The West Hartford boutique celebrated its 40th anniversary with “Fabulous Fall Fashion Show, Baby!” on Sunday, Oct. 18, featuring seasonal looks and a fundraiser for Red, White & Bundled, a nonprofit supporting active-duty military families welcoming newborns.

By Mia Jaworski

Founded by lifelong friends and co-owners Barbara Karsky and Karen Herbert, BK&CO has built its business around personal relationships with its customers, whom the owners affectionately call “customer-friends.” From styling consultations and robust storefront to seasonal fashion shows, the boutique aims to help women find clothing that reflects their individual style.

The fall collection featured rich reds, animal prints, faux fur and statement pieces from several designers. Models walked a catwalk set up in the former Francesca’s storefront next to BK&CO, at 985 Farmington Avenue. Fall decorations, rows of seating, music, punch and treats and a red carpet cascading through the building helped set the scene for the afternoon.

The temporary space gave Karsky and Herbert more room to prepare than they had for previous shows. In the past, the pair rearranged the boutique’s tables and displays to accommodate folding chairs and a red carpet, and even have held shows in the parking lot behind the store.

The new setup allowed them to “focus on the clothes and celebrate,” Karsky said.

Serving as emcees, the co-owners introduced each model and outfit as they made their way along the runway. Models of various sizes showcased more than 30 looks, including leather jackets, watercolor prints, polka-dot combinations, sweaters embroidered with cats and dogs, dresses with feathered trim and a striking black V-neck dress. One playful blue polka-dot dress changed shape as the model moved, bouncing up and down the aisle, the dress added a surprise to the show.

BK&CO has presented fashion shows for nearly every season, sourcing styles from local buying events and trips to New York to bring current trends to West Hartford Center.

The boutique also offers online styling advice and informational videos on its website. Personal styling services, which grew in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, remain another way the store connects with customers.

The anniversary fashion show also supported Red, White & Bundled, which provides baby supplies and handmade items to families of active-duty military members. Its bundles can include diapers, wipes, quilts, hats, clothing and other newborn necessities.

At the close of the show, Herbert encouraged attendees to donate to the organization, with donations tied to discounts on purchases. Contributions of $10 earned 10% off one item, while $20 earned 20% off one item. A $30 donation offered 10% off a purchase, and a $50 donation provided 20% off the entire purchase.

“We just want to invite you to go shopping, have a lovely, wonderful time,” Herbert said, encouraging attendees to support the cause.

For BK&CO, the event combined two priorities: helping customers feel confident in what they wear and giving back to the community.

BK&CO is located at 983 Farmington Avenue in West Hartford Center. The boutique is open Monday and Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. For more information, visit the store’s website.

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