Models Took Over the Runway at Burke Lakefront Airport to Save a Dress the Wright Brothers Wouldn’t Fly Without

CLEVELAND, Ohio — A unique blend of vintage runway fashion and aviation heritage lit up Burke Lakefront Airport on Friday, Aug. 22, as 'Corks on the Concourse' returned with its “Glory Days of Aviation” theme to benefit the International Women’s Air & Space Museum. The event, held just ahead of the Cleveland National Air Show, spotlighted women’s contributions to aviation while raising funds to restore a historic artifact once worn by Katharine Wright, sister to the famed Wright brothers.

“It’s one of the best kept secrets that everyone should know about,” said Vicky DePiore, who performed at the event both as a model and in character as Katharine Wright. “My daughter is part of the Junior’s Women’s League, which was started by Eleanor Roosevelt, and Katherine was a part of that... she was one of the founding members.”

The centerpiece of the evening was a vintage fashion runway show organized by Jackie Bertolette of Haute Ohio Magazine and Discovered Model Scouting and Management (DMSM), in collaboration with designer Evelyn Denise. Models showcased stewardess uniforms from the 1960s through the 1990s. One of Bertolette’s original designs, inspired by aviation aesthetics, was also auctioned off to support the museum.

“We are here today to celebrate women in history of aviation at the International Air and Space Museum of Women,” Bertolette said. “And we are doing a runway of vintage fashion stewardesses from the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s.”

In addition to curating the fashion portion, Bertolette underscored the event's greater mission: “Tonight’s proceeds are going to go to the conservation and restoration of Katharine Wright's dress. And Katharine Wright was the sister of the Wright brothers. She kind of handled all the business end of the flying. And so when she was at the White House with her brothers, she wore this dress. And we are trying to have it restored for the museum.”

The dress, currently held by ICA-Art Conservation, is a delicate ensemble that Katharine wore when attending a White House reception on June 10, 1909, alongside her brothers, Wilbur and Orville, where they were honored by President William Howard Taft. A replica is on display at IWASM, located inside the terminal of Burke Lakefront Airport.

Event co-organizer and Assistant Producer Evelyn Denise, also a fashion designer debuting her collection at Fashion Week Columbus this fall, emphasized the importance of highlighting Cleveland's hidden treasures. “We’re also here to bring awareness to the museum. It’s a hidden gem in the city, and I know a lot of people may not have known about it. It’s a beautiful, beautiful location.”

Corks on the Concourse also celebrated inclusivity in the fashion industry, an effort central to DMSM’s mission. “What I think is really important about the Cleveland industry and Ohio and actually the Midwest is we are much more inclusive than most mainstream industries,” Bertolette added. “We try really hard to bring a place and a platform for all ages, all genders, all lifestyles.”

Among the sponsors helping to bring the evening to life was CLE Urban Winery, which offered selections during the exclusive Ohio wine-tasting experience. The Cleveland Heights–based winery was one of several regional vendors contributing to the event’s distinctive atmosphere and emphasis on local engagement.

Additional highlights included appearances by local personalities Jessica Dill and Patty Harken from Fox 8, Victoria Elizabeth from America’s Next Top Model, and performances by DJ Fallon Schwab-Davis and DJ Krooze as part of the Krew Way Experience. The museum’s ongoing mission to preserve women’s contributions to aviation and space remained central to the night’s programming.

At the heart of the gathering was the commitment to both remembering the past and broadening the future. “Fashion is all-encompassing and includes everything,” said Evelyn Denise. “So we try really hard.”

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