Emerging Designers Rule the Runway at Charleston Fashion Week

Sixteen designers, over four nights, ruled the Charleston Fashion Week runway. This was a collective group of talent that wowed audiences the likes of Fern Mallis, Bibhu Mohapatra, Rachel Roy and a tent full of buyers, bloggers and fashionistas. Designer Andrew Clancy exploded on the runway with his punk-chic army of sequins, while (overall winner) Viviane Hamilton sizzled in red drama with gathers and ruching.

Charleston Fashion Week reviews an overwhelming number of applicants for the coveted runway slots and choose only the very best. These designers bring a fresh perspective and authentic vision to fashion. They are not afraid to experiment, question or express themselves. The emerging designers referenced architecture, foreign cultures and explored the essence of textiles. We saw menswear, womenswear and gender-neutral design. The emerging designer collections are about thoughts and ideas as much as they are about clothes.

As long as Charleston Fashion Week continues to provide a platform, the future of fashion has a home.

Photos: Side yard Studios.

fashionado

The Best of Charleston Fashion Week Street Style 2017

When it comes to fashion, Charleston delivers it - both on the runway and on the streets. Night after night, Charleston Fashion Week attendees bring their street style game to the week long event. Color blocking, graphic tees, fur, sequins, coats, capes and of course, the perpetually on-trend- everything black... The Charleston fashion Week fashion shows spill over to outside the tents. It's pretty fabulous. Side Yard Studios did an amazing job of capturing the best of Charleston Fashion Week street style. See slideshow above - my partner Alex and I were caught a few times - got to keep up with so much #LexusCFW style!

fashionado

Gwynn’s of Mount Pleasant Celebrates Lexus Charleston Fashion Week® with Two Runway Shows & Four Exclusive In-Store Events

Gwynn’s of Mount Pleasant will help celebrate fashion in Charleston during Charleston’s most fashion-focused week—the 2017 Lexus Charleston Fashion Week ® (CFW). Gwynn’s will kick off CFW as the title sponsor of the Charleston Fashion Week Gwynn’s V.I.P. Lounge. This exclusive lounge elevates the fashion week experience with Gwynn’s styles, cocktails, local fare from Queen Street Hospitality Group and more.  On Wednesday, March 15, Gwynn’s will participate in the MUSC Children’s Hospital Raise the Runway Fashion Show & Luncheon.  During the luncheon, Gwynn’s will feature a runway show showcasing safari-themed looks and will be donating a Gwynn’s V.I.P. experience package hoping to raise thousands of dollars for MUSC Children’s Hospital.  Next up is the Ron White Trunk Show that kicks off on Thursday, March 16 and runs through Saturday, March 18 at the Gwynn’s store in Mt. Pleasant.  Guest can shop the new season styles from the Ron White Spring 2017 Men and Women’s Collections.  Friday, March 17 is a monumental day for Gwynn’s as they hit the runway at CFW with their show “1967-2017: A Retrospective” which celebrates the store’s 50 glorious years of business. The looks highlight fashion through the decades including current styles by Alice and Olivia, Alexis, Jimmy Choo, Aquazzura, Milly, and vintage Chanel.

“We’ve participated in Charleston Fashion Week since the inception in 2006. We are excited to celebrate 50 years in the Lowcountry with our unique runway show. Every season, we bring in incredible local and national brands to our store, and we’re looking forward to showcasing these during fashion week. This even puts Charleston on the global fashion map, and we’re honored to be involved with the event,” said Marshall Simon, proprietor of Gwynn’s Mt. Pleasant. 

On Friday, March 17th Gwynn’s will also be hosting a meet & greet trunk show featuring Leo & Sage’s Owner and Creative Director, Pauline Sokal Nakios.  Nakios will be in the Mt. Pleasant store from 12pm-3pm.  At this event, guests can also enter to win a $250 gift certificate.  In addition, customers can shop the What Goes Around Comes Around trunk show from 10am-7pm on March 17 and March 18. Selections include authentic vintage luxury goods from Chanel, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci, Celina, and more.

Closing out Gwynn’s celebration of fashion during CFW 2017 with an exclusive CFW event. Gwynn’s will host a book signing by fashion icon Fern Mallis.  Mallis will be signing copies of her book Fashion Lives: Fashion Icons with Fern Mallis.  Guests can purchase a copy of the book at the store (Retail: $55 + Tax), enjoy brunch and mimosas, and shop for their CFW closing night outfit.  The book signing will take place at Gwynn’s store in Mt. Pleasant from 12pm-2pm.

fashionado