Emerging Designers Grab the Spotlight at Charleston Fashion Week 2014
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger
Labeled as the oldest and second-largest city in South Carolina, Charleston has an abundance of history to share with curious travelers. From the quaint cobblestone streets to the historic buildings to a waterfront ripe with stories from the American Revolution, it is one of the most welcoming cities of the South, brimming with culture while taking you back in time to relive the strife and success of a beautiful city.
Ironically, this is also the same city where new design talent works hard to make a name for themselves. Fresh faced models are marveled on the runway with that winning look that sells fashion and ‘Rocks The Runway.’
Photos by Richard Glass
No doubt that the place to be each year at this time is Charleston Fashion Week. It becomes the mecca of activity in historic Marion Square in the middle of town in makeshift ‘tents’ that are within walking distance of some of the best shopping in the South. This year Charleston Fashion Week took place from March 18 – March 22nd, 2014. The week marked the seven year anniversary of exciting collections, introduction to new designers as well as the presentation of collections from famed featured designers with a popular following. A style VIP lounge and the Belk Tent gave guests a chance to do some unique shopping and Saturday drew crowds of ‘brides to be’ for an amazing bridal show that transformed the main tent to a mini reception area complete with blooming floral arrangements and the perfect place settings. These were all part of the activities that took place during the week.
Photos by Richard Glass
While the featured designers each evening were a handful of some of the most brilliant creative geniuses of the design world, I had to say that I was most impressed with each of the emerging designer finalists. We saw inspirational collections from these gifted designers who are on the cusp of fame in the world of fashion and design. Twenty emerging designers made the cut to bring Charleston their outstanding collections.
Photo by Leigh Moose, Richard Glass
It all came down to the final evening when the panel of expert judges and the ‘audience’ decided upon the designer who best represented the style that will sell and capture the fashion world by storm and walk away with the title of ‘Emerging Designer’ for 2014. The final five finalists each presented their very own collection that began in their minds, transferred to paper and finally was brought to life on the runway for all eyes to gaze upon and admire.
Angela Bacskocky, a 33 year-old designer from Richmond, Virginia, let her rock and roll style guide her through the process. She gave us the ‘Puritan Collection’ which had a sort of androgynous feel to it. Heavy wools with leather accents, the influential menswear suit, appliqués at the neckline and wrists and deep hues of blue and wine, accented this Fall 2014 collection. This season the crop top is earning high acclaim and Angela built the trend into this particular collection. One of the great designers of all time influencing Angela was Alexander McQueen.
Angela Bacskocky Facebook page
Photo by Leigh Moose
A resident of New York City, Deanna Ansara is 24 years old. Her concept of design is interesting and thought provoking. Mixing a modern yet timeless style gives her that passion to produce sophisticated clothing. Her pieces are centered around clean lines and draping is one of her favorite means of self-expression. The greatest measure of her success is moving the idea from the paper before her to the model who wears it down the runway in front of the bright lights. This Fall 2014 collection conveyed mystery and intrigue to her audience.
Photos by Richard Glass
The fashions of Kaitlyn Machos fulfill romantic dreams in soft fabrics of silk taffeta, chiffon, satin and organza. Although the collection appears soft and subtle with glistening jewels in various areas of her gowns, the inspiration is dark and yet expressive. As Kaitlyn puts it, “The collection, ‘Exposed’, is inspired by shattered glass and the desire to bare my emotional vulnerability.” She thought of the bad things and the people that she has lost involving shattered glass and thus produced a collection that appealed to our hearts. Ralph Rucci had a strong influence on her creations and you can follow some of the similarities. Kaitlyn is 22 years old and lives in Lexington, South Carolina.
Photos by Leigh Moose
Leaving the final two for last, these are the ones that took the coveted awards for Charleston Fashion Week 2014 as not only Emerging Designer 2014 but also People’s Choice Award which says a lot for the designer.
Absolutely thrilled to be chosen as the #1 designer by both the judges and the audience, Anna Toth gave us a collection that has versatility in every degree and pleasing pizzazz in every piece. The clothing can be dressed up or dressed down to match the occasion. Anna is 33 years old and lives in Asheville, North Carolina. She enjoys working with denim and organic cotton which allows for ease of movement and gives the wearer a strong sense of style. She is influenced by artisan makers throughout the world. Seeing that surprised and euphoric expression on Toth’s face and the smile which extended from ear to ear, was one of the highlights of that evening.
Photos by Leigh Moose
Photos by Leigh Moose
This was one of the only years that it was so difficult to decide upon one rising star in the world of design. The team that tied for the award was Leah and Rebecca Plante of New York. This young design duo gave us chic style with fluid silhouettes. Soft fabrics of organza, locally sourced silk and tulle are the perfect conveyance of femininity along with a sense of wildness and glamour wrapped into one. The girls love nature and all it has to offer and are totally eco-friendly as seen through their work. Samantha Pleet, Vena Cava and Rodarte are the team’s inspiration. They were extremely ecstatic when their names were announced, making it all just as thrilling to the audience filled with fans.
Photos by Leigh Moose
Photos by Leigh Moose
Assembling a full seasonal collection from beginning to end is quite a difficult task to undertake, but with a belief in their talent and a confidence in their skills and mentors to guide and inspire them, each and every one of these talented designers gave us exceptional pieces worthy of the best that fashion has to offer.
Photos by Richard Glass
Photos by Richard Glass
Judges for the Emerging Designer Competition were led by Fern Mallis, a name that is synonymous with fashion expertise. She is highly respected in fashion circles around the world and was the founder of New York Fashion Week. Mallis continues to be revered by her peers and is seen at almost every fashion event in the front row.
Photo by Leigh Moose
Joining Fern on the panel was Antonio Azzuolo (designer), Hunter Bell (designer and winner of NBC ‘Fashion Star’), Arlene Goldstein (Vice President of Trend Merchandising and Fashion Direction for Belk, Inc), David Hart (designer), Sarah Parrott (designer), Nikki Poulos (designer), Cator Sparks (Editor-In-Chief of The Manual.com), and two of the most popular designers of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week; Brandon Sun and Timo Weiland.
Not only were the emerging designers and the model competitors a large portion of the event, but each evening ended with a featured designer. On Tuesday it was last year’s emerging designer, Afriyie Poku. On Wednesday, David Hart presented his collection. On Thursday, Hunter Bell gave us her Trunk Collection. Brandon Sun was the featured designer on Friday and Timo Weiland was part of the grand finale.
Photos by Richard Glass
This was definitely an incredible experience that had so much to offer the city of Charleston, the media from around the nation that came to cover the event and fashion enthusiasts of every age. Although the runway has gone dark for now, we all look forward to Charleston Fashion Week 2015.
Photos by Richard Glass
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