
(See picture) A navy-colored Company 81 t-shirt goes nicely with blue plaid shorts by Izod.
Trace Branch, 20, Pottsboro
A full-time student at Oklahoma State University studying Aerospace Engineering and Mechanical Engineering
Marital Status: Single
Hobbies & Interests: An All- American boy, a scholar, an athlete and easy on the eyes. He describes himself as honest and fun loving. Clearly a model young man.
Trace wears a navy blue Ralph Lauren Polo layered under a Ralph Lauren dress shirt, Ralph Lauren khaki chino shorts with a belt by Red Camel.
(See picture) Ready for the meeting in a Meeting Street classic blazer over a pink-striped Ralph Lauren dress shirt and Haggar khaki dress pants with belt by Columbia.
Adam Vrla,19, Southmayd
Marital Status: Single
Hobbies & Interests: If you saw him flash his abs at the live runway show at Belk Dept. Store you wouldn’t be surprised to know his goal is to be a personal trainer. In in his spare time? Adam has an interest in criminal justice.
Date night or just a day out shopping would be completely appropriate in this outfit. A pink Ralph Lauren Polo layered under a blue woven Ralph Lauren long sleeved shirt is definitely working with the relaxed straight legged Levi’s 559’s and Margaritaville flip-flops.