Voeten, 16, to debut designs at Fashion Weekend Alabama

MADISON – Lizzy Voeten will face the bright lights and the pressure of the catwalk when she debuts her designs at 2019 Fashion Weekend Alabama.

Lizzy, a 16-year-old junior at James Clemens High School, will wear one her designs, as will her younger sister, two younger brothers and her mother. “Lizzy also scouted a beautiful six-year-old girl, Sophia Hughes of Madison, when she was having lunch at a restaurant. So very cool,” Laura Voeten, Lizzy’s mother, said.

In its sixth year, Fashion Weekend Alabama will be staged on Sept. 20 in Huntsville Dream Center and on Sept. 21 at the Shelby Center at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. The show will feature red-carpet photo options, vivid runway shows, vendor popup shops and ‘eats & sips.’ Alabama Fashion Alliance, a marketing platform for the fashion industry, is presenting the event.

Lizzy will introduce her own line, Livashion, with five of her designs on the runway.

“Lizzy’s grandma, Oma Cien, in the Netherlands will come to Huntsville and be able to attend Lizzy’s fashion show. How exciting,” Laura said. “Her other grandma, Oma Pia, takes Lizzy shopping in Europe to explore the latest fashions.”

Earlier this year, Lizzy won second place with her Avant Garde Design. Her sister Annebel modeled the dress. Breast Cancer Month in October with its pink ribbon motif has inspired Lizzy during much of the design process.

As a young child, Lizzy started designing as soon as she was able to draw. Oma Cien taught Lizzy how to sew. “Oma Cien also sews and makes jewelry. They go on bargain hunts to find the best fabric for the best price in America and the Netherlands,” Laura said.

Lizzy collaborates with the Kendra Scott store in Bridge Street Town Centre in Huntsville. As models show Kendra Scott Jewelry, one model wears jewelry that Lizzy has created.

“We’re an Air Force family from the Netherlands. We moved here in 2016,” Laura said about life with husband Martin Voeten.

Lizzy makes mostly As in academics at James Clemens. She’s a bilingual speaker and formerly participated with Archery Team at Liberty Middle School.

“Lizzy is very artistic, with interests in drawing; singing; acting; and playing piano, guitar and ukulele. But, above all … she’s a passionate fashion designer,” Laura said.

For tickets to Fashion Weekend Alabama, visit afa-business-of-fashion.ticketleap.com.

For general information, visit alabamafashionalliance.com. To contact Lizzy, email Laura.mennink@hotmail.com or visit Facebook or Instagram @Laura_voetenfashionmodel_art.