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Surprise fashion show for Alberni’s queen of fashion

Linda Bowers of Boutique Belles Amies receives sendoff full of fun
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The fashion show to end all fashion shows, with models from left to right: Don Ferster, Len Doumont, Brad DeClercq, Bill Collette, guest of honour Linda Bowers, Brad Minton, Brian Cote and Bob Cole. SONJA DRINKWATER PHOTO

Linda Bowers, former owner/operator of Boutique Belles Amies on Argyle Street, had the surprise of a lifetime when she entered the Starboard Grill on Thursday, Dec. 6. Good friends Jan Cole and Marilyn Oldfield had organized a surprise retirement party for Bowers, who has organized numerous successful fundraising fashion shows over the course of her ownership of the clothing store.

Many people attending her retirement got up to sing Bowers’s praises, which reduced her to tears. One such memorable moment was when former Boutique Belles Amies owner Sandra Lamoureux said, “I remember Linda saying there are two kinds of people: nice and very nice.”

There was the fashion show to end all fashion shows, all outfits showcased by men in various styles. Bowers’s brother, Bob O’Neil, gave a running commentary on the outfits worn by models Bill Collette of the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce, Don Ferster of Jim’s Clothes Closet, Bob Cole, Brad DeClercq, owner of the Starboard Grill, Len Doumont (pickle ball player), Brad Minton and Brian Cote. The gales of laughter challenged the sound barrier.

Bowers would like to give everyone that organized this event a huge thank you. “To everyone that attended, thank you so much for this new and fabulous memory to add to my book of life. To all of my clientele, thank you very much for your friendship and for allowing me to have such a successful business.”

New owner Sheenagh Walker will keep Boutique Belles Amies clients’ favourites while adding some new items too.