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!