Sept. 22 kicked off the three-day fashion event for the Charlotte Seen Fashion Week, held at Gateway Village on West Trade Street. Thursday night's show was the People Choice Award among four emerging designers. Each designer showed their line and at the end of the show the audience texted in who they thought had the best collection among the four. It was Charlotte's equivalent of Project Runway.

Miikelle Fowler was the first of the emerging designers to show her collection. A trained architectural engineer Fowler has only been designing since 2007. Miikelle had a bright collection inspired by the '50s and '60s with floral print filled with oranges and purples. This collection was fun and playful, definitely pieces that are perfect for spring.

The next collection to grace the runway was Anno Domino Designs, which means In the Year of Our Lord in Latin, by Emily Kramer and Amanda Gaskins. Anno Domino Designs work to be as world-friendly as possible, using organic cotton and natural fabrics (such as silk, linen, cotton and wool). The pieces are sustainable, recyclable and natural. This was one of my favorite collections only because the opening dress was this beautiful peacock dress, and after that I was hooked. All the pieces really made sense. That is really important when watching a fashion show: The pieces need to tell a story as though they are characters, and this showcase did that for me.

The long weekend of fashion celebration has come to a close. In another successful year, Charlotte NC Fashion Week jam-packed a few short days with cocktail parties, designer receptions, runway shows, and after-parties galore. On Thursday, Sept. 22, the Pavilion at the EpiCentre was the sight for a boutique and emerging designer fashion show. From chain retailers including Gap Kids and Off 5th, to local boutiques and designers like Belle Ville, Pretty Birdie, Nitsa’s Apparel, and Sada Fashion, citizens caught glimpses of the face of Charlotte’s fashion industry.

Gap Kids of SouthPark hosted one the most captivating children’s fashion shows to hit the runway in Charlotte. Kids ranging in age from 3 to 13 confidently hopped, skipped and jumped in classic Gap looks, including the best of denim, corduroy, military blazers, down vests, trench coats, sportswear and more. The well-clad kids couldn’t leave a straight face in the audience.

For the more mature crowd, Off 5th showed off the best designer looks of the season for men and women. Funky pieces from the night included a pair of peach high-waisted trousers and a sleek, black ankle-length zipper dress. Men’s pants wavered from the usual neutral colors to more daring shades of burgundy and red.

Belle Ville, which has three locations in Charlotte, gave us a little taste of everything it has to offer. From denim and casual day looks, to fun and flirty party dresses, it’s no wonder why the one stop shop has been consistently popular since it opened in 2002.

Nitsa’s Apparel transformed the runway into a soiree. The SouthPark designer boutique wowed onlookers with beautifully crafted formal dresses, including a stunning couture wedding gown. After such a glamorous entrance, Nitsa’s undoubtedly secured a plethora of women to drop in and shop for upcoming galas.

Every woman I know loves a good "Girls Night Out" event, and last night Belk at SouthPark was the place to be. All shoppers were able to receive 20 percent off of all purchases, including sale items and the coveted designer brands that are almost always excluded during other sale events.

The shoe department was the busiest area, of course, as it seems footwear is the biggest fetish for women in the Q.C. From the super stylish to business casual, these ladies were on a shopping mission. Bags, boxes and plastic suit bags were in almost every hand. Guests also enjoyed light hors d'oeuvres and no evening out with the girls would be complete without a nice glass of complementary wine. Needless to say, there were smiles on every face.

If that weren't enough, guests were invited to register to win three incredible giveaways — a $1,000 shoe wardrobe, a $1,000 spa gift certificate or a getaway for two to NYC, including a day at the Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa, and personalized makeup consultation and application. Believe me, I entered. Many others did as well, but I feel lucky and mama needs a few new pairs of fabulous shoes!

T. Strong is a TV personality, personal stylist and fashion journalist who contributes commentary on Creative Loafing’s Klepto blog in addition to writing for several other national media organizations. To learn more visit www.StyleMayvin.com or follow “therealtstrong” on Twitter.

Vivace at the Metropolitan was all a buzz with some of the most fashionable and creative people in Charlotte last night. Day three of Charlotte Seen Fashion Week introduced attendees to the designers for its runway shows that will run from Thursday night to Saturday night, and we all got a sneak peak of what's to come.

I bumped into Tara Davis of FLOW by Tara Davis who will be showing on Saturday night at Gateway Village who said she is "still hard at work completing her looks." I'm sure I'll be in love with every piece.

I also spotted designer Luis Machicao, who recently showed his collection at the Waldorf Astoria in New York, and a number of "new-to-me" designers who are participating in the re-design shows on Thursday and Friday. Who knew Charlotte had so much talent? Well, I guess we'll see just how much over the next few days.

T. Strong is a TV personality, personal stylist and fashion journalist who contributes commentary on Creative Loafing’s Klepto blog in addition to writing for several other national media organizations. To learn more visit www.StyleMayvin.com or follow “therealtstrong” on Twitter.