When I pulled up to the George Washington Masonic Memorial Sunday night to see the finale of Northern VA Fashion Week, I was surprised to see the dozens of cars already scattered across the parking lot. I had arrived two hours before the 4:30 show, hoping to get some candid photos of the models, designers, and Northern VA Fashion Week staff before things started to get too crazy. While I did get some candid photos as designers Isolda Marie Meade, Beverly Alexander, Nyamal Both, and Audrey “Pat” McGhee as they made last-minute adjustments to the designs they were showcasing in mere hours, the energy inside the Memorial was anything but calm. I found myself ducking inside the Memorial’s theatre to jot down notes before taking a deep breath and throwing myself back into the creative madness of models, make-up artists, designers, and vendors as they prepared for a night that promised to be the crowning achievement of Northern VA Fashion Week.
While Saturday was the official trunk show for the week, I was surprised to find another group of classy vendors near the entrance of the Memorial. I caught up with vendors Dorothy Treadway of Cookie Lee Jewelry and Kimberlee Roberts of Shoes by Kymyla respectively, asking them why they chose to be a part of the Northern VA Fashion Week finale. “We thought it’s be good—with new stylists and designers—to put out our jewelry too,” said Treadway, comparing Cookie Lee Jewelry designs to the Silpada designs showcased by Khim the day before. For Roberts, it was also a business move. “Basically, I wanted different ways to expose my business to potential clients. It seemed like the right fit—I’m all about new things, and I thought this was a great opportunity to be part of the first,” said Roberts.
After reigning in my temptation to buy everything on Treadway and Roberts’ tables, I sneaked past the light technicians to get a look at the runway setup for the evening. Instead of having just one runway—or even two runways, like there had been during the Thursday and Friday shows—the Northern VA Fashion Week staff had set up the runway in the shape of two horseshoes. I stood there for a moment, wondering how the models were going to walk past each other gracefully on such a complicated runway, only to be awakened from my trance by a photographer hurrying past me toward a group of t-shirt clad models, who were starting to practice their walk on the newly changed runway. As much as I wanted to watch, I knew that if I was going to catch designers Beverly Alexander and Audrey “Pat” McGhee before their shows, the moment was going to have to be then, when their models were temporarily out of sight. Read the rest of this entry »
The trunk show of Northern VA Fashion Week on Saturday gave designers and the general public a chance to meet in a relaxed setting. Held in the ballroom of the George Washington Masonic Memorial, there were over a dozen booths to peruse, including booths of designers like Isolda Marie Meade of Isolda Couture, Taimur Baig and staff of MIRZA MPERIAL, as well as local designers and sellers like Kimberlee Roberts of Shoes by Kymyla.
In addition to the dozen booths of tantalizing merchandise, there was a free fashion show that included the designs of Stella Bonds, Isolda Couture, and the merchandise of Silpada representative Kristen Khim. While the crowd loved the designs by Bonds and the flair of Khim’s merchandise, it was a black dress by Isolda of Isolda Couture that stole the show. Read the rest of this entry »
Two hours before the inaugural show of Northern VA Fashion Week, it was hard to believe that the empty ballroom of the George Washington Masonic Memorial was about to be christened by the inaugural show of Northern VA Fashion Week. Even harder to imagine was dozens of gorgeously attired models walking down what was, at that point, an empty runway surrounded by perfectly placed chairs topped with ivory gift bags. All I could see was the flurry of sound technicians and the cluster of photographers as they captured the pre-Fashion Week process.
As I watched Desiree of MIRZA MPERIAL coordinating the lights for the MPERIAL show, I wondered how everything was going to come together with so little time left. But as I sat with designers Azucar, Nyamal Both, and Audrey Pat McGee, they were able to see what I couldn’t: “the models are going to be glowing,” Both commented, a faraway look in her eyes. I merely nodded, watching Northern VA Fashion Week staff member Kristen Terry placing a miniature “x” using electrical tape on the marble floor of the ballroom.
As I continued to watch the hectic process in the ballroom from a safe distance, I saw what would become one my favorite moments during the entire evening: the MIRZA MPERIAL staff forming one big group hug in the midst of the craziness. I couldn’t help but think of them as the eye of the storm. Despite Northern VA Fashion Week being Taimur Baig’s official debut as a designer, he, and his team, seemed absolutely calm and confident.
After the show, Baig confirmed what I had already suspected when I saw him and his team envelop one another in an encouraging huddle. “I think it went well; it had its ups and downs, but I’m happy, and things went better than I expected. Actually, they went exactly how I suspected,” said Baig. The MIRZA MPERIAL team agreed, saying that while they were exhausted, they felt that the show had been a success.
The Northern VA Fashion Week audience couldn’t agree more, telling Northern VA Fashion Week staff member Read the rest of this entry »
So I just had an absolutely amazing night at the George Washington Masonic Memorial prepping for Northern VA Fashion Week, which kicks off tomorrow.
With nearly 40 of the Northern VA Fashion Week models in attendance, I got the incredible opportunity to hang out with designers Almira Wilson, Nyamal Both, Fransisco Azucar, and Audrey “Pat” McGhee. And let me tell you this: Not only are they talented designers, they’re also amazing people. While you might not get the chance to talk to them in person at the show (they do have designs to showcase, after all), I would highly recommend learning more about them by visiting the Northern VA Fashion Week designer page.
And the models for Northern VA Fashion Week should also be commended for their positive attitudes and willingness to stay for fittings that lasted until 10pm. Whoever said modeling isn’t hard work hasn’t been behind the scenes of a fashion show.
Luckily for them (and for you), I have, and I’m here to share a little of that hectic, sassy, and crazy feeling with those of you who didn’t get to see the mad dash of garment racks and sewing pins this evening. Read the rest of this entry »
Fresh from a recently completed internship with Kenneth Cole, designer Taimur Baig of MIRZA MPERIAL is a designer on the rise. With a fierce dedication to designing fashion that is nothing short of extraordinary, Taimur finds inspiration for his designs in art, architecture, and cultures from around the world. Taimur is debuting his 2009 Autumn and Winter collection at Northern VA Fashion Week. I have to be honest; I saw this dress and fell in love with it not only because it’s absolutely gorgeous, but also because the photo was taken at the Smithsonian. You say on your website that your design is “heavily influenced by art, architecture, and world cultures” which is why I thought the Smithsonian was a perfect backdrop for this dress in particular. What initially inspired the creation of this dress?
The dress was inspired by vintage Indian blouses and the whimsy of tulle. I wanted to create a classic silhouette with touches of the east. The sleeves, neckline, and collar are reminiscent of traditional Indian tops.
The other thing that makes you truly unique as a designer is that you haven’t just studied design; you’ve also studied drawing, painting, photography and writing— even becoming a published author at 16. Do you feel that being so well-rounded in the arts has given you an edge as a designer?
I wouldn’t call myself ‘well-rounded in the arts,’ quite yet, but yes, being exposed to a variety of mediums of art has definitely helped to hone my creative vision. It has equipped me with the skills necessary to interpret ideas and inspiration into something tangible.
In your biography, you say that you admire “effortless elegance;” how would you describe your definition of effortless elegance to those who look at your designs?
Effortless elegance is a certain panache, a confidence in the way you look without Read the rest of this entry »
If you find yourself drooling over pin-up fashion or find inspiration in the Gothic Lolita style of Japan, Isolda Marie Meade is a designer that you don’t want to miss. But not only does Isolda have some amazing pin-up style and Lolita Goth inspired garments in her collection, she also has a unique bohemian, vintage, and lingerie mix to her pieces that make the wearer ultra-feminine. Born and raised in the NOVA area, Isolda will be debuting her collection for the first time at Northern VA Fashion Week.
Between designing and making the commute between DC and NYC, Isolda was kind enough to grant me an interview where she talks about the inspirations behind her designs and where she wants to go with her talent in the future.
I cannot tell you how much I love your bohemian, vintage and lingerie inspired looks. I swear that your designs represent the kind of fashion that the world has been waiting for! (It’s what I’ve been waiting for, anyways). What inspired you to take three such distinctive styles and blend them together?
Thank you! Those three styles reflect who I am as a designer. My heart is really in lingerie design, but I also love creating lingerie inspired daytime and evening dresses. In doing that, I tend to gravitate towards using bold bohemian prints and updated versions of delicate vintage fabrics like pleated chiffon, Point D’Esprit, as well as embroidered and beaded fabrics. And since my greatest inspiration for all of my pieces comes from the fabric itself, it’s very natural for me to design within those styles and blend them together.
Are the pieces you design something that reflect your own personal style, or do you find that you design whatever you feel is beautiful or creative?
The pieces I design are created to have beautiful, feminine silhouettes that easily translate over a range of sizes. I want every style I create to look amazing on a petite, missy, or plus-sized woman. It’s the style I wish I could have worn but could never find in my size since there has always been a lack of chic, romantic garments available in plus sizes. At least now I have an opportunity to change that.
In addition to lingerie/bohemian/vintage style, you say on your Model Mayhem page that your 2009 collection will also include some “rebel/punk flair” and that some are “whimsical and doll-like prim.” What is it about this collection that prompted you to include some edgier and more whimsical pieces? Is there something particular that inspired you?
For this particular collection, I found myself inspired by Gothic and Lolita fashions in Japan, which are Read the rest of this entry »
While it might seem like Northern VA Fashion Week is coming together effortlessly, the truth is that hundreds of hours of planning and dozens of fundamental people have been involved in making it happen. Most notable of these people is Mr. Andrew Roby; the man responsible for building Northern VA Fashion Week from the ground up.
Yesterday—February 8th—was no exception. Mr. Roby was the first one to arrive at the Double Tree Hotel in Arlington, Virginia to prepare for a long day of model fittings and designer decisions.
With nearly 40 models in attendance, the fitting consisted of each model walking the runway no less than three times—giving them the opportunity to show off their walk and their modeling persona to the designers involved in Northern VA Fashion Week. The designers then chose the models that they felt would best represent their designs on the Northern VA Fashion Week catwalk. Read the rest of this entry »
Emore’J of Emore’J Couture isn’t your typical designer; in fact, he’s not your typical anything. Filled with talent and boundless enthusiasm for his craft, you don’t need to be a fashion expert to know that Emore’J’s going places—and fast.
With a sophisticated twist on urban design, Emore’J is one DC designer that you’ll want to keep both eyes on. But if you don’t believe me, you can see for yourself in the interview that Emore’J was nice enough to give me in-between gearing up for his time to shine at NOVA Fashion Week.
For those who don’t know, your company has an incredible back story. You basically started when you were in high school and experienced almost immediate success. What was that like?
My success in high school was fantastic; I found it to be extremely challenging because it was hard to gain respect for my talent and art because of my young age. I felt as if I was always treated like “the Kid in the D.M.V Circuit” rather than the “Artist” or “The Designer.” That’s how I eventually started producing my own showcases and events; I was my own boss!
You say in your bio on our site that you started off like most urban designers: with denim, bleach, scissors, and paints. But your designs make it obvious that you’re not like other designers; your designs are very unique. How did you decide that you wanted your designs to be different from typical urban designs?
I decided that I didn’t want my clothing to look like the typical urban designers clothing that I was exposed to during my coming into the fashion industry. I didn’t want to have that trendy city look Read the rest of this entry »
Designer Beverly Alexander of Today’s Divas Handbags proves that a purse can make a powerful statement. Dedicated to empowering women through one-of-a-kind handbags, Beverly has the market on creating beautiful handbags that make the wearer feel special. Beverly was kind enough to agree to an interview with me as she prepares to be part of the first ever NOVA Fashion Week.
Beverly, you have made an art out of the handbag! Each of your handbags evokes a unique feel. While I understand that you create custom handbags for your clients, what kind of handbags do you typically create when you’re in the mood to design something for yourself?
When creating for myself I generally put on music that resonates with my mood and it all flies from there.
The first two handbags featured on your site really have this nostalgic feel to them … the first has beautiful flowers adorning it, whereas the second one has this little country scene stitched on the front. What were you trying to convey when you created these handbags?
I love nature and like to convey that love—whether through a collage of flowers (see picture, upper left) or through visuals such as that of a countryside village (see picture, bottom right). Read the rest of this entry »
In SREET STAR custom clothing, streetwear meets glam to create designs that are unique, sophisticated, and sexy. Bobby Scalia—owner and designer of STREET STAR—took a break from preparing for NOVA Fashion Week to tell me a little about the creative process behind STREET STAR and where his quickly growing brand is headed in the future.
Before anything else, I have to say that your clothing is so creative! You really do take this blend of glam and streetwear and somehow make it not only cool, but classy and appealing. Tell me a little bit about the thought process behind making streetwear so glamorous.
When I was growing up, all of the hot designers were really preppy, really plain, and boring. The styles were nice and the quality was great, but there was no substance to it. I wanted to make a line that catered to everyone—anytime, anywhere. Something that could really define the person that was wearing it. It’s hard to express yourself and who you are when everything looks the same. I wanted to create something that would actually speak to the emotions and the feelings that my customers want to show the world. Just like people get tattoos to define themselves, my clothes make a statement for the people wearing them.
In addition to the uniqueness of your clothes, the history behind your brand is also pretty amazing in that it came about almost by accident. Most designers work years to be where you are right now. What do you think has been one of the greatest elements of your success?
Well just because it came about by accident doesn’t mean I didn’t work hard to get where I am today. If you asked me 5 years ago where I saw myself in the future, it sure as hell wasn’t designing clothes. But it’s not that much of a surprise to me now looking back, since I was always an artist and a trendsetter; I guess it was fate that this is where I ended up. Once I started, I felt like this Read the rest of this entry »
