Wednesday: Coast To Coast

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 Street that offers affordable prices. The boutique owners described their style as comfortable meets chic, citing inspiration from Audrey Hepburn. The show featured several different styles, from off-white skirts that hug in just the right places to linen pants, denim pencil skirts and even a charming black cocktail dress with a silver bodice—though I was unable to spot any sign of the infamous Hepburn, aside from sequined cigarette holders. Overall, Boutique NV epitomized the typical Charleston Girl’s style in their collection: trendy and fun. 

Mary Porter House of Couture took the stage immediately following Boutique NV’s show. Offering custom designs reminiscent of Old Hollywood glam, Mary Porter presented the audience with several ultra-chic ensembles. She wowed the house with a gold three-quarter-length sleeved evening gown that harkened Elizabeth Taylor circa “Cleopatra,” as well as dresses of olive green and red. Several of Mary Porter’s pieces prominently featured sophisticated feathers, in addition to jeweled-toned hues.

The evening turned bicoastal with the presentation of II Brunettes’ latest line. The Mount Pleasant boutique brought Nicole Richie-glam to Charleston with a California-inspired show, opening to the tunes of Led Zeppelin. The models sported tussled hair adorned with contemporary hippie headbands, in addition to cutoffs, butterflies, ripped acid-washed jeans and fringe. II Brunettes’ attempt to bring West Coast chic to the Holy City certainly warranted the tremendous applause it received.

The evening transitioned to the presentation of the hottest looks from Copper Penny. Clearly adhering to the season’s hottest trend, the show featured several coral looks—from full-length dresses to flowing tops. Several of the models sported chic gladiator sandals—clearly a style that can find resonance in the hot, Charleston summers. Copper Penny was the only show of the evening to feature a bathing suit, decked under a translucent, flowing cover-up.

CFDA-award winning designer Billy Reid closed out the evening, blowing the stylish crowd away with a chic polka-dot skirt paired with a seersucker, zippered top, as well as ultra-glam skinny jeans, a loose gray dress and several menswear designs, the only ones of the evening. The crowd cheered as the first male models hit the runway, highlighting interesting takes on traditional casual suits.

After a fun (and champagne)-filled evening, I retired back to my abode, dreaming of the beautiful fashions I had just encountered. Luckily for all Charleston stylistas, the fashion extravaganza continues tomorrow night at 6:45 p.m.