Photo by Jon Strayhorn/Media Arts Collective

Charlotte NC Fashion Week (CNCFW) concluded Saturday night at Founders Hall in Uptown, and the Queen Bee had the Queen City buzzing. Hip-hop icon Lil Kim was in Charlotte headlining events all weekend in promotion of her new hair salon.

While CNCFW was three days filled with workshops in the afternoon and fashion shows at night, as expected, Saturday night’s event drew the largest crowd. Several hundred people filed into Founders Hall, which had been transformed into a perfect setup for a fashion show, complete with bright lights and a catwalk.

The purpose of the night was to put the spotlight on the featured designers: Foxx Skynz by Design, Jen Jessica S. Designs, Green Label Designs, Huckle and Gatsby, MEI Designs, Gini by Elizabeth, Bill Evans, and Alana B. Couture. And while many of these designers showcased lines that drew applause from the crowd, it was Lil Kim who most people left the event talking about.

After an hour-and-a-half reception, the fashion show was scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. But with lots of chaos going on behind the scenes as models were styled and dressed, and in the front of house additional chairs were brought out to seat guests, the show began at about 8:40.

About 15 minutes later, Lil Kim quietly arrived through a side entrance with entourage in tow. Much to the eyes delight, included in that entourage was actress Meagan Good. Also in the large group were Katrise Jones, Kim’s cousin and partner in their new Charlotte hair salon, Salon Se Swa; Meagan’s sister and fellow actress La’Myia Good; teenage R&B/pop group Lil Ms; a few of Kim’s family members and friends; and security guards.

Lil Kim and company were escorted to the back, where all the models, stylists, and designers were moving at the frantic pace that’s needed so that a fashion show goes off smoothly on stage. But that didn’t stop several of the participants from whipping out there camera phones. Lil Kim was ushered over to a corner to meet with her team and discuss last-minute details of the presentation of her clothing line, 24/7 Star: Goddess Collection, onto the runway.

While the fashion show went on, Lil Kim never made it to her reserved, front-row seat. After a brief intermission, the show resumed with two more designers presenting their lines, and then 24/7 Star: Goddess Collection went up. Event host Erica Bryant (of WSOC) introduced the line as being Lil Kim’s and you could see the audience perk up and become more attentive. Such the way it is, a celebrity-backed clothing line garners more attention than one created by more-established but lesser-known designers.

Putting on a fashion show is never easy. Between designers, models, makeup artists, hair stylists, lights and cameras, it takes a lot of work to finally get to “action.” Putting on Charlotte NC Fashion Week is no exception. Plitzs Fashion Marketing Inc. put its best foot forward in organizing such a large fashion event in a city fairly new to fashion.

Seven designers were showcased in the finale of CNCFW on Saturday evening. Some designers were locals who have day jobs at places such as Bank of America and Scott Jaguar. Others were only a short drive away — natives from Columbia, S.C. And one designer actually came all the way from Paris. In case you missed it, take a look at a few pieces from each designer here.

The opening line, “Alana B. Couture Designs,” included an assortment of short and long formal dresses. From ruffles and bright prints to solid black gowns, the line had a little bit of everything; the bright prints went slightly overboard but the solids were worn beautifully.  The fit of the dresses was impeccable and the finale wedding dress was stunning, fitting the model as well as a custom-made dress should.

The show moved on to the self-taught French designer with her featured line, “Jen Jessica S. Designs.” The designs were made for both thin and curvy women, which was a relief from the typical “one fit” lines. The segment started with simple, neutral color designs focusing on clean lines. It then moved to pastels and on to bright colors and metallics. Unfortunately, as the designs became more unique (with sequin accents and neck collar accessories), they also started to look a bit costume-like (It’s not Halloween yet!).

In the fashion shows I've attended in my short time dealing with Charlotte's fashion and shopping scene, I've always found that the organizers usually save the best for last. The first designer showcased is usually the warm-up — he or she has some decent designs, but nothing to really wow you. The line that will blow you away will always be the finale. But on day two, Sept. 24, of Charlotte NC Fashion Week, I didn't really find this to be the case.

The first line to parade down the runway at the Bank of America Urban Garden was SACCHI Designs, courtesy of Denise Sparks. Anna Kooiman described the line as "sophisticated and versatile" and I have to agree. The first few outfits boasted a True Blood, sexy vampire look, (if not the sexy vampire costume found at Red Door) with the bright red and all black, slim cuts. Throw in some polka dots (from the big, 1950s style dress to a baggy tube top with black glitter polka dots), a cowgirl outfit and, my favorite, an ornate, heavily ruffled white dress that screams Dracula's bride, and you've covered pretty much gone full circle.

Polka dots and vampire-esque outfits were definitely not seen in the line of Odelia Rouse. She believes "the less complicated, the better." Most of the outfits seen here were simple — the cuts were clean and each outfit had a primary accent that drew your eye, whether it was the heart-shaped bust line or an off-the-shoulder sash. I do have to admit though that I appreciated her island dress the most: a green-tank top with ruffles and abstract, every-which-way patterns on the long skirt. My least favorite outfit? The fish-scale dress.

The 3rd annual Charlotte NC Fashion Week "strut its stuff" last night at the opening night of the weekend long event. The night began with a cocktail reception in the Bank of America Urban Garden ( a new eco-trendy spot in Charlotte) and followed with a fashion showcase from local boutiques. Take a look at what your Charlotte boutiques have to offer...

O1NE Boutique

A skate inspired theme, urban & causal with a rebellious edge.

LA East

Sexy and trendy day & night wear,  straight out of Cali.