New Hampshire Fashion Weekend 2016
Rating: 3 Out Of 5 Stars
Tailcoat Times had the pleasure of attending the first ever New Hampshire Fashion Weekend. The 2 day event put on by Cynthia Hudson & Amy Azeredo-Samson (Almorinda Photography) was a special and unique event for Manchester New Hampshire and the surrounding areas. The event raised funds for two amazing charities End 68 Hours of Hunger and Janie’s Fund. NHFW 2016 also featured entertaining performances by; Ella McGowan, Traci C, Shaded Glitch and more. One of the featured sponsors was Shane's anti bullying campaign, they also conducted a riveting interpretive dance performance for the audience. There were swag bags and a silent auction that included custom made fashion pieces from Shaco Couture and multiple jewelry lines.The Mayor of Manchester Ted Gatsas also spoke during day 2.
Venue: NHFW took place at the Radisson Manchester Hotel, a VIP cocktail hour was held in the front lounge area on Saturday and both shows were held in the large Armory Ballroom, the space was massive with a wood vaulted ceiling and a center runway stage. The step and repeat was well placed and featured event sponsors including 26th on Hanover Color & Design Studio , Aspiring Magazine, Bayleaf Communications, Maria Bucce and J.Scott Salon, The entire perimeter of the show room housed multiple vendor tables selling a variety of fashion wares and beauty related products. There was also a check in desk with staff and a full service bar.
Hosts: Saturday was hosted by Seraphim Ann Victoria D’Andrea (Aspire TV) and Tharon Cottrell. They had a wonderful chemistry and did an excellent job of engaging the crowd between collections. Sunday Seraphim hosted again alongside Jeff Lawrence (WRKO). Seraphim made her way effortlessly though multiple stunning gown changes during both days. She was upbeat and charismatic, it would be great to see her host again next year.
Overall for a first year this show was a decent success. We are really looking forward to see what they have in store for the 2017 NHFW
Designers Day 1:
(We've included a pic of our standout favorite from each designer along w/ a note on why we loved it)
Jewelinga Designs
A bold and creative accessory line by local designer Inga Puzikov. The runway presentation featured bejeweled pieces with crystal accents and beading in a variety of lengths and configurations. Models sported an array of both causal and dressy clothing options with the pieces which really demonstrated the lines versatility. Jewelinga offers custom creations and unique design patterns for fashionistas looking for something different. Why we loved it: the gold ring and red/white beading of this statement necklace is just the right big piece to add pizzazz to any solid color outfit. The drop earrings were also a nice touch.
MAKUWA SWIMWEAR DESIGNS
The budding swimwear line by fashion model extraordinaire Francine Makuwa debuted a colorful line to strut the beach in this summer. MSW rocked the runway with an exotic take on the crochet swimsuit trend. Each piece is personally designed and hand crocheted by Francine herself. The styles had intricate patterns, bright hues and daring cuts, definitely a must have for your summer/vacation wardrobe. Why we loved it: Not withstanding the abs of steal on this model the detailed pattern of crochet, middle webbing holding the top together and the flirty tie string bottom brought the love of a staple white bikini to another level, especially with the color tone pop against tan skin. (www.wearmsw.com)
Wearable Art by Rimma designs - Rimma Zaika & Over 40 Collection
According to web sources Wearable Art by Rimma collection is now going by Rimma Zaika. Rimma showed a lovely collection of dresses, crop and lace tops, and crocheted skirts. Most of the pieces incorporated varying shades of purple or yellow and the styles appeared to be geared mostly towards day, beach, and casual wear. One particular model wowed in a beautiful head piece adorned with ribbons and pearls that streamed down creating a modern veil effect over the face. Why we loved it: The crushed silk material on this asymmetrical shift dress was a real eye catch on the runway and would surely do the same out at a day or garden party. The flow of the fabric offered timeless beauty while the crocheted top added a bit of quirky and colorful fun along with the lavendar piping around the top of the dress..
Caronah's Designs
A perfect season to show for brides to be, Coronah Designs filled the runway with a stunning assortment of beaded and lace gowns. The dressmaker even threw in a few looks that could easily translate into prom wear. Deviating from the traditional gown cuts many of the skirts featured delicate overlays with unique patterns. The makeup for this showing did well to further serve the bridal aesthetic with glowing cheeks and whimsical lip colors. Why we loved it: This strapless mermaid gown with full tulle bottom offered so many possibilities for brides of all sizes. The flexibility of design made this look simple yet very elegant with raised floral swirls along the entire bodice.
Lainy Gold Designs - Menswear/Womenswear Swimwear/designs
Lainy Gold Designs seemed to be the featured designer for this event with a total of three different runway collections over the 2 day event. There was a staggering amount of LGD on display. Each collection offered something completely different and served well to show the versatility of the designer. Why we loved it: Almost every single piece from the menswear / leather collection show on Saturday night was a signature look. A fresh approach to the "leather and lace" style LGD mixed daring cut leather and fringe with full length lace skirts and leather head/arm bands. This dress gave lots of sex appeal combined with a no nonsense tough girl twist.
Zadon designs
A collection with a piece for everyone Zadon Fashion had a very mixed display with heavy inspiration in tribal print and bold color blocking. The majority of items were skirts and dresses in varying lengths perfect for evening or date night. Zadon has been showing at quite a few shows recently and they always bring something fun and daring to the fashion scene. Why we loved it: The 2 piece crop top skirt look has been very much on trend for the past few years. The bold approach of this abstract neon print reignited our love affair with this racy yet classy look. The idea that an outfit so bold can be paired with bright statement shoes and accessories or even toned down with neutral shoes and no accessories was very appealing.
Battle Designs
To be marked as one of the local Icons of fashion can only be made sweeter when the body of work continues into the here and now. Battle Designs (aka Battle of Earl) creator Earl Battle is steadfast in pushing his creations through the decades with each and every stitch, A separate article will be written about the design life and works of Earl here on Tailcoat Times. To keep it brief; the showing at NHFW was a mix of things we have seen may times and things we've never seen before, we were equally wowed by both. Battle has a knack for dressing women in a way that is bold and powerful yet very feminine. Why we loved it: The dramatic billowed shoulders and v neck cut were so very alluring, The possibilities of being able to wear this as an open or closed coat, dress or top really took it to the next level.
Sharon Cox Cole - Shaco Couture
Sharon Cox Cole designer extraordinaire brought her eclectic collection to the stage with over 20 pieces of Shaco Couture. Running the gambit from beach to formal wear Shaco Couture pulled out all of the stops with quite a few styles featuring sweeping capes and bold pattern detail. There is a real magic in the unpredictability of the Shaco Couture brand, every piece to grace the runway is a unique surprise. Why we loved it: The standout cobalt color or this dress is exquisite. Details on the one shoulder creation featured a bejeweled broach and translucent bottom with a cinched waist. One of our favorites of the night.