Thursday: All In The Mix

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 sashes.

After a short break, the King Street boutique K. Morgan rang in spring with a collection of shorts and skirts in bright pinks and yellows. Several short dresses in varying floral prints with equally blinding color came next but what that really stood out was designer Rory Edelman’s orange and yellow tie-dyed dress, complemented with a simple brown leather belt and single strapped heels. The look was fun, sexy, comfortable and would be right at home on a sweltering summer day in Charleston. The collection ended with a few evening dresses, one of which, a cream topped with a fuchsia bottom and bow, looked particularly vibrant under the runway lights.

Palm Avenue took the stage next and honored its namesake of Palm Beach, Florida, offering bright greens and pinks in looser, beach inspired, dresses and tops. Large floral prints were everywhere, even on the pants of the only male model that night that wasn’t carrying shoes (will get to that later). A crisp white polo and brown loafers completed his look.

Saks 5th Avenue paired with accessory goddess of the south, and creator of the MooRoo line, Mary Norton for the longest show of the night. The collection showed the light dresses and tops expected in a spring show but went further, showing jackets, pants, and evening dresses that favored complex colors and a greater variety of texture. Ms. Norton’s classic but unabashedly fun accessories were no less part of the show than the clothing. Two suited gentlemen flanked models down the runway, each bearing a plate upon which sat the featured shoe or bag present in the look.

Following another break, Mt. Pleasant boutique Pearl showed next, highlighting a trend of the season with two coral and white dresses with tight, varied patterns. The “effortless chic” the store aims to embody was accomplished with continued complexity of patterns, flowing bell-bottom pants and several satin, ready to wear evening dresses.

The last and maybe, dare it be said, fiercest show of the night was downtown boutique Hampden Clothing. A variety of looks hit the stage, everything from a yellow dress studded with metal triangles to colorful cardigans, complete with plaid tie and nerd glasses. The common theme it seemed was attitude, something cultivated by the models that night more than the outfits. They stalked the runway in green lipstick, frequently throwing a nasty look, or in one case, a nasty hand gesture to the spectators. However received, it was certainly an interesting end to the night.