Friday night wrapped up the three-day long CIAA fashion event, Mode Noir. As they say, three’s a charm. The black tie finale brought a larger crowd and a longer list of talented designers to the spotlight at the Harvest Center.

Because Mode Noir was more than just a celebration of fashion, the runway was first graced by two ballet dancers from Johnson C. Smith University. Dancing to smooth jazz, the performers set a tone of sophistication for an evening showcase of culture, arts and fashion.

Highlights from the evening included multiple guest appearances, from both the artists and audience. Mr. Rashon Carroway, local lifestyle blogger also known as Mr. Goodwill Hunting, came out to support the fashion cause. A talented self-made fashionista/designer specializing in vintage styling, he has made quite the name for himself, appearing on the Nate Berkus Show and also for designing living spaces in New Jersey, D.C. and New York.

During intermission, I was able to speak with the dapper Carraway to get his take on Mode Noir. “It is great. All the designs are amazing. I think Cloud 9 was one of my favorites so far. And, the fashion here tonight is impeccable. It’s always interesting to see what people wear when it comes down to a fashion show but it's definitely exciting. I’m looking forward to talking to some of the people here and seeing what their inspiration was for the styles they put together,” he said.

Cloud 9 Designs kicked off the show, with a literal focus on the “kicks.” Designer Denise Cloud, who has been featured on The View and has made custom designed shoes for celebs, experienced her first taste of the runway at Mode Noir. Her amazing bedazzled shoes were all one-of-a-kind creations made with Swarovski and AB Crystals, spikes, feathers, pearls and more. Carraway wasn’t the only fan of Cloud 9, the audience went crazy for them, too.

• Mode Noir Facebook

Day two of Mode Noir brought more fashion buzz to the CIAA scene with America’s Next Top Model finalist, Bianca Golden, as the evening’s guest host. Co-hosting with local WBTV anchor, Brigida Mack, the duo brought not only fashion but some spontaneous fun to the stage. Brave participants from the audience strut their stuff on the runway in a “walk-off” and some even had the guts to showcase their musical talent. America’s Next Top Model met American Idol Thursday night at the Harvest Center.

The evening’s fashion came strictly from original designers with the exception of one local boutique. 16-year-old Kevin Vain kicked off the show with an avant-garde collection, reminiscent of Lady Gaga’s “out there” style. The young designer got his start in fashion by customizing pieces from thrift stores. “And then the public took a liking to it so I started making clothes from scratch,” he said.

Lipp Boutique, the newest addition to the Metropolitan, made its first runway appearance at Mode Noir. The boutique featured dresses, casual looks, and accessories from the up and coming clothing lines they feature in store.

Avnah Couture, from Atlanta, also made an appearance. Most of the pieces, like the pointed design corset tops, sheared vinyl mini dresses, cutout pants and the finale dress, a rainbow tulle couture dress, were not traditionally wearable. However, they were interesting to see on the runway. The line has been worn by celebrities including Kelly Rowland, Lola Monroe and Dawn Richard.

• Cinhte Magazine

Other lines featured included Sacchi Couture, a fairly new line of “elegant” styles for women, and K L Allen, another line from Atlanta, which featured both men and women’s fashions. Although more wearable than the others, the K L Allen collection was definitely still geared toward those looking to make a real statement.

LaVonndra Johnson’s own boutique, Elle V J of NoDa, also walked the runway. Her collection featured an assortment of sweet spring dresses in fun colors and patterns like canary yellow, bright red with polka dots, and pretty shades of white perfect for summer. The styles were all very young, fun and wearable.

Last night kicked off the three-day CIAA fashion-inspired event, Mode Noir at Harvest Center. Founder LaVonndra Johnson of Elle VJ boutique explained her inspiration to bring fashion to the front line of a weekend of sports and parties. “I wanted to do something during CIAA and I’m not a partier, you know, fashion is my thing so I just figured, ‘Why not have a fashion show during CIAA?’... and mix the cultures because we have so many different people coming to town. I not only wanted to mix the culture of the attendees but also the designers. I just figured why not bring everyone in, they’re here anyway partying, let’s do the fashion thing.”

The event’s goal, hand in hand with CIAA’s aim to highlight Historically Black Colleges and Universities, is to spotlight African-American designers and visionaries. In organizing the event, Johnson hopes to bring not only fashion to the Queen City during CIAA but also arts and culture.

The first night featured day and casual wear from local stores, Francesca’s, Hut No. 8, and Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th. Also included was Bipolar Couture, a edgy custom apparel line started by three different designers from New York. DRC Apeparel, a globally conscious brand, “Made in America, Inspired by Africa” impressed with bold prints and colors. The finale featured Atlanta designer, Charles Lynch. The runway also showcased local child designers from Style Sanctum, a program that inspires creative minded children to pursue art in the form of fashion.

• Mode Noir Facebook
• Charles Chic by Charles Lynch

Judging from audience reaction, Charles Lynch seemed to be the most awe-inspiring segment of the evening. (Check out a sample of his work pictured above. You'd be thrilled, too.) He thrilled onlookers with a variety of leather mini dresses, in traditional black and also the “it” colors for spring: fluorescent hues of peach and yellow.

Johnson also brought art to the spotlight, showing off a large Gullah-inspired canvas artwork from Sabree’s Art Gallery, which will be auctioned off on the final day of Mode Noir, with 100 percent of proceeds benefiting the Presbyterian Blume Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Clinic. The cause is very dear to Johnson’s heart, as her young daughter was diagnosed with Sickle Cell Disease and receives treatment there regularly.

Stay tuned for the reviews of night two and three of CIAA fashion featuring accessories and accoturements and a black tie finale.

What’s one trend that’s fashion forward in all seasons? Paying it forward to charities in need. Saturday night, Jordanos boutique in Ballantyne hosted “Project Reover,” a fashion event for three great causes.
Store owner, Karen Mangeney spoke up during the evening about her reason behind hosting the event. “Reover is a do-over. Sometimes in life, we get a second chance to start over, make things right, or do something better.” Mangeney and her team at Jordanos joined forces to raise money for a number of causes that do just that.

Proceeds raised from the evening will give a second chance to people who are in real need of a do-over. Charities included Same Sky, a project which provides employment to HIV positive women in Rwanda as well as Regional Aids Interfaith Network. The event was also held in honor of the missing Charlotte philanthropist and CEO, Donald Nicholas, who was last seen in Fiji on July 15th. Some proceeds will aid in the search to bring Nicholas home.

The party, held in a lush climate control tent at the Ballantyne Quad, included two special guest appearances, silent and live auctions, and a fashion show. Singer Andy Grammer, who was named “One of 11 artists to watch in 2011” by the New York Post, swooned the ladies with his sweet lyrics and guitar skills. Another guest star was the YouTube sensation Keenan Cahill, who truly exemplifies the idea of second chances in life. Cahill, a teenager born with a rare genetic disease, had a rough start but after his lip syncing videos went viral online, he hit it big and now performs alongside huge stars such as 50 Cent, Katy Perry and more.

But the main attraction of the evening was the fashion. The runway gave attendees the chance to envision their own “do-over” in the newest clothing offered by Jordanos. The glam boutique, which has been the hot spot for contemporary designer clothing in Charlotte since 1999, proved it still has the low down on what's in style today. Looks included a slew of trendy outfits for guys and gals, suitable for everyday wear or a night out in the city. Judging from the runway, Jordanos is apparently the destination for jeans with a huge selection of awesome denim, including brands like Hudson, Rock & Republic, and William Rast. But denim aside, the store carries a stylish array of shoes, accessories, tops and dresses.

For the ladies, dresses were fun and flirty with very mod-esque cuts and prints, a popular look this fall as seen on Elle’s Fall 2011 Trend Guide. There was also an assortment of pretty fall sweater dresses paired with very unique patterned tights in not only cotton but edgy pairs of leather, too. Guys were outfitted in casual yet cool V-necks, plaid button-downs, and zip sweaters. Also popular on the runway were the fall staples — boots and outerwear. There was a huge collection of ultra chic trench coats for men and women. Particularly cool was a winter white women’s trench coat and an edgy men’s bomber jacket.

If you didn’t have the chance to attend Project Reover, be assured that you should head over to Jordanos for a mid fall closet re-do. And, stay tuned for another charity event for Autism Awareness in the spring of 2012.

The second annual Lights! Camera! Fashion! event (which took place Oct. 16) was, as expected, a fun time of networking, enjoying delicious food and drinks and most importantly fashion. The fashion show itself gave a full rundown of the must-have fall items, all of which are available at Belk SouthPark. These looks were arranged in themes like, "Classic Charm" (Less proper, More pretty), "High Country" (New American Classics), "Smart Cuts (Modern styles you can wear) and one of the highlights of the evening, a special presentation of Karen Kane designs. The designer herself was in attendance for the show and looked as glamorous as ever.

Last year, this event raised more than $40,000 for The Junior League of Charlotte, and judging by the number of people in attendance as well as the way the Q.C.'s fashionistas were shopping, I'd have to say, they did a wonderful job of fundraising this year as well. It seemed that every floor of Belk was bustling with women eager to enter the various raffles, enjoying the live entertainment, being seated for the fashion shows or hanging out in the very swanky Vitaminwater VIP lounge. With a smile on every face and a Belk shopping bag or overflowing gift bag in every hand, I would have to surmise that the guests truly enjoyed themselves for a wonderful cause.

Here are some shots from the fashion show.

Equal rights have hit the shelves of a CVS near you. Fortunately for men, the days of braving stretches of feminine products to pick up a new razor or stick of deodorant are coming to an end. All thanks to the “Guy Aisle” — a brand-new concept thought up by a few activists at Proctor & Gamble and CVS who aren’t afraid to admit they’re in touch with their masculine side.

From hair color, Old Spice body wash, an assortment of Axe sprays, trimmers, aftershave and more, the Guy Aisle gives men a chance to get in, get out and get on with it. Currently only one CVS in Charlotte has launched the prototype aisle, awaiting consumer response. But, if men really are from Mars, and women from Venus, I’d make a bet and say the Guy Aisle will start popping up at CVS stores everywhere. What man would complain about missing out on a grueling battle of sifting through flirty scented body washes, an excessive assortment of razors with refill packs, and sparkly packaged deodorants in order to find their bare essentials?

“Men are buyers and not shoppers," said Michael Norton, director of external relations for male grooming at Gillette. "They want to get the shopping done, and with all their grooming needs in one aisle, it makes shopping easier, quicker and simpler."

Depending on its success, the Guy Aisle is bound to pop up in CVS stores across the nation. So far, the concept of making shopping easier and quicker for male counterparts has had promising feedback. Norton said the response “via online comments and anecdotal remarks has been really positive — from both men and women.”

One thing men and women can almost always agree on is that a huge difference exists in their shopping habits. Women like to peruse aisles, compare scents, packaging, and appeal before they choose their favorite product. Men like to grab and go. Women have cabinets overflowing with hair, makeup, and grooming accessories. Men can fit their personal products in to one drawer. It’s a fact — women like to stockpile, men like to keep it simple. The Guy Aisle brings simplicity and convenience to every man who has ever braved a co-ed toiletry aisle at a drug store. And, for that reason I’d say the Guy Aisle is a go!

Want to see for yourself? Visit the one and only location in Charlotte. 14125 Steele Creek Road.

Last night, I took my 6-year-old daughter out for a fashion lesson at the Mint Museum (Randolph Road). I figured, a young lady is never too young to learn the lessons of Coco Chanel, and I was right. In attendance for the interactive lecture, led by Nicole Sinclair, the founder of Style Sanctum, were women of almost every age.

Then, it was off for a guided tour of the Chanel: Designs for the Modern Woman exhibit, led by curator Charles Mo, featuring fashions that date back to circa 1925 and some looks designed in the early 2000s.

Just as I had hoped, my little "mini stylemayvin" noticed the timeless elegance of the Chanel brand by pointing out, when looking at a piece more than 30 years her senior, "This looks like the suits Grandma wears." I explained, with a proud Mommy smile, that as Coco herself has said, "Fashion fades, only style remains the same." Meanwhile, I made a mental note to "borrow" a few of my mother's suits. I spotted quite a few of the Queen City's most fashionable ladies at the event and by all accounts, it was the perfect girls night out activity.

The Chanel exhibit, as a part of the Mint Museum's Historic Costume & Fashionable Dress Collection, can be viewed until Dec. 31.

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.

As the previous nights, the Saturday event at Charlotte Seen Fashion Week got off to a late start ... very late There were a lot of people there looking around, wondering when this show was going to start. It did not start until almost 9 p.m., which is craziness considering that the VIP hour was from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. That is a long time of just sitting.

Once again and for the final time the bodyguards hit the stage for the judges to make their grand entrance. After the judges made their entrance, Rita Miles took the runway in an over the top gown to welcome us to the show.

Slideshow Charlotte Seen Fashion Week, 9/24/11

41 slides

Charlotte Seen Fashion Week, 9/24/11

Click to View 41 slides

The first designer's collection to take the runway was Flow by Tara Davis, full of dresses with great structure and designed for the shape of a woman's body. The colors palette ranged from autumn tones to happy spring pastels that belong in every wardrobe. The Flow by Tara Davis collection continues to stay on top of current fashion trends, fabrics, and silhouettes, providing dresses that continue to flow, move and bounce.

Night two of Charlotte Seen Fashion Week kicked off with entertainment during the VIP hour that also continued onto the stage before the show — which I have to admit started a bit more than just fashionably late.

Following the entertainment was a repeat of the introduction of the judges, an entrance of male model “bodyguards,” which was a little overboard for two nights in a row and it was on the program for the next night as well. I am not going to lie though ... the bodyguards were nice eye candy, but honestly I was just ready for the fashion to begin.

Slideshow Charlotte Seen Fashion, 9/23/11

51 slides

Charlotte Seen Fashion, 9/23/11

Click to View 51 slides

When the show started, it started off with a bang with a collection by SilkFalsetto. This collection was full of neon pieces, full of volume and power. Silkfalsetto is a customized clothing line designed by pair Dessaka Lockhart and Naomi Miller that caters to women (sizes 0 to 22), men and children for all occasions.

The collection Foxx Skynz by Melissa Davis was up next on the runway, and you could not deny the bold prints and voluminousness pants. There was one particular pair of pants that I would just die to get myself into. Davis uses uses fabrics from simple polyester to full fledged furs.

On Friday, Sept. 23, Charlotte NC Fashion Week’s Emerging Designer Showcase included collections by Alice Andrews Designs, Anarke Jeans, T.2 Design Group, MEW Designs, Navy & Pearls, Olivia Kole Company, Julkee Fashions and Tsvety Fashion.

And with that said, here's the fashion lowdown. Check out some of my thoughts about selected runway picks below.

Alice Andrews Designs — This designers’ eco-friendly couture line used all natural dyes from teas and plants. The hand-stitched clothing splashed with colors (a step up from the more traditional tie-dyed look) and shades of soothing blues, greens and autumn faves. Flowy and sheer fabrics. Skirts reminiscent of summer wrap arounds.

MEW Designs — Described as having a rock ‘n’ roll edge, this collection celebrates the designer's love for Charleston, S.C. The result: Lots of pastel striped shirts with light shades, sometimes paired with casual comfy-looking, sweat-style pants.

T.2 Design Group — The all black suit was chic. But, the checkered colored shirts worn by some studly fellas could use a revision. It made me think of one thing: a picnic.

Anarke Jeans — There’s no fear of getting dirty, as models covered from head to toe in white bring a new liking to the shade we’re mostly afraid to wear. Denim suspender ruffle skirts with white tops underneath cutesy crisscrosses.

Navy & Pearls — The mantra of the collection is described as “playful sophistication.” Pastel fitted dresses and jackets are revamped with impressive edgy upper cuts.

Julkee Fashions — The skimpiest line of them all. Open backs and corset-clad dresses bring lingerie-feel of sexiness to sharp ready-to-wear apparel.

Tsvety Fashion — My personal favorite of the bunch. The Bulgarian designer gives her creations a spin with zipper backs, edgy cuts and crushed coral and grey velvet touches. Samantha Busch, the host for the evening, is pictured wearing a Tsvety design.

Olivia Kole Company — Dresses have a little retro spin with lots of colorful blasts and swirls. The peacock-inspired dress was eye-catching with its blue-green plumage appearance and soft satin-like features.