What two words come to mind when the story of “Cinderella” is mentioned? For some it would be “evil stepsisters.” Others might shout “fairy godmother!” Many may even breathily sigh, “Prince Charming.” However, for the majority the obvious answer is “glass slipper.”
What does this all have to do with frontrow’s Fall 2013 fashion show at the Metropolitan Pavillion on February, 12, 2013? The answer is obvious when you substitute “glass slipper” for “Christian Louboutin.”
Indeed, the crowd was buzzing when not one, but two models stumbled and lost their designer stilettos on the frontrow runway.
This would have been tragic if the models weren't, well, models. And let’s face it; it’s hard to feel sorry for gorgeous, genetic anomalies that get paid to demonstrate how much better looking they are than everyone else. Especially when they “slip up” (pun intended) and show us a crack in their façade of perfection.
Now back to frontrow and the story of Cinderella. See, in this version of Cinderella, the two models are the stepsisters strutting their stuff in front of the prince, threatening to ruin Cinderella’s day. Cinderella is Shateria Moragne-el, the frontrow creator who has diligently worked to rise from the role of stylist to that of high fashion designer. The prince is recast as Rick Ross, the heir presumptive to Biggie’s vacant XXL throne, sitting front row, basking in his celebrity while appraising the runway offerings from behind his gold rimmed glasses.
And this is where the fashion comes in.
See, much like in the original version of Cinderella, fierce fashion changed the trajectory of the night. Indeed, what might have been a tragic tale that left Moragne-el(la) backstage distraught, evolved into an evening in which her clothing were celebrated and the onlooking court of fashionista/os were converted into believers.
Vogue cover model, Sessilee Lopez, opened the frontrow show clad in leather shorts and a white blouse and closed it dramatically draped in a black, floor length gown with a deep v-neck. The other models commanded the runway with well tailored looks in leather, silk and fur for both men and women.
The audience’s (and designer’s) favorite look of the evening was a green silk blazer with a shawl lapel trimmed in black python paired with matching high waist cigarette pants and sheer black blouse. frontrow’s Fall 2013 collection, which Moragne-el describes as “classic, luxurious and sexy,” boasted a burgundy, green, black and white color story that was on trend and seasonally apropos.
Who is the “it girl” for frontrow? Well, the beauty of the line lies in the versatility of its separates, which allows for many types of women to assume that role. Put another way, if Katie Holmes, Kerry Washington and Rihanna were to all get together for a girls night out filled with fun and fashion, frontrow is the line that that they could all wear without sacrificing their individual style.
Those wondering who the fairy godmother is that worked their magic to produce the boldly edited collection must again give credit to Moragne-el, a self made businesswoman, who not only transformed bolts of leather into eye catching couture but also styled the show and designed all of the jewelry seen on the runway that night.
Now, no fairy tale would be complete without sovereign approval and in this era of King Bey, it is only fitting that that sovereign be a woman. A Queen. A beauty Queen. Nana Meriwether, Miss USA, to be exact. Queen Meriwether had this to say about Moragne-el’s frontrow’s fashion, “there were so many sexy, wearable pieces.” When asked if she would wear frontrow to her red carpet events Meriwether replied, “Absolutely!” “I would love to wear some of her pieces. They’re gorgeous!"
And what about those two little mice who so loyally assisted Cinderella? Well that would be Julia and Samantha of Talent Resources who worked tirelessly to greet and seat expected and unexpected guests in record time and quickly whisked the fallen shoes off the runway.
Finally, as with all fairy tales this one ended happily with the newly crowned Moragne-el taking her bow on stage and walking onto the red carpet where the prince awaited to proudly stand by her, and her frontrow white dress, for all the world to acclaim.
For those looking to patronize frontrow, it is available at Oxygene in Miami’s upscale Bal Harbour and will be carried at Curve in Soho alongside luxury brands like Alexander McQueen and Versace. The jewelry will be sold under the label frontrow x Luv Aj, an exclusive collaboration with Luv AJ, sold at Bergdorf Goodman. The line's price points range from $300 to $1000 per item. Previous collections can be viewed online at www.frontrowcouture.com.
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