Every year around this time, the very anticipated Charleston Fashion Week is held. Charleston's very own downtown venue, Marion Square is transformed. This year, the event was held March 14-18. The title sponsor of the show is Lexus, which makes the official name Lexus Charleston Fashion Week. The growth and popularity the city of Charleston has received over the years, reflects on the fashion show. Another one of the other larger VIP sponsors is Belk. Belk not only had around 40 models and a large show, showcasing multiple collections, Belk had its own tent. With many other sponsers, and the popularity of the event it is only bound to grow even more. This year was the tenth year since it began in 2007. Along with the models, designers and sponsors, 2017's CFW was partnered with two charities, MUSC Children''s Hospital and Lowcountry AIDS Services.
In the months prior to the show, castings are held for models. They are asked to apply online and later, if accepted, sent an email about rehearsals. These go on up until the Fashion Week. Being a model this year, I had the opportunity to experience this first hand. I mean, talk about cool. I had the best experience. The people are fantastic from the producers, interns, models, designers and agents! It was an amazing opportunity and experience. Talk about a lot of work though, the days are long but so worth it. The rush of being on that runway, I cannot put into words.
Each night of the week is different. Not only is it a fashion show but a competition, one for the models and one for the designer. So, bringing your A-game is a must. There are tents set up each night with places to drink, snack and shop, this takes place on all nights. There are two kinds of designers who's designs are showcased: emerging and featured. The competition is for the emerging designers. There are around four shows each night and one emerging designer wins at the end. The final four picked from Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights have the chance to showcase again Saturday night during the finals. This is where an emerging designer is picked, winning the whole Fashion Week.
I had the coolest experience because Thursday night I had the pleasure of walking for two emerging designers: Kathryn Hayes and Nadine Ralliford. Wow! Talk about some amazing clothes, some I wish I could take home with me. What topped off the night for me was that Nadine won for the night, meaning we all get to come back Saturday and walk again! I am so thankful for this opportunity. I can only imagine what the designers felt. I know as a model I was stressed for me and them.
Backstage: For me, the backstage experience was so enjoyable. At first it can be somewhat intimidating. Being surrounded by all that talent and all these beautiful men and women. I have never felt so short....FYI I'm 5'8. These girls were anywhere from 5'8 to 6'2! It was insane. But once I was past that, it was incredible. We were provided with the best hair and makeup team. Let me tell you, running from one show to another with a 20 minute change time... it was intense. They had all hands on deck with me. Four doing my hair and two doing my makeup, at the same time. I felt like Beyonce and they made me look as glam as her too.
All in all, Lexus Charleston Fashion Week 2017 was a success. This event continues to grow and amaze everyone each year. I cannot wait to see where it goes in the future. So keep your eye out for the designers and models that you see there, because you never know where you may see them next.
