Grab your stilettos and get ready to experience Southern fashion as its best; Fashion Week New Orleans returns for its third season to rock the runway March 20-24 at the Sugar Mill. Fashion Week New Orleans (FWNOLA) unites fashion professionals in a series of more than 50 high-end runway shows, pop-up boutiques, networking opportunities and chic parties, bringing a new level of creative consciousness to the regional industry.
Recognizing the common thread between designers and boutiques, FWNOLA is the catalyst and driving force that unites fashion professionals in a series of high-end runway shows, pop-up boutiques, networking opportunities and chic parties. Fashion is quickly becoming an important contributor to the New Orleans culture and must be celebrated in conjunction with the city’s legendary cuisine, music, art, and film.
“As the Gulf Coast’s film, tourism and entrepreneurial sectors have achieved new heights; it stands to reason that the fashion industry can and should do the same” said Tracee Dundas, FWNOLA’s Founder & Creative Director. “The growing strength of our regional fashion industry is becoming more evident and I’m thrilled Fashion Week New Orleans is a staple of what the industry has to offer!”
The mission is to increase awareness for Gulf Coast and Southern designers, building a synergy between designers and retailers. The event raises attention and encourages economic growth by combining fashion and beauty on the runway and fusing it with the creative spirit of New Orleans. Through its signature event – Top Design Competition, a Fashion Industry Career Day, and support of local nonprofits, FWNOLA promotes awareness, creates opportunities, and gives back to the Gulf Coast in style.
FWNOLA '13 will advance the career of one promising designer with the Top Design Competition. The Top Designer will receive prize package valued over $2500 including retail presence at Hemline Metairie, a manufacturing package from NOLA Sewn, a Brother Sewing Machine compliments of AllBrands.com,a gift certificate from Promenade Fabrics, a professional photo shoot with Photographer Gustavo Escanelle, business mentoring/consultation with IDEA Village, and Featured Designer placement at FWNOLA '14. Since its inception in 2011, FWNOLA has had a number of designer success stories, including 2011 Top Design competitor Anthony Ryan Auld, who went on to compete in Project Runway Season 9, followed by his recent win on Project Runway All-Stars!
Featured designer included in lineup include local favorites Jolie & Elizabeth, Xiomara del Carmen, and Lisa Iacono. Also showing on the runway for the first time in New Orleans are two designers (Ross Bennett and Amber Perley) that were casting in the NBC TV Show Fashion Star. And, a bridal runway show will be Sunday, March 24, 12PM-4PM.
“I’m thrilled by the huge response we received from designers from the southern region and beyond,” Dundas said. FWNOLA received interest from over 60 designers, from as far away as Africa. “I think this speaks volumes to the growth and potential of our fashion industry. I’m equally excited that retailers from Lafayette will be joining us on the runway; which are Raffaele Furs, La Marquise, Style M, Herringstone and Paperdoll Studio.”
Fashion Week New Orleans 2013 Schedule and Locations:
- March 20 Retail Therapy // Participating Retail Boutiques
- March 20 Launch Party // W Hotel Poydras
- March 21 – 23 Runway Shows // The Sugar Mill
- March 22 Fashion Industry Career Day // St. Christopher Hotel
- March 24 Bridal Runway Showcase // The Sugar Mill
For more details on all events and information on how to attend visit: www.fashionweekmnola.com.
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