Guernsey Hosts Dress for Success Tour Showcasing Resilience and Empowerment

The Dress for Success Project Tour, organized in collaboration with the International Interior Design Association (IIDA), explored the newly designed Dress for Success location in downtown Oklahoma City. Highlights featured interior design work by Guernsey, as participants were guided through a ‘walk and talk’ tour of the 5,000 sq. ft. space.

The tour highlighted the nonprofit’s remarkable journey of resilience and empowerment since a fire engulfed the previous office in 2020. This incident, resulting from vandalism after a protest in downtown Oklahoma City, destroyed all clothes, shoes, accessories, and the career station. Despite the devastation, Dress for Success' growth has increased by more than 15% since the fire, fueled by community support. In October 2020, the local nonprofit moved into a newly renovated space with the help of many volunteers and local businesses.

"This collaboration has been a testament to the power of community resilience,” Guernsey Interior Designer Kristin Check said. “We're honored to be a part of the recovery of Dress for Success Oklahoma City. This project tour celebrates their journey and showcases commitment to creating spaces that empower and uplift."

"The years following the fire have been transformative for Dress for Success Oklahoma City,” Dress for Success Oklahoma City CEO and Founder Alisa Trang Green said. “Our organization has experienced remarkable growth. In fact, we've had to hire another person to keep up. Last year alone, we served 320 women, many single mothers with an average of two to three children. Due to the unwavering support from committed volunteers and organizations like Guernsey, we've not only rebuilt but thrived.”

Attendees explored Guernsey's interior design expertise through a tour of the nonprofit's custom space. The new location is visually appealing and functionally designed for consultations, professional development, and 'shopping' for professional attire.

“Guernsey's beautiful interior design work has been integral to creating an environment that aligns with our values, offering a unique and visually appealing space that embodies empowerment and hope. As we continue to grow, we’ll need continued support from organizations and volunteers to serve the women in our community," Green continued.

Dress for Success is an international nonprofit with a mission to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire, and the development tools to help women thrive in work and life. Notably, 85% of the women the downtown Oklahoma City affiliate serves are by referral, and 70% are single mothers.