Charleston Fashion Week Blog

Charleston Fashion Week 2008 - Opening Night

It may have been chilly outside, but the scene inside the tent was hotter than ever as Charleston magazine’s second annual Charleston Fashion Week (CFW) kicked off last night in Marion Square.

Charleston magazine staffer Katie Kern rocks the runway during the StyleExchange fashion show on Tuesday night. Photo: Ellie Somerville

Upon entering the tent, I couldn’t help but have that whole “Toto, I don’t think we’re in Charleston anymore” feeling. Beautiful guests mingled at the chic bars set up on either side of the 60-foot runway, sipping champagne and discussing their favorite designers; an array of paparazzi gathered at the end of the tent and prepared their equipment; and the lucky VIPs in the Red Bull VIP lounge took to their seats and dug through their swanky gift bags, which included goodies like NARS body cream, gift certificates, and the current issue of Charleston magazine.

At 7pm sharp, the lights dimmed, the enormous disco balls lifted from the runway, and guest emcee Brooke Ryan from 95SX’s Two Girls and a Guy welcomed everyone. With eager anticipation, and jammin’ beats provided by DJ Arthur Brouthers, the first seven shows of CFW were off and running.

Style editor Ayoka Lucas, Chai, owner of Chai’s Tapas & Lounge, and CFW committee member Heather Barrie-Ahern mingle in the Red Bull VIP Lounge between shows. Photo: Ellie Somerville

As the first string of models began to strut down the runway donning their designer apparel from Anne’s, I marveled at how wonderfully CFW had come together. In just three months, the CFW committee—comprised of various Charleston magazine staffers and a group of volunteers—has brought style editor Ayoka Lucas’ fabulous vision to life. (And we’re talking Carrie Bradshaw fabulous!)

Flashing lights erupted from the media pit during each show, as a cluster of lensmen gathered at the base of the runway to snap pictures of the models. Among them were some adorable shutterbugs from Charleston Kids with Cameras, which is a photography mentoring program formed to help inner city boys and girls see the world beyond their neighborhoods.

A model prepares for a quick change back stage. Photo: Kaitlyn Iserman

The atmosphere was almost electric throughout the night, as audience members audibly reacted to the passing collections of each store. That same electricity even transferred to the hot after-party at Chai’s, where CFW guests rubbed elbows with models and store owners enjoyed some much-needed cocktails.

According to several attendees, the Saks Fifth Avenue “Want It!” show was the most anticipated of the evening; “Saks is just the best,” commented one VIP. Yet it was Putumayo’s internationally-inspired collection of bright dresses and Carribean Sea-colored prints that really made an impression on the crowd. Newcomer K. Morgan’s show rocked as well, as it demonstrated the variety of looks available at the King Street boutique.

Backstage volunteers help a model wiggle into a flowing Diane von Furstenberg dress during the Saks Fifth Avenue show. Photo: Kaitlyn Iserman

But it was StyleExchange’s fashionable collection—which included a male heartthrob wearing only orange underwear, a blazer, and cowboy boots—that ultimately elicited cat-calls and whistles from the audience. One memorable on-looker was even heard singing “That [mess] is papayas… P-A-P-A-Y-A-S!” during the show, which I guessed was a nod to lyrics of the popular Gwen Stefani song, “Holla’ Back Girl.” Evidently in the fashion world, papayas are the new bananas.

A underwear-clad model thrilled audience members during the edgy StyleExchange show. Photo: Kaitlyn Iserman

And we have to give props to Kristin Williams, the lovely owner of K. Morgan. Despite her small runway spill after the store’s debut show, the K. Morgan show rocked, as it featured pieces from designers like Badgley Mischka and Pink Tartan. Hey, at least there were no wardrobe malfunctions to speak of.

Ciara Casbarro, winner of the 95sx’s Next Top Model contest, made her runway debut on Tuesday night, in an outfit from Teal. Photo: Ellie Somerville

Let’s hope tonight’s shows are as awesome as last night’s. And with a line-up that includes Teal, V2V, and Biton, I’m pretty sure it will be.

See you under the tents!

—Russell H. Douglas

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