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Baltimore's Fashion Week: Is It Worth Your Time?
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In a word: absolutely.
I felt just like you do right now when I first thought about attending Baltimore's First Annual Fashion Week- skeptical. Before I walked into the War Memorial Building on Gay Street, I thought there would be weak lighting, models who twirled and snapped their hips, and loud offensive music. Thank heavens I went anyway, because I was so wrong.
The moment I arrived I was among a crowd, and I do mean CROWD, of about 300+ people anxious to see Charm City's newest designers. I couldn't believe it, this wasn't even opening night! It was Tuesday! I can only imagine how many people came to see Sheila Dixon model a Think Pink outfit in honor of the Susan G. Komen Foundation on Monday.
The location, the War Memorial Building, was gorgeous yet dignified. The merging of the form fitting fashions with the historical backdrop was unexpectedly brilliant. The space did cause slight lighting and acoustic problems, but I'm sure event producer Sharan Nixon will work that out during next year's show (and I'm hoping next year's event is held at my favorite museum, the Walters Art Gallery).
I sat next to WJZ Reporter Vic Carter and his wife Jan (their daughter Victoria was rocking the runway that night). After Jan and I gabbed about our passion for Coach handbags and fashion, the show was ready to begin. Fellow IND alum and current Miss Maryland Lauren Parks played host for the event.
Swag Dog kicked off the show with an homage to Hairspray. The guys and gals bopped along to tunes from the musical, and even little tots were included in the opening designer's show. It was adorable. Be Sassy showcased their fringed, fun, and flirty handbags while jamming to "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun", while Flex Clothing pushed the envelope with clothing for men.
Federal Hill's new clothing store The Clothing Warehouse was there, and as usual, didn't fail to excite me. Gorgeous cocktail gowns from the 60s, cowboy boots, and laid-back surfer style filled their collection. It perfectly represented the variety you'll find at their downtown location.
A few of the designers obviously had raw talent, but nevertheless showed great promise. Others designed like seasoned veterans; a breathtaking charcoal gray ruffle dress by the final designer Vammocho could have easily been featured in Zac Posen's spring collection. And my new favorite dress designer is Jessica Williams of Irregular, the queen of designing short cocktail strapless dresses. This woman, at only 17 years old, knows how to seamlessly unite textures, colors, and patterns better than designers twice her age.
Big trends that most of the designers followed were bubble skirts with tank tops, metallic evening gowns, and sweetheart tube dresses with ruffles or tulle embellishments. A wardrobe perfect for the witch who everyone secretly loves to hate and imitate. Think Project Runway with a kick- I know, can you imagine it with an even bigger kick?
Overall the event was impressive, and I highly recommend stopping by after work on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday to see the shows. If you attended the event, please feel free to let everyone else know what you thought of the festivities.
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