laggess: Midwest Fashion Week Emerging from Old to New School!

As usual a day late and dollar short but hey, I’m a busy woman. Let’s jump right in; Tuesday nights Emergence Fashion Show put on by Midwest Fashion Week, produced by Ian Stikeleather was overall a great show. Taking into account that this was his first show, Ian did an awesome job. The runway was long and had proper lighting; he bought food and beverages for the models! The show was heavily attended and there were at least 10 STUDENT designers. It’s important to point out that ALL of the designers were college students with the exception of one, who is still in high school.

Elon Holt wearing designs by Amanda Holt

Some of the designers were amazing, the show opener Christelle Jonqet was really strong and the audience seemed really captured by her pieces. My personal favorite most was Daryl Bonner her pieces were well constructed, elegant and ready-to-wear. How do I know? Well, this just happened to be the first show I was able to sit and watch. I’m always running around behind stage so it was great to sit and actually enjoy a show. I sat front row next to Leslie and Terrence with Lmodelz.

Models wearing Daryl Bonner

As the show went on I did notice a few pins sticking out and tape that seemed to be pulling the skin off the back of one of the models (it looked really weird) but other than that the clothes were really nice. I love the student shows because they’re new designers, still learning their craft and perfecting their work. There will always be mistakes made; some of the designers were still sewing moments before the show started. During the finale show last year there were designers sewing models into dresses, there was visible tape and an inappropriate dress or two. Bottom line is, some things shouldn’t go down the runway especially if they’re not completely finished. At the end of the day, you want your clothes to represent you and if you’re putting out shitty work, people will think you’re a shitty designer. However; when you’re still a student, it’s kind of acceptable because you’re still learning. (I didn’t think any of the designers from the show had shitty work that was a general statement)

I have to say this because I’m partially responsible; some of the “models” left a lot to be desired. I understand that some of them were friends of the student designer and it was a student show, but they shouldn’t have been on the runway. If you have a model that has a belly bulge, she shouldn’t wear fitted clothes. It’s distracting and all you’re focusing on is the fat. Well maybe not you, but me. Two of the models I selected for this show weren’t quite ready for the runway and for that I apologize. I read on another blog that a model fell down, that’s only half true. The model stumbled but recovered gracefully and never hit the ground. This particular model while slightly shorter than the rest, has the potential to be on the cover of EVERY fashion magazine that you can think of.

Models wearing designs by Christelle Jonquet and Darly Bonner

If I had to give this show a grade, I’d give it an A. Not because I’m associated with Midwest Fashion Week, but because it was a great show, everyone worked really hard and for his first show, Ian did one hell of a job! I was also impressed that Ian managed to find a menswear designer (FLC International)! Love their pieces!