The first annual Charlotte North Carolina Fashion Week was a hit. Though it had its minor setbacks, the fashion week came back in full force their last night. There wasn’t an empty seat in the room, and there were still people waiting for seats.
Charlotte has never had a fashion show like this, and this was one definitely for the books. Fashion week, a three-day event that began Thursday at Charlotte’s Blake Hotel, showcased designers from Charlotte, New York, Atlanta and other cities. In addition to runway shows, it features workshops, vendors and entertainment. One of the main sponsors was Mercedes-Benz of South Charlotte, and others were Lancôme and the Carmen Carmen Salon just to name a few.
Charlotte N.C. Fashion Week will provide a forum for those in the fashion and beauty industries who are seeking to market their designs, products and services, and are in search of an affordable way to present their work before an audience of fashion enthusiasts, stylists, boutiques, buyers, VIP guests, and a number of media representatives covering this elite fashion event.
Drawing from some of the most exciting new and established designers in the region, Charlotte North Carolina Fashion Week is set to be a major force in the fashion industry, bringing undiscovered talent to the forefront. It will enable industry professionals to build valuable contacts while revealing the latest trends in hair, makeup, and clothing; from high-end couture and lingerie to street wear for all ages, and everything innovative in fashion.
With a wonderful array of emerging designers showing next season, everyone will be on the lookout for trendy new styles making their debut on the Charlotte N.C. Fashion Week runway.
The designers were from all walks of life; my personal favorite, Rock Hill fashion designer Luis Machicao, drew inspiration from the glamour of the 1940s for his winter 2009 couture collection. With his fashion line he wants to show the female audience what couture is and what it symbolizes.
Machicao originates from Peru, and is already a well-known designer in South America and Europe. After attending fashion school in Peru, he designed one-of-a-kind clothing for the presidential family and created evening gowns for beauty pageants. Machicao’s collection of 46 pieces was shown Saturday. It included stylish, timeless evening gowns and men’s suits. He also is launching a new swimsuit collection for men.
“This time, the inspiration came from old pictures of Hollywood divas like Greta Garbo, Marlene Dietrich, Jean Harlow and Rita Hayworth,” he said of his pieces.
The show featured many different designers as well as their designs, ranging from swimwear to bridal couture to plus size designs. Many of the designers’ items are sold in boutiques in the area.
Most of the designers originate from Charlotte, like Kimberly Pixton of Pixton Bridal. Pixton is based in Charlotte but her designs can also be found as far away as Ireland. Pixton had to say this of her line: “My designs are all about having fun … and being produced domestically it’s made here in Charlotte by people of Charlotte”.
Charlotte N.C. Fashion Week brought out many people from the community, such as James Anderson of the North Carolina Panthers, Chris Lanston, makeup artist of the stars, Christina Aguilera and Carrie Underwood. But there were two ladies who were definitely not expected – Mrs. United States, Gariane Gunter and Miss United States, Brittany Williams, who both modeled for Luis Machicao.
But there was one known celebrity and designer in particular who graced Charlotte N.C. Fashion Week with her presence, Carmen Webber of Project Runway. Not only did she host the event, but she also gave us a glimpse of her own new line. This features many styles ranging from eco-friendly prints to aviation themed jackets.
This event helped Charlotte make its first step into the elite fashion world, and a big step it was. Though it was the first of this kind, it will not be the last. There will be many more in the upcoming future. It has opened many possibilities, and will be a talked about event for months to come.
