PROJECT:DESIGN! During STL Fashion Week

Well Tuesday, March 25, had to be the most crowded The Contemporary Art Museum has ever been since it opened. At 7PM there was a line up the block leading to the Fox Theater, and by the time I reached the front they were turning people away. Luckily I had bought my tickets online that afternoon.

The ambiance felt modern and yet "grimey" at the same time. It's like when you ride the old warehouse elevator to the penthouse and the doors open up to reveal an ultra hip party happening. There were free drinks for VIP members and a live DJ playing emu hip hop. It was cool to have the two worlds of fashion and hip hop merging together to provide a night of entertainment.

But enough about the atmosphere, let's get to the heart of the night, which was the clothing and uber funky/cool accessories. These local designers really showed me that Saint Louis is full of talent when it comes to designing (not hatin' on anyone else doing their thing). Not being a native to this city, I am starting to discover the hidden treasures that this city really has to offer. Our neighbor, Chicago, may have to watch out as we may surpass them as the top midwest fashion city capital.

Six local designers: Lesley Timpe, Paul Gibson, Ashley Dayley, Felicia Pease, Kay Oss, and Suzanne Lay presented pieces for the show and for purchase that evening. Each one was very unique and easy to incorporate into anyone's wardrobe. Go to www.stlfashionweek.com for pictures and let me know who is your favorite local designer.

I personally enjoyed AFV by Ashley Dayley and Felicia Pease. Their pieces are one-of-a-kind and handmade. They also have a website at www.myspace.com/afvfashion. All I have to say is if you missed out on going to at least one of the events during fashion week (which was really like two and a half weeks) then you better check the website and see the vast array of designs waiting to had.

Here is a terrific artist that always leaves me inspired to design!

Fashion Week in Saint Louis!!!!

Right now is a fashionista's dream in Saint Louis. This week is
Fashion Week beginning Monday, March 24 through Sunday, March 30.
Saint Louis Fashion Week made its debut last year, and is expected to
be even more spectacular for 2008. There are several more "home
grown" designers this year, as well as some majors that have made
their way to the midwest to share the latest fashions from both
coasts.

Fashion Week will kick off with Project:Design! at the
Contemporary Art Museum on Washington. It will feature exhibits by
top local up- and- coming designers such as Lesley Timpe, the designer
of Squasht by Les, and Suzanne Lay. This will be a great opportunity
to purchase some one of a kind pieces and network with some of the
local talent.
To check out the full list of designers and events for
this week go to www.stlfashionweek.com .

This week will be a showcase of fashion shows and after parties at Saint Louis' ultra
sheik clubs to include the new Lumiere Place Casino and Hotel.
There has already been a number of events in the last couple of weeks
leading up to Fashion Week. Kimora Lee Simmons made an appearance at
Macy's and hosted a women's luncheon.

Neiman Marcus hosted an event that I attended with some friends, where D&G had a fashion show with a live band performance by The Last Almanac to open up for them.

It's nice to see that Saint Louis is on the scene for fashion. There may
even be the chance to see some celebrity sitings this week, since we
all know fashion and celebrities walk hand in hand. We may not be New
York, but Saint Louis definitely has style and will soon be one of the
cities looked at as a trend setter! This I can guarantee!

Be Bold today

Here is an easy way to update your wardrobe without spending a whole lot of money. Go to your local store and pick up a bottle of nail polish in a new vibrant color and promptly put it on. That little splash of color will add volume to your look. This is the most inexpensive way to try the season's new colors without commitment. Try channeling that inner fashionista, and pick a color that commands peoples attention. The key is to stand out and get noticed. Do not play it safe! Color is an instant mood booster and can be inspiring. Right now I am trying on this new color by OPI called Can You Dig It. As soon as my nails were dry I became a new woman that no longer yearned for a new bag and pair of R&R jeans, and it only cost me $8. Trust me, you'll be thanking yourself immediately. And at worst, you might think the color doesn't match your skin tone, if so exchange it with your best friend, sister, or be bold and take it back to the store. Or for the internet shoppers try your color on here first www.opi.com/opi/opisudio.aspx This is a great tool to match your skin tone with the right colors.

check this out







I JUST HAVE TO SAY I lOVE CUSTO BARCELONA. HE USES COLORS IN A WAY THAT NO OTHER DESIGNER CAN. Now Available locally at boutiques and department stores. Email me for a list of stores. Keep Fashion Alive!

Peace
DMK