TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The clothing collection of the late June Collier of Montgomery, one of the first female business leaders in the automotive industry, will be showcased in a new exhibit at The University of Alabama.

The exhibit premieres with a black-tie event, Saturday, April 19 at 6:30 p.m. in the Alabama Museum of Natural History on the UA campus.

The collection will feature 30 couture outfits, ranging from business suits to her wedding gown, all designed by her couturier, Kelle` Thompson of Mobile.

“As chairman and president of National Industries, June Collier was one of the first female leaders in the automotive industry,” said Dr. Virginia Wimberly, UA professor of fashion design and the exhibit’s curator.

“Knowing the importance of first impressions, she partnered with couturier Kellé Thompson, who had extensive training in Paris, to help her craft the proper image. “It is that partnership of these two successful individuals that is on display in this exhibit,” she added.

The exhibit, scheduled to run through May 9, is sponsored by The Alabama Museum of Natural History.

For more information, contact Valerie Duncan at 205/348-2542 or vduncan@ua.edu.

The University of Alabama, a student-centered research university, is in the midst of planned, steady enrollment growth with a goal of reaching 28,000 students by 2010. This growth, which is positively impacting the campus and the state's economy, is in keeping with UA's vision to be the university of choice for the best and brightest students. UA, the state's flagship university, is an academic community united in its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all Alabamians.