After just a few fashion-packed days at Charleston Fashion Week, it’s safe to say I could use a very loooong nap right about now! But don’t get it twisted – it was well worth it! I was able to get a peek at some of the most talented up-and-coming designers The South has to offer, and I must say that it was such a fabulous experience that I won’t soon forget. Hey, if you hadn’t heard of Charleston Fashion Week, well, let’s just say that you don’t know what you are missing!
Founded in 2007 and now in it’s 9th year of bringing chic style to The South, Charleston Fashion Week is hailed as one of the most respected fashion weeks in North America. Presented by Baker Motor Company and held under the tents in Marion Square, Charleston Fashion Week spans over five fabulous fashion-filled days and features more than 40 runway shows and a host of events that pop-up around the city. And although I would’ve liked to, there was just no way I could make it to all of them! So here’s my recap on the events I did attend…
Day one of my CHSFW experience started with a media kick off event hosted by Jewelry Television (JTV). Guests of the media event enjoyed delicious cocktails and tasty eats by Jim ‘N Nick’s BBQ. During the event, JTV styled and showcased pieces from a few of their many collections. JTV also made a huge announcement about their upcoming Rock Star Designer Competition set to launch in the coming weeks (stay tuned for more deets)! In the competition, jewelry designers can compete to win a host of prizes, one of which being the wonderful opportunity to design a collection for Jewelry Television. I had such a wonderful time at this event, getting to meet the JTV team, and taking fun pictures with other bloggers and guests. I should also mention that we received awesome “swag bags” which included beautiful pieces from JTV’s collections! Thanks JTV!!!
Another event I attended was held at the Belk tent. Always a big fan of Belk, I got to check out some of their hottest looks for the season, which were styled and on full display inside the tent. And it goes without saying that I had a ton of fun snapping pics at the fab photo booth!
On day two, I got wedding fever all over again! I attended the Spring Bridal Show presented by Gathering Events, and oh, was the setup absolutely gorgeous! It was just as magical as you would hope for a bridal show to be. Vendors and popups lined the venue showcasing food, eventscapes, tablescapes, jewelry, and a host of other nuptial-inspired goodies to add to your wedding day wish list. Some notable brands include chloe + isabel, DeClare Cakes, Hamby Catering & Events, and Zass Design. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t mentally planning a wedding ‘do-over’ after seeing all these uh-mazing setups. *Commence ‘Operation Wedding Re-do’ 😉
And once the runway show began, my bride-to-be-all-over-again excitement was at a fevers’ pitch! First down the runway was One Love by Rachel Gordon & Birdsong – this was one of my favorite shows because of the truly unique gown style; they were not your traditional wedding gowns, which I loved! A standout gown at this show was the Venus gown, which includes a vintage wedding shawl bodice with dainty lace detail in the back and embellished with pearls. The hem was scalloped, which was darling! They styled the gown with a freshwater Keisha pearl headpiece and matching pearl drop earrings. – it was stunning!
Next down the runway was a collection of gorgeous gowns by White on Daniel Island, and then Kate McDonald & LulaKate – another one of my favorites. I especially loved this fashion house’s Alston gown, which featured a floral embroidered bodice over Spanish silk – a tulle ball bottom is what really drove the wow-factor. Kate McDonald & LulaKate also featured a unique Guipure lace top and shorts combination, making for a truly off-beat wedding ensemble. It had a tulle overskirt to give the illusion of a gown… Very cool!
The second half of the Spring Bridal Show was even more fab. First up was Modern Trousseau Charleston, which showed a more casual bridal style: A rhinestone Chambray shirt paired with a long silk tulle skirt (the Sofia). I think it’s really cool how non-traditional bridal designers are becoming, making for more modern appeal! Up next was a collection of gasp-worthy gowns by Southern Protocol followed by the Gown Boutique of Charleston.
The Gown Boutique of Charleston stood out for me because of their very trendy and stylish looks – these designs were right up my alley! There was a white bridal jumpsuit, which was unlike anything I’d seen and I absolutely loved it! GBC also showcased a long-sleeved, tulle ball gown with rose embroidery by Designer Jim Hjelm that caught my heart. Also from the boutique was the Carmit gown by Pronovias Atelier, which featured a sheer blouse top with a funky and fun ball gown feather skirt. Sooo fab!!!
The bridal runway show concluded with a beautiful collection by featured designer, Amsale, that was simply stunning!
Although I only spent a couple days at CHSFW 2015, I definitely had quite the fulfilling experience! Between the fun events and fabulous fashion at every turn, I was in style heaven! I’m already looking forward to heading back to Charleston Fashion Week in 2016 to see what next years crop of designers has in store.
Hey, if you want to check out some of the showcased styles and experience a taste of the excitement from this year’s event simply search #CHSFW on social media.
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