signature style
Story and Photos by Susan O'Connor

Ladies who love fashion, mull over this fantasy: racks and racks of high-end apparel and accessories shown in a luxurious home setting; fabrics that are beyond compare; one-on-one personal service that rivals the most exclusive boutiques.

For the past five years, close friends Cathy Mackey and Cassie Lacy have brought this experience to Jonesboro through the Worth Collection.
Founded in 1991, The Worth Collection, Ltd. is a multi-million dollar direct sales and marketing company renowned for sophisticated, elegant designs, classic lines, impeccable detailing and fine fabrics, which come from the same European mills that produce fabrics for Chanel and Chloe, Armani and other top fashion labels. Last year they added Worthwear, an additional line by Worth.

“Worthwear offers the company’s commitment to fashion excellence in a sportswear line,” Mackey said. “Worthwear utilizes the same design team as Collection, but has an edgier look and feel. Worthwear is also very friendly to your pocketbook! Sharon Jiu joined us as a partner with Worthwear.”

Both Missouri girls — Mackey grew up in Springfield and Lacy in Poplar Bluff — the two met here in 1992.

“We have vacationed together, spent holidays together (we haven’t missed a Thanksgiving Day dinner with the exception of the year my father was hospitalized) and volunteered (Junior Auxiliary) in our community together,” Lacy said. “We talked about several business ventures because we had both completed our commitment to JA and my children were either gone to college or leaving for college and Cathy’s son, Connor, was getting ready to begin kindergarten when we were approached about selling the Worth Collection. It seemed like the perfect fit for us — we both love fashion — and the timing was right so we jumped at the chance!”

Have you always loved fashion?
CM — Yes, I have always loved fashion. I blame it on my mother. She says she used to change my clothes three or four times a day. I still do! I worked in retail through high school and college and modeled quite a bit in that time frame, so I was always drawn to fashion.

CL — I have loved fashion for as long as I can remember. I always wanted the newest and trendiest clothes that came out. My mother was a huge influence, as well. She loved clothes and always made sure my sister and I had cool, hip clothes. We were definitely not afraid to try out the latest looks (some of which we should have passed on). I must say, though, we got a lot of it right and it all does come back around. — the plaids, argyle sweaters and my favorite, animal print!

How often do you attend the runway shows and where are they held?
CM — We go to New York every June for the runway shows. This is a preview for the fall collections. The actual show only takes about 45 minutes, but then we meet with the design team and they literally go over every piece of clothing in the collection with us. They review fabrics, colors, fashion trends and so much more. In January there is a mini-preview for the spring line — the location changes each year for this event.

What five items should every well-dressed woman have in her closet?
CM — It’s hard to choose just five, but here we go, and not necessarily in any order: a classic white shirt; a little black dress; a fabulous jacket; an oblong wrap to throw over your shoulders on a chilly night or in a restaurant; a basic suit (skirt, pants and jacket); and if I could sneak a sixth one in I would say the perfect pair of high heels to wear with absolutely everything!

CL — A great bag, a great pair of shoes (preferably stilettos), a great jacket, a comfortable pair of jeans and of course, the perfect little black dress. You can throw on a jacket with several different things in your closet and change the whole wardrobe, and anything with a great bag and awesome shoes will look good! My favorite accessory to the above is a black cashmere wrap or pashmina. I never go anywhere without one!

What is your favorite spring trend?
CM — Pretty is back — whisper-soft and ultra-feminine fabrics. Dresses are huge this spring. I love dresses because they are cooler to wear in warm weather, they are easy to accessorize and pack.

CL — The safari look. I love the earth-tone colors and this spring they are doing a lot of intricate wooden beads and animal and block prints on delicate fabrics that are just fabulous. I’ve already ordered several items from our spring line and I can’t wait for the weather to get warmer so I can wear them!