The six winners of Charleston magazine’s first Emerging Local Design Competition will debut their innovative Spring 2008 collections during this year’s Charleston magazine’s Charleston Fashion Week. Of the 16 Charleston hopefuls, Foster Fox, Rachel Gordon, Krista Beth Huff, Ashley Reid, Megan Waldrep, and Carol Hannah Whitfield were victorious in the designing duel.
Each competitor submitted four sketches, two finished ensembles, and a description of their collections concept for the contest. The panel of fashion experts included Bravo’s Project Runway finalist, Laura Bennett; CEO of Lacoste, Bob Siegel; renowned fashion photographer, Squire Fox; local milliner Leigh Magar; and Charleston magazine Style Editor Ayoka Lucas. They chose the winners based on their design knowledge, eye for trends, and the quality of their garments.
“We never anticipated that we would receive 16 submissions from designers in the tri-county area,” says Lucas, who cites the ELD competition as the most exciting addition to Charleston Fashion Week. “Their runway shows will validate the fact that there exists in Charleston a cutting-edge, fashion-forward community with plenty of up-and-coming design talent!”
On Friday, March 28, the themes presented during the ELD runway shows are as diverse as the winners, who range from self-taught mavericks to designers who refined their skills while apprenticing at upscale fashion houses. Expect to see the grace of ballet intertwined with raw tribal emotions; the symbiosis between local architectural and organic elements; unapologetic high-roller Baccarat chic that exudes glitz and glamour; flirty vintage silhouettes that revive styles from the ‘50s; haute silks drenched in an electrifying color palette; and Bohemian garments perfect for sultry Lowcountry nights.
“In the fashion industry, especially in an up-and-coming city like Charleston, a strong identity is essential,” says Foster Fox, a Ravenel resident and ELD winner. “When you know who you are, you have to very carefully approach how you design a collection. Fashion is change, but certain elements remain constant—sophistication, elegance, and of course, luxury.”
The second annual Charleston magazine's Charleston Fashion Week is a five-night celebration of the city’s flourishing retail and design community, featuring runway shows from more than 30 local retailers, a bridal couture show, and the debut of six local designers. With close to 100 designers presented, glitzy after-parties each night, and a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Charleston chapter of Dress for Success, this year’s Charleston Fashion Week is sure to be the premier event of the season. CFW 2008 will be held March 25-29 under the tents in Marion Square in downtown Charleston. Visit www.charlestonfashionweek.com for more information regarding the designers, schedule of events, sponsors, tickets, and more.
The six winners of Charleston magazine’s first Emerging Local Design Competition will debut their innovative Spring 2008 collections during this year’s Charleston magazine’s Charleston Fashion Week. Of the 16 Charleston hopefuls, Foster Fox, Rachel Gordon, Krista Beth Huff, Ashley Reid, Megan Waldrep, and Carol Hannah Whitfield were victorious in the designing duel.
