See You on the CFW Red Carpet (03/29/2008)
Well fashionistas, tonight was the final night of Charleston Fashion Week 2008, and if I do say so myself… It was absolutely fabulous!
Style editor Ayoka Lucas and her son enjoy the final shows of CFW from the front row on Saturday night. Photo: Brandy GwynThere was a slight delay in the beginning, as the Mary Mojo show was pushed back from 4:10 to 4:30, but no one really seemed to mind. Guests casually strolled around the tent, sipping champagne and mingling with one another. When the show finally did begin, the Mary Mojo models seemed to immediately breathe life into the show, as they danced in front of the runway screen before cascading out onto the catwalk. Some of the models even stopped at the base of the runway in their flirty, colorful dresses to blow kisses to the photogs. From my perch in the Red Bull VIP lounge, it was obvious that the audience was loving the show, as guests could be seen whispering to one another and smiling while others bobbed their heads to the upbeat music. Everything about the collection was classy, chic, and fun.
Models in the Mary Norton show display their lovely handbags backstage. Photo: Brandy Gwyn Another notable show was Finicky Filly, which included a lot of fun Tori Burch garments and accessories, as well as other designer cocktail dresses and casual wear. One on-looker even noted, “It should be called Funky & Fresh,” while another couldn’t contain her desire for an over sized Tori Burch tote.”I HAVE to have that bag!” she exclaimed. In fact, a designer bag was incorporated into every look during the show, which really portrayed the boutique’s fashionable versatility.
A Gwynn’s model gracefully glides off the runway. Photo: Brandy GwynUp next was the Gwynn’s show, which, like the store itself, featured a variety of fun, ready to wear ensembles. I don’t know about you, but every time I go into Gwynn’s, it’s like entering a candy store. Everything from their designer shoes to the jewelry to the dresses is enough to make any gal’s mouth water. The show itself offered a delicious slice of the store, as it featured an array of beautiful Marc Bouwer gowns—perfect for walking the red carpet later in the evening! There were also tropical luxe creations by Letarte, embroidered straw hats by Tracy Watts, and flirty cocktail designs by Hollywood favorite, Catherine Malandrino. All in all, I have to say, my Mount Pleasant candy store really rocked the runway.Also during the show, I was approached by Foster Fox and noticed that he was wearing a totally different shirt that he’d worn to the show. He immediately informed me that he’d sold his other shirt (the white tee with the green dollar bill on it from his ELD show) to some random person in the audience for $160. He’d then gone to the merchandise tent and picked up a black CFW t-shirt to wear under his sport coat. Apparently, a few of the designers were either wearing a design from their ELD collection (or had passed a garment along to a CFW committee member or model) to market themselves! I have to say, that was rather creative way to show off their collection after the show.
Jillian Lewis from Project Runway (center) chats with Fashion Week volunteer Kari Kaldon (left) and Foster Fox (right) in his newly bought CFW shirt at the Finale Gala. Photo: Russell DouglasAfter the last show, it was off to the Red Carpet Finale Gala! And the spread inside the was definitely worthy of a red carpet. Neon orange, green, and purple lights illuminated the sides of the tents; delicious cocktails and hors dourves were passed around by the dozens; large tropical plants added South Pacific glitz; glamorous people toasted champagne flutes and mingled with models; and couples gathered on the dance floor to dance the night away.
Celebrity guest emcee Finesse Mitchell parties with Stella Nova make up artist Shay St. Clair party at the final gala. Photo: Russell Douglas And the USC dancers took over the dance floor at one point with their dazzling performance number (which, by the way, was performed in stilettos by most of the dancers!). They absolutely rocked the house, as crowds of gala guests crowded around to watch them.
The USC dancers show off their awesome skills during the CFW finale gala: Photo: Brandy GwynAnd of course, the amazingly beautiful Jillian Lewis was in attendance and took time to talk to everyone possible. She was such an amazing guest, and we are so thankful she was there!
CFW staffer Misty Lister (left) parties with Project Runway’ Jillian Lewis (center) and Kari Kaldon (right) at the gala. Photo: Brandy GwySo thus concludes my coverage of the fabulous Charleston Fashion Week 2008. I hope you enjoyed reading about it as much as I enjoyed writing about it! Special thanks to all the hard-working CFW staff, photographers, Charleston magazine, and of course, my CFW side kick and photographer, Ellie Somerville. This was such an incredible experience, and I truly hope to see you all under the tents for CFW 2009!Cheers to all,Russell H. Douglas P.S. And just a side note… I’m a girl.
Me (Russell Douglas) and Ellie Somerville (She’s the best!) doing our jobs through more than 20 fashion shows and five nights of CFW. Photo: Molly Maguth
