Image by Austin Dandridge Hit play to watch them here, or hop over to the Flickr set.
[Editor's note: In addition to regular coverage of each Charleston Fashion Week night, we give you a gal and guy take on each set of runway shows. Here's Karen's (with photos). Brian's is over here.]
Breaking format from the last two days, Thursday’s shows opened with a bang as award winning violinist Daniel D. took the stage, performing an outstanding solo rendition of Michael Jackson’s “Billy Jean”.
After eliciting a standing ovation the shows were on, opening with Eden Boheme. The retailer presented a romantic show, drawing inspiration from vintage-days-of-old. Girls were styled with a burgundy lip and up pinned hair, evoking gamines from the silent film star era. Feathered frocks mingled with ruffles, delicate sequins and lace, in tones of cream, pale pink and black.
Next up was Tommy Bahama, who showed predictable raffia accessories, tropical bucket hats, linen pants and swim. The music choice of Buena Vista Social club was festive however, garnering seat dances from several front row attendees.
Copper Penny sent gals shimming down the catwalk to Lykee Li’s “Little Bit”, painted with a faint flush and little else. Jumpers were all the rage, shown alongside mini dresses in brightly colored patterns and solids. Walking in the show was Bianca Gardner, who is rumored to be filming an MTV reality show right now, as I type.
Hampden Clothing was by far my favorite and the boldest show of the evening. Girls owned strong blue shadow painted below the eye, paired with long side braids and mussed bed hair. Logan Neitzel’s leather pieces accented owner Stacy Small’s edgy apparel beautifully. Leather shorts, knee highs, sequins and denim held the audience captivated until the very last look left the stage. Bravo.
After the break it was model walk off time (I’m resisting a Zoolander reference here). Ten men and women strutted for judges Ward Cottel of ModelScout.inc, Photographer Squire Fox and Pam Warner of Directions USA, with Caroline DeDruhl and Antwun Whitney taking the prizes.
Congratulations guys!
The second half of the show opened with Seeking Indigo, which spoke to the modern bohemian. Ethereal muses flowed in the Indian made pieces, with tribal accessories and gold cobra arm bands. Beautifully appliquéd necklines perfectly framed freeflowing, teased curls and naturally peachy cheeks.
Pearl ended the retailer presentations with a slightly confusing presentation. While some chic garments channeled 1960’s Jackie O (red belted dress with boat neckline), the half pompadour hair and glam rock make-up was more 1970’s and 80’s David Bowie.
Closing the evening was Mary Porter’s collection, drawing inspiration from Parisian couture. While the designer has kept a solid following since 1979, the collection felt dated and over produced. Models posed on the runway in choreographed positions while department store Muzak played, eliciting images of 1980’s fashion shows. Ball gowns in lace, sequin and velvet showed, with a variety of hats and feathers. The attention to cut and craftsmanship was fantastic however, with pieces fitting models beautifully. For my personal tastes however, simpler is best.
If you missed the shows last evening, do follow our tweets @TheDigitelExtra tonight as we cover the shows live from the front row! See ya there!
