Luxe Loft Boutique’s first-ever fashion show proved to be a great success, bringing community members together for a night of unique fashion in support of a good cause.
The event took place July 23 at Hidden Valley Resort with a runway show featuring clothing for all ages and sizes, from beachwear to evening wear. The models were all local to the area, and a portion of ticket sales was donated to Hospice Huntsville.
During the evening, Hospice Huntsville Event and Residential Volunteer Coordinator Tracy Badger extended her heartfelt gratitude to attendees for their support.
“To say it takes a village is truly a fine example of what happens at hospice,” Badger said. “We rely heavily on our community, and our community has not let us down.”
According to Badger, 50 per cent of the local hospice’s operating costs are covered by government funding. The remaining costs, roughly $54,000 a month, must be generated through fundraising efforts to ensure services remain free to the community.
Luxe Loft owners Gen and Tony Leitao said giving back to the community was the main reason for hosting the event, and Hospice Huntsville is a local cause that is very important to them.
“I just think it’s great to support the community and support the people who need it, because one day, that could be me or my husband,” said Gen Leitao. “It’s about giving them quality of life, good dignity, and helping the families who need it.”
The Leitaos opened Luxe Loft Boutique on Howland Drive in Huntsville in 2025. The shop carries a selection of European, Australian, and Canadian brands inspired by the couple’s travels and their desire to bring overseas fashion to Muskoka.
“We always loved traveling and shopping in different boutiques, so I just thought, ‘How great would it be if we could have our own?'” said Gen Leitao. “When you go to a boutique, everything is unique. I wanted that idea of when someone walks into our store, they have something that someone else doesn’t have.”
The couple said the fashion show was designed to do more than showcase clothing; their goal was to create an event that forms relationships and a sense of community while reflecting the welcoming environment they strive to offer in their boutique.
“We want people to get an experience out of shopping,” said Tony Leitao. “A lot of times, people come in with guests, with their husbands, their friends. We have a kitchenette where we offer coffee, and if you have children, we have a little place where they can play while you shop. So, it’s very family-oriented, very welcoming. That’s the experience we’re trying to give.”
Following the strong turnout and positive response, the Leitaos said they hope to make the fashion show an annual community event.
“It’s our plan to make it part of the community so it’s something they can look forward to every year,” Tony Leitao said.
