Little Rock Fashion Week 7's Big Night was more compact than it had been in previous years in terms of designers and attendees. And no 2015 Fashion Icon award was given.
That's not to say it wasn't notable. In fact, as founder and executive producer Brandon Campbell announced jubilantly, the show -- previously held at the Statehouse Convention Center and Robinson Center Exhibit Hall -- shut down Little Rock's Main Street, between Fourth Street and Capitol. "Never has [there] been a high-fashion fashion show outdoors on a major street in downtown Little Rock," according to Campbell. And, he says, it did sell out.
The July 18 show began at 8 p.m., just as things were cooling off outside. Beforehand, attendees, who were asked to adorn themselves in red, were treated to cooling libations along with finger foods at a reception inside nearby Club Level.
Afterward, they took seats flanking the outdoor runway for a show hosted by Keristen Homes, North Little Rock native and television news reporter and anchor in Shreveport. Kicking off the show were the painted-on fashions of returning artist Christopher Youngstar of Dallas.
The program proceeded with elegant jackets and evening gowns by Robin DS of New Orleans; opulent handbags by the Rogers-based Fricaine; Campbell's iME line, consisting of slogan-bearing T-shirts, sweatshirts and tanks; girls' party dresses by Ms Smitty; detail-rich dresses, tops, skirts and jackets by Nicole McGehee; and the crocheted creations of the 2014 Clothing Line of the Year winner, Cupani Fashion.
Models included Faith Laureles of Baton Rouge, Fashion Week's 2014 Model of the Year.
The Big Night on Saturday was the culmination of a Fashion Week that included an Arkansas Travelers baseball game on Monday; a Fashion, Beauty, Modeling and Photo Shoot workshop Tuesday; community outreach, along with a "Beyond the Runway: Inside Look Into Little Rock Fashion Week" presentation Wednesday; a For Kids by Kids fashion show Thursday; and the Bare fashion show, during which models wore no makeup, Friday.
High Profile on 07/26/2015