I have one word to describe Christian Fashion Week 2014…
engrossing! Yes, I was engrossed! The events I had the pleasure of attending
were mesmerizing, in every sense of the word.
To begin, the VIP reception on Thursday evening was filled
with smiles, laughter, and networking. I met some industry professionals that
evening and had the opportunity to interview many of them. The VIP reception
served the function of a meeting place for several of the stakeholders for
Christian Fashion Week. Everyone from the event founders, designers, media, and
valued supporters were in attendance.
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| With Co-founder, Tamy Lugo |
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| Designers for Christian Fashion Week |
At one point in the evening, the event
founders took to the microphone to introduce the designers whose fashion lines
would be featured on the subsequent days. As was the case last year, very
friendly volunteers served hor d’oeuvres. The venue was very ornately designed
with sheer white draping suspended from the ceilings. Beautiful centerpieces
could be found throughout the room.
The next night, Friday, was the night that many Christian
Fashion Week supporters and enthusiasts had been waiting for all year long.
This was one of two nights where the runway would overflow with rich patterns,
textures, and shades of pure talent. Friday
night was like a fashion gumbo. On this night, the designs that came down the
runway were both surprising and distinctive. Jesse Washington and Ricc Rollins
of Repurposed showcased some traditional menswear with up-cycled touches.
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Jesse Washington & Ric Rollins' Repurposed
Photo Credit: Metamorphosis Productions |
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Angel Myers Designs
Photo Credit: Metamorphosis Productions |
Jessica Rios, with All Brides 2 Be featured her formal/bridal line of garments.
Then came a casual menswear line, by Roy Smoothe, called Just Cool, and later
came an innovative and conscious line by the team Elegantees, whose clothing
line directly supports women recued from the sex trafficking industry. Other
designers featured on that night were Vonique Mason-Edwards, Dali Hernandez,
Elaine Grullon (whose lady-like pieces captivated many, including myself), and
Angel Myers.
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Jessica Rios Bridal
Photo Credit: Metamorphosis Productions |
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Dali Hernandez
Photo Credit: Metamorphosis Productions |
The closing night was a graduation of concept, as the
excitement mounted with each line. Renee Scarborough of Two Coconuts Swimwear,
opened the show with fashion forward, trendy, and modest swimwear. The plain,
white runway was the perfect backdrop for the explosion of tribal prints, and
bright colors featured in her line. The floppy wide-brim hats were also a great
touch and helped the audience get the full beach experience.
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Renee Scarborough
Photo Credit: Metamorphosis Productions |
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Renee Scarborough of Two Coconuts
Photo Credit: Metamorphosis Productions |
Next up, Mme.
Weathersby’s graceful line, served as the compass for the show. As her
beautiful designs came down the runway the anticipation for what was to come
next began to build within the crowd. Lace, silk, sequins, and a sprinkle of
tradition best describe her work. Each piece represented a specific woman
during a period in time where modest fashion was the norm. Ronnisha Tolefree’s
line was a nice follow-up, as she mixed fabrics and prints into playful
designs, with modesty as the central theme.
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Mme. Weathersby
Photo Credit: Metamorphosis Productions |
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Ronnisha Tolefree
Photo Credit: Metamorphosis Productions |
Later in the show, Sumita Bhojwani’s culturally rich
garments were conversation pieces. Each look was inspired, with beautiful
bright shades and printed fabrics, and jewels, all indicative of her Indian heritage.
Her designs were both ornate and wearable.
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Sumita Bhojwani
Photo Credit: Metamorphosis Productions |
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Sumita Bhojwani
Photo Credit: Metamorphosis Productions |
In keeping with the wearable chic appeal, Medinah
Hagan-Morgan’s line offered some polished, well-made looks for the woman on the
go. Each look made a bold statement, with darker, more androgynous lines than
the rest of the designs featured that night. Her line is what happens when
femininity forms a perfect marriage with edge. There was one other line with a
similar edgy appeal during this night; the duo Jonathan and Manjit Allen. Their
line featured some amazingly crafted plus-size options.
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Medinah Hagan-Morgan
Photo Credit: Metamorphosis Productions |
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| Medinah Hagan-Morgan |
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Medinah Hagan-Morgan
Photo Credit: Metamorphosis Productions
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Jonathan & Manjit Allen
Photo Credit: Metamorphosis Productions |
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Jonathan & Manjit Allen
Photo Credit: Metamorphosis Productions |
The founders of the Christian Fashion Week saved the work of
fashion prodigy, Julia Chew, for last, and with good reason! In an interview
with Julia at the VIP reception, she mentioned that her line features materials
from all over the world. She made a special effort to mix art with fashion in
an effort to create couture. Her line was an experience I will not forget. As
each piece came down the runway, I faced a dilemma; whether to pay special
attention to all of the detail, or to capture these one of a kind pieces.
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Julia Chew
Photo Credit: Metamorphosis Productions |
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Julia Chew
Photo Credit: Metamorphosis Productions
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Julia Chew, of Xiaolin Designs
Photo Credit: Metamorphosis Productions |
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Media/Blogger shot at the end of the night.
Photo Credit: Metamorphosis Productions |
This week most definitely raised the bar for the Christian
Fashion Week. If this was any indication of what we can expect next year,
I will have to make sure I secure my seat as soon as possible. Hope you will do
the same!
XOXO,
Ker-Leen
Col. 3:14
