Seersucker & Stilettos

As one of the top wedding destinations in the country, Charleston has a predictably strong bridal retail community. Some of the city’s top shops and designers presented at the Bridal Couture Show Saturday morning, displaying dresses both classic and completely modern.

The Style Lounge was impressively transformed into an intimate, boutique-y space, with chandeliers and crystals hanging above the short runway, a nice seating area from Gathering Floral & Event Design, and a bar with creative morning drinks like an elderflower champagne cocktail and a bloody mary with jalapeno and basil-infused vodka. Pops of champagne corks and music from CSO members set the tone before the show. This bride-to-be was in heaven.

White of Daniel Island kicked off the show, then presented another set after the intermission. While some questionable ribbon headbands in the first show rubbed us the wrong way, the second show took our breath away — Elvis provided the soundtrack to the models sporting short and long gowns inspired by the luxury and spontaneity of Las Vegas.

Belle Couture presented lots of vintage-inspired gowns in body-conscious shapes, and Bella Vista paired the dresses with pops of Tiffany blue and bling. Maddison Row/Bella Bridesmaid had some cheaper-looking dresses and experimented with color — a yellow wedding dress? Don’t mind if I do. Local designer LulaKate got a huge response with her line of classic and fashion-forward gowns in gorgeous fabrics. The models all wore hot-pink Barbie heels — we love the colorful shoes trend.

The star of Saturday however was Carol Hannah Whitfield. She debuted her bridal line to an ecstatic crowd of fans. We thought the show started a little iffy, with bridesmaid dresses made from a jersey-like fabric. The draping and flower/petal detailing were beautifully done, but the fabric just seemed too casual. But several looks in the gowns took a turn for the luxe with fine fabrics and incredible structure paired with soft details. After the show, Carol Hannah came out to thunderous applause and hugged her family in the front row. To see all of the photos from the front row, check out our Flickr page.

Photographer Austin Nelson put down the big camera and got some cool instant shots at the Fashion Week Finale party. Check out his slideshow below.

• Austin Nelson

Charleston Fashion Week 2010 came to a riotous close Saturday night with the Fashion Finale. The main tent was completely reconfigured for the party, the chairs and big runway cleared to make way for bars, a dance floor, and food tables filled with yummies like fried mac ‘n’ cheese balls and bacon-wrapped shrimp. (We even spotted a few models indulging.)

Guests crowded around a mini runway to watch the three emerging designer finalists present their final challenge: one look created from men’s dress shirts, inspired by Alexander McQueen. Barbara Beach’s pint-sized model looked adorable in her light-blue frock with a corset-like bodice. Jamie Lin Snider presented a stunning gown with fan detailing across the bust. And Larika Page created a high-necked short dress with a bright blue cut-out in the front. We’ll spare you the suspense: Larika Page was named the winner, while Barbara Beach was voted People’s Choice winner. 

• Austin Nelson

Last year’s Emerging Designer winner Marysia presented her new line next. From my unfortunate perch behind about 50 other people, I could barely make out the show, the models’ giant palm frond head pieces the most visible things. From far away, the neutral-colored pieces seemed bland and a little disappointing compared to last year’s feminine, fun line. It was certainly a departure for Marysia. But looking closer at the photos this morning, I recognized the impressive attention to detail more in line with the designer’s style: things like scalloped edges, striped inlays, and subtle ruffles. The only thing we weren’t sure about were the unflattering high waists on some of the bikinis. We were definitely sure about the unexpected tribal dance the models did at the end of the show.

After the brief shows, it was time to party. For many of the familiar faces in the tents — from models to designers to volunteers to media — the finale was a much-deserved treat after a very long week. Dancers crowded onto the runway, while others drank and shmoozed until they were kicked out. It was no doubt the most fun finale party we’ve experienced in our three years covering CFW, and it was an enjoyable reward for the week of long hours, late nights, and uncomfortable shoes.

Check out Austin Nelson's slideshow below. Also, be sure to see our Flickr page for all of the beautiful photos from this year's CFW.

• Austin Nelson

Friday night at Charleston Fashion Week was, to put it tastefully, not as exciting as one would have hoped. Brace yourself: I’m about to get catty.

The night began with Teal. The Madonna soundtrack was taken very seriously, with the models donning leg warmers, lace gloves, and even Farrah hair (and yes, I’m aware that trend is from a different decade). In my opinion, hot pink leggings have no place on a real runway, but there they were. Some of the outfits were cute, but the collection felt mismatched and things just didn’t look expensive (even though I’m sure they are in the store). Mary Mojo was next, and it is pretty clear that I’m not this store’s target demographic. Most of the models aged just wearing the clothes; maybe I’ll want to take a second look when I’m 10 or 15 years older. Meanwhile, Biton actually started with a girl in a white t-shirt and jeans — which didn’t seem appropriate for a store that was described as “fashion forward” in the video shown immediately prior to its show. This didn’t seem like fashion; it was just clothing.

I had hope for the second half of the evening, and my interest was initially piqued by La Roque’s pieces, which meshed well together. Though it didn’t appeal specifically to my tastes, it at least had some sass to it, and one navy blue dress in particular was adorable. But then V2V let me down. Let’s just say it was very appropriate to choose Ke$ha as the runway music. The collection had very few high points that were negated entirely by the lows. Some models wore crowns of flowers that looked completely out of place with their outfits. We weren’t at a maypole dance. There were even times when — dare I say it — things just looked trashy. 

• Austin Nelson

But Gwynn’s definitely gets kudos for truly putting on a show. When the first model walked out in a white one-piece bathing suit with a feathered shrug, the audience knew this collection would be different. It kept to a theme of colors, with a palatte of white, gold, and maroon. Pieces ranged from elegant to edgy, and there was finally some entertainment value for the audience: boobs for the men, pecs for the women, and New Order for me.

• Austin Nelson

The featured designer for the evening was Ashley Reid, showing her Clewis Reid line. The collection was simple and subtle, composed of short dresses and rompers in a beautiful color scheme of coral, magenta, and a pale green. They weren’t particularly structured, but the outfits still managed to appear flattering. My favorite detail was the netting seen of the pieces; it was a surprise that turned what could have been boring into something unique and desirable. Reid is a past emerging designer and currently teaches at the Art Institute of Charleston; at the end of her show, she humbly brought out the students that helped her accomplish what we saw tonight.

I’m looking forward to tomorrow and the completion of the Emerging Designers contest. So until then, I’ll retract my claws. (For now.)

Check out Austin Nelson's slideshow below, and for even more pictures go to our Flickr.

• Austin Nelson

Best Accessories: Copper Penny

Not surprisingly, Copper Penny, local clothing, jewelry and shoe retailer, sent the best accessories down Thursday night’s runway. Youthful heels, such as uber high, gold painted, cork platforms, spiced up trendy silk mini dresses and “going out” tops. Woven, black stiletto sandals were a welcomed update on the strappy classic, while brightly hued chunky necklaces and bold bangles created a playful contrast against mint, magenta, and turquoise frocks. Perhaps the best accessory of all were the freshly cut daffodils the models tossed into the audience during the finale. An appropriately seasonal touch.

Best Styling: Hampden Clothing

Perhaps it was the gifted hand of guest designer Logan Neitzel — whose sharp leather pieces endowed the show with provocative panache — or the experience of the store’s stylish owner, Stacy Smallwood, but whatever the cause, Hampden Clothing’s runway presentation skillfully styled garments and accessories to create edgy, high fashion looks. From sporty lace-up platforms and knee highs to of-the-moment long, side-swept braids to sequin boyfriend sweaters paired with delicately ruffled miniskirts, Hampden Clothing’s style was au courant.

• Austin Nelson

Biggest Flop: Tommy Bahama

Spanish guitar music is perfect on a candlelit date or romantic getaway, but — lacking a strong beat or high energy — it makes a dreadful choice for a runway show, as Tommy Bahama so painfully proved last night. Even the models looked bored as they unenthusiastically strolled down the runway in the casual beach- and sportswear of the well-established national retailer. From “dad jeans” to bikinis, the label covered no new ground, and looked more like a mature Abercrombie & Fitch than a fashion presentation.

• Austin Nelson

Most Theatrical: Mary Porter

Glamour overflowed during the Paris-inspired Mary Porter show, as models took to the runway one at a time, escorted only by the charming French music booming from the speakers. Drawn out flirtatious walks met the end of the runway with exaggerated poses, and a butler emerged to assist one model with her shopping bags. While the glittery fabrics occasionally bordered on pageant-like, sharp silhouettes kept the looks chic. Slinky sequins and feather-encrusted ensembles seemed fitting for a French version of the Marilyn Monroe classic “Gentleman Prefer Blondes.” From the opening floor-skimming brown velvet dress, enhanced with exaggerated tufts of celery hued-silk that poured from the hip and shoulder, to the later, glitzy and fluid beaded ensembles, Thursday night’s final show did not disappoint.

Most Overplayed Song: MGMT, “Kids”

The hip song that had the audience bouncing in their seats during CFW 2009 returned this year with a vengeance. Less novel and more overplayed, “Kids” boomed through the tents in Marion Square Thursday night before, during, between, and after runway presentations. Turns out there can be too much of a good thing.