Saturday: Big Finish
3/29/09 9:15 PM
by Michael Andrew Wiernicki and Andrew Maier When we got there an hour before the first show there was already a line waiting outside the tent. The rain held off just until they started admitting attendees inside, rewarding the early birds for their foresight. Through the downpour the atmosphere was very positive, even those who were caught in the rain were not discouraged and still packed in to standing room only conditions. After our ten-minute journey, squeezing through a thick crowd of Charleston’s most fabulous, Alena Fede’s entry for the third annual Emerging Designers contest hit the runway. The collection was all about being feminine, romantic and pretty. Classic women’s wear items, adorned with ruffles, rosettes, and no shortage...Friday: Fashion Rocks
3/28/09 7:25 PM
By: Melanie Caduhada Friday night was the night to be under the tents, but not only because of the slight scare of rainy weather. The evening’s collaborators pulled out every stylish trick in the (hand) bag for last night’s show to make one simple statement: fashion is timeless. Model Cameran Eubanks began the show wearing a flirty teal colored sundress down the runway for Teal boutique. The ensuing theme modernized classic Hollywood vintage circa 1940. Fierce colors (yellow, purple and coral) mixed with soft tones (coquettish pinks, beige, and taupe). Teal’s models wore voluminous pinned bobs, tuxedo mary jane heels and chic, round sunglasses. Feather coiffures, lace gloves and layered necklaces made occasional appearances. As the girls pranced the final lap to a...Thursday: All In The Mix
3/27/09 1:59 AM
by Chris Marchewka The intimately humid tents at Marion Square contained a variety of retailers and designers on Thursday night. Big names like Saks 5th Avenue and Mary Norton as well as smaller boutiques like K. Morgan and Hampden Clothing put their latest and best out on the runway. The night started with a strong showing from global style trekker Seeking Indigo. Their collection featured several form fitting dresses, detailed on the sleeve or sash with complex embroidery, and complemented with multiple bangles and pendant necklaces, emphasizing a clear eastern influence. Seeking Indigo was also one of the few shows to feature several swim wear pieces. They were one and two-piece suits cut in styles reminiscent of the 1960s, in single colors but adorned with colorful and detailed...Wednesday: Coast To Coast
3/25/09 11:58 PM
by Lisa Ryan I had my first dalliance into the pure bliss of Charleston Fashion Week one year ago when I attended the Bridal Couture show. Obviously, given the bridal theme of the show, it was completely cute and, dare I say, even romantic. Therefore, when I walked into the tents of Francis Marion Square on this rainy March evening, I expected a relaxed, almost tranquil vibe. However, I was completely blown away. Incandescent lights highlighted the runway, with big screen televisions featuring interviews of each of the boutique owners or designers, as well as countless stylishly-adorned folks, featuring the hottest trends. Finally, I had attained Nirvana: high fashion has obviously arrived in Charleston. The evening began with looks from Boutique NV, the stylish shop on King...Tuesday: Emerging Designers
3/25/09 9:58 AM
By Caroline Millard If tonight set the tone of what to expect for the rest of the week, then Charleston Fashion Week 2009 is about to be phenomenal. The first night featured the collections of semi-finalists in the Southeast Emerging Designer competition. And while the competition ends here for the six semi-finalists, their collections marked a triumphant kick-off to Charleston Fashion Week. The premiere night began with Wilmington, North Carolina designer Amanda deLeon and her avant-garde collection. Inspired by a background in architecture and Thrice’s “Digital Sea” (the first single off Alchemy Vols. I & II, for you music fiends), the pieces were edgy and captivating—with pops of intense blue and experimental variations on the big trends of high...
