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Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Features Charlotte NC Fashion Week: Recap of Day 3
Posted By Lauren Blake on Tue, Sep 28, 2010 at 12:23 PM
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!).
Leaving the costumes behind, Melissa Davis, a Charlotte local whose day job is working for Bank of America, introduced her professional attire line,“Foxx Sknyz.” Her intention for the line was to “liven up the workplace.” The designs included bold colors (yellow, red, black, white) and even threw in some animal prints. From men and women’s work suits, and funky dresses for women, the line included a variety of options for the professional seeking a fashionable edge.
“Green Label Designs” moved away from the professionalism and gravitated toward the fun and flirty. The one-piece silk jump suits were refreshing as they actually looked good worn (I’ve been waiting to see a nice onesy!). The line also included very flowy swimsuit cover-ups, which had a very “hip” South Beach vibe. The final piece was a breath-taking wedding gown. I’d have to say this was my personal favorite of the night.
"Here comes the bride" could have played during the “Gini By Elizabeth” segment, whose entire line focused on wedding dresses, from gowns to rehearsal dinner dresses, bridesmaid’s dresses and more. The line was as diverse as a wedding dress line can be; it included ruffles and fun heart-shaped cuts to more traditional clean, long gowns. Overall, the line was simple and pretty.
Bill Evans, another local Charlottean whose day job is at Scott Jaguar, showcased his line, which was neither professional or wedding attire, but funky fashion at its best. His line was inspired by his British roots and the old 1920s style that emerged from England. Women were clad in men’s inspired shirt/tie combos with bright colored and intricately designed stockings. The men wore tweed suits from the collection with accents such as suspenders, bow ties and hats. The line was out of the ordinary and very cool.
A guest appearance by Lil' Kim helped to introduce the final line, “Purple Reign,” which was actually partly designed by the music artist. The line was eclectic to say the least and almost looked as if its inspiration came from Lady Gaga’s closet. All of the materials and looks (leather, studs, sparkles, shoulder pads and the infamous “open jacket” look) were trendy and sexy. If you are into Lady Gaga, you would have loved this line … Unless you thought it was cramping her style, of course.
With every fashion event, the designs are not always going to suit everyone’s tastes and glitches in production are always inevitable. Sure, Charlotte NC Fashion Week is in no way comparable to New York or L.A. Fashion Week. But the local talent and the producers of the event did the best they could with what they had. Fashion isn’t something that happens overnight — it takes locals changing their fashion values and gaining confidence. Give it a few years and who knows … Maybe Charlotte will be crowned as one of the more fashionable cities in the U.S.
Photo credit: Michael Dickerson at Gone Ape. (www.goneape.com)
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