Thursday night re-cap of Charleston Fashion Week 2010
Highlights:
- Favorites: Eden Boheme, Hampden and Mary Porter
- Mary Porter’s models sauntered slowly down the runway in sheer parisian elegance and beautiful fabrics
- An emotional connection to the audience would create more hype with the Rock the Runway Model Competition
Lots to discuss about Thursday night of Charleston Fashion Week 2010!
A rough start for me personally with wardrobe malfunctions combined with my car keys M.I.A., but I was soon out the door in a V2V sequin pencil skirt (which left an annoying rash on my leg by the end of the night from sequin friction – ugh!). Crossing my fingers the rain would hold out must have done the trick because not only did we stay dry, we were kept a little warmer than last night. “It’s freakin’ freezing out here!” was replaced with, “Ooh … it’s a little chilly outside!”
Perhaps the warmth came from the liveliness of the crowd that was so sought after the previous night. The familiar energy and ambiance we know and love was back in the tents and we were ready for an amazing night of fashion.
Eden Boheme launched the night off with feminine looks sporting a vintage flare — some of my personal favorites of the evening. I quickly came off this style-inspired high when Tommy Bahama showed next. Maybe it’s the fact that I see way too much Tommy Bahama in my clients closets on a regular basis or that their garments were pieced together in less than creative outfits, but I found myself distracted by my BlackBerry and anticipating Copper Penny. A favorite of locals and tourists alike, Copper Penny offered just what I expected: pretty, bright and flirty.
Hampden Clothing closed out the first half on an up-beat note with a variety of edgy looks. It just wouldn’t be the same without Hampden on the runway.
Coming back from break I had forgotten all about the Rock the Runway Model competition we were about to view. Of the more than 600 applicants, ten male and ten female models strutted their stuff on the runway as the crowd cheered on their favorites and the judges scouted their winners. A little wary of the competition at first, I was pleasantly surprised by this new addition to fashion week. However, moving forward in coming years, I’d like to see them go full-fledge one way or another with this initiative. Either forget it or beef it up. For its first year, I think they had a few people wondering, “what’s going on?” and I had hoped to see an inspirational video clip of each of the participants. Something with a little soul and glimpse of ambition that makes us want to connect with the competing models.
Seeking Indigo was up next and I found myself not enjoying it as much as I did last year. Reflecting back, I realized how much I missed the intro videos from last year that allowed the audience to understand where the stores and designers drew their inspiration. Seeking Indigos worldly styles were much more esteemed knowing how they were derived.
Pearl was also as expected: timeless and sophisticated pieces for the refined, modern day woman. A great transition to our featured designer of the night, Mary Porter.
I highly anticipated Mary Porter for several reasons. Maybe because as a fellow piano player, I love the fact that she has a grand piano in her salon that she plays regularly or perhaps that her designs are unlike anything else in Charleston – to be admired for their sheer elegance and beautiful fabrics. The soft spot I have for Mary Porter Couture always has me on the edge of my seat, staring in awe but I do know the slow saunter of the models lost a few people towards the end. All in all, her parisian looks left many with sparkling eyes. Check out the video below for a glimpse.
A great Thursday night and a highly anticipated Friday night. I’m really looking forward to Biton’s show, not only for love of the store, but for the suspense of how they’re going to top last year’s runway show (remember the standing ovation they received?) Also, Ashley Reid — a personal favorite — is the featured designer and I can’t wait to see her Clewis Reid label.
Check out the official website for remaining schedules, photos and information.
-Shauna
Charleston, SC
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I'm glad you enjoyed the show! I decided in mid January to do this year's show and it has been a whirlwind 60 days of tight deadlines. My models did such an incredile job for me and everyone at CHS Magazine and Stella Nova were just fabulous as always. I hope to meet you Sat night at the big finale/party. And you must come and play my piano sometime…when we all get some rest after this week!!! Mary Porter