Sunday, September 19, 2010

Local designers steal the show at NV

Posted by Maggie Winterfeldt on Sun, Sep 19, 2010 at 4:00 AM

NV Dance Lounge on Market Street transformed its usually hopping dance floor into a runway Thursday evening for Fabulous Fest, billed as “NV’s fall fashion event.” In addition to showcasing the seasonal fashions available in Charleston, the event raised money for the Charleston Cancer Center through a raffle that included prizes like a VIP booth with bottle service at the club.

A tick after 10 p.m., the champagne-sipping crowd took their seats as a series of leggy ladies in sky-high Christian Louboutins took to the runway. DJ Natty Heavy spun tunes and Charleston magazine Style Editor Ayoka Lucas MC’ed, introducing a line-up of skin-hugging cocktail looks and show-stopping, sequined LBDs from Sam’s Closet on King Street. Next up, Banana Republic presented a more subdued collection of fall essentials, including on-trend workwear and a man’s weekend-chic half-zip sweater and tailored coat combo modeled with panache.

After a brief pause — during which fresh bubbly replenished flutes and the models regrouped — it was time for the local designer starlets to shine. Summerville resident and Charleston Fashion Week 2010 Emerging Designer finalist Julia Faye Davison’s collection channeled the Wild West, with suede fringe cascading down the outside of a legging, spicing up a neckline, and adorning the back of a trench coat. Highly tailored pants — like a well-executed harem style navy trouser — were paired with deconstructed knits, like a lopsided navy sweater. The palette was autumnal in muted maroons, browns, and blues.

The final designer, Alena Fede,  a 2009 Charleston Fashion Week Emerging Designer, lightened up the mood with pops of color, opening with a vivid blue off-the shoulder dress that hit just above the knee. A ruffle tank was layered under blazers and low-cut dresses to add interest to the bodice, and a black lace panel gave an air of danger to an otherwise conservative turtle-neck dress (which would have been showcased more effectively without the belt and scarf).  Fede’s most striking looks were a long, Grecian-esque gown and a draped  halter top that showcased the model’s open-back with a double strand necklace and large silk flower evocative of the Chanel Camellia, both in a cheerful yellow jersey.

When the last stiletto had cleared the makeshift runway, DJ Natty Heavy announced it was time to dance, and the runway was reconverted to a dance floor faster than you can say “strike a pose.”

Topics: Scene

Tags: , ,

Friday, May 22, 2009

Poppin' in to Pop Up Shop

Temporary storefront makes space for local creatives

Posted by Erica Jackson on Fri, May 22, 2009 at 10:56 AM

828e/1243003519-pop_up.jpgAfter circling downtown streets for what seemed like hours looking for a parking spot (Note to self: it's Spoleto season. Either ride your bike or pay for a freakin' parking garage.), I finally made it to the Pop Up Shop at 501 King just a few minutes before they were set to wrap up their grand opening. Despite this fact, the place was still packed with fashionable folks out in support of this great new venture —a month-long collaboration between local designers and artists. The set-up is impressive, especially considering the last-minute/temporary nature of the shop. With Kate Long Stevenson's paintings adorning the walls, furniture from Ross Kenan Interiors spread comfortably around, color-coordinated racks of clothes from Clewis Reid, Library, and Carter Humphrey, colorful purses from Proud Mary and Julie Wheat, and Theodosia jewelry, browsing was a leisurely, exciting venture. Besides the generally surprisingly affordable prices, the best part of Pop Up Shop is the welcoming, almost celebratory vibe. The women who created everything in the store are in attendance and eager to meet customers (or perhaps hear what unsuspecting people have to say about their work). It's bright, stylish, and a reflection of our fashion/retail/arts community that should make anyone proud. At the end of the night, main organizer Lindsey Carter had to jump up on a platform and literally shoo everyone out. "We have to work in the morning!" she said. And every morning through June 22 at least. Be sure to head down there and show them some love!
3dea/1243003191-img_6044_thumb.jpg

Topics: Scene

Tags: , , ,

Monday, April 20, 2009

Scene: Cirque de Couture

Posted by Erica Jackson on Mon, Apr 20, 2009 at 5:40 PM

ee24/1240263580-lc2.jpgSunday night carnies hijacked Chai's for the third annual Local Color Fashion Show. Organizers went all out with the circus theme — guests noshed on mini corn dogs and popcorn, a giant clown face surrounded the door out to the patio, and the emcee and his "assistants" very much looked the part of a ringmaster and his sexy helpers in sequined get-ups and top hats. But ah, the ringmaster. He very well may have just fallen out of a clown car for all his stumbling, bumbling, and mispronunciation of names (including the name of the show and several of the designers). But after quite a few raised eyebrows and a late start, the show began and his awkwardness was forgotten (until he spoke again). Rachel Gordon, Ashley Reid (now known as Clewis Reid), and Mew Designs (Megan Waldrep) — all Emerging Local Designers at Charleston Fashion Week 2008 — and Marysia — the 2009 CFW Emerging Designer winner — presented shows with mostly new designs. Ann Chambers-Wright offered up resort-wear and some cute bikinis. Sarah Maxwell is another newcomer we haven't had the pleasure of hearing about, and her bright, flirty designs were some of our favorites (they're the outside shots in the Flickr gallery). Models strutted the circuitous runway down the length of the patio, out onto the sidewalk, and back into the front door and out the back. During the intermission we checked out the designer sale in the back, which featured Marysia's swimwear, Rachel Gordon's gowns, Julie Wheat's handbags, Library's vintage accessories, and more. The crowd seemed small and subdued considering the status of most of the designers and the huge reception they got at CFW. I shared the makeshift photographer's pit with just one or two other photographers throughout the night. Where was the hype? This show definitely deserved it. Check out the (updated!) photo gallery here.
0a8d/1240263426-localcolor.jpg

Topics: Scene
Older Entries »
Classified Listings
{ more } Recent Comments
{ more } Reader Reviews
Most Viewed

Powered by Foundation   © Copyright 2012, Charleston City Paper   RSS