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Sandra Merritt, Mona Ackles, Kelly Vore
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Clinton Wright, Barbara and Mark Thompson, Whitney Roads Photo courtsey of Blacktie-St. Louis
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Meredith Throop, Carrie Throop, Connie Throop, Sohaila Danesh-Litz Photo courtesy of Blacktie-St. Louis
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Collins Lewis, Lenora Brown Photo courtesy of Blacktie-St. Louis
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Ronnie Vinton, Mary Strauss, Dan Reynolds Photo courtesy of Blacktie-St. Louis
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Ricki Tischler, Ina Sachar Photo courtesy of Blacktie-St. Louis
Baker loved to walk her pet leopard, Chiquita, down the streets of Paris, but no felines were spotted on the catwalk on the eve of her 100th birthday, when Mary Strauss and St. Louis Magazine stylist Jerry Talamantes presented a fashion-show hommage to her. The evening was split into two parts: a historical revue of vintage dresses from Strauss' personal collection from each decade of Baker's life, then a parade of sumptuous designer gowns by Allen B. Schwartz, including a shimmery peacock-colored gown inspired by the one Salma Hayek sported this year at the Oscars. The finale was a luxe black gown with a bow at the shoulder, a tribute to the Dior design worn by Charlize Theron, also on Oscar night.