Sunday, February 9, 2014

Christian Fashion Week 2014!

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. 


With Co-founder, Tamy Lugo

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. 


Jesse Washington & Ric Rollins' Repurposed
Photo Credit: Metamorphosis Productions
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.

Jessica Rios Bridal
Photo Credit: Metamorphosis Productions
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. 

Renee Scarborough
Photo Credit: Metamorphosis Productions
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.

Mme. Weathersby
Photo Credit: Metamorphosis Productions

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.

Sumita Bhojwani
Photo Credit: Metamorphosis Productions
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.

Medinah Hagan-Morgan
Photo Credit: Metamorphosis Productions
Medinah Hagan-Morgan
Medinah Hagan-Morgan
Photo Credit: Metamorphosis Productions

Jonathan & Manjit Allen
Photo Credit: Metamorphosis Productions

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.
Julia Chew
Photo Credit: Metamorphosis Productions

Julia Chew
Photo Credit: Metamorphosis Productions


Julia Chew, of Xiaolin Designs
Photo Credit: Metamorphosis Productions

Here are some more photos of me mingling with some awesome people. 


Silva, of OnMyShoebox
Photo Credit: Metamorphosis Productions




A group of bloggers at the first night of fashion shows
Photo Credit: Metamorphosis Productions

Shari Braendel and me
Photo Credit: Metamorphosis Productions
Designer Elaine Grullon, of Elaine by EJ Designs and me
Photo Credit: Metamorphosis Productions
Designers of Elegantees
Photo Credit: Metamorphosis Productions
My Hubby and photographer for the week; Joe :)
Photo Credit: Metamorphosis Productions
L to R: Blogger, G, Designer Sumita, and me
Photo Credit: Metamorphosis Productions
Photo Credit: Metamorphosis Productions


Founder and Publisher of Beauty Talk Illustrated, Ida Walker
Photo Credit: Metamorphosis Productions
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

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