To say that Niki English is an open book is an understatement in every language. Her natural ability to draw you into her life and make you feel like her best friend is intoxicating from the moment you sit down with her.
One thing I’m sure that no one has ever said about this young lady is that she’s lazy. Many years before even considering entering the University of Minnesota’s Apparel Design program, she acquired her first sewing machine (age 14) which set her dreams to become a designer into motion.
She taught herself most of what she knows through observation of role models as well as experimentation on her own part. Although she’s only been selling her pieces since 2005, she has quite the resume and will knock your socks off with her list of connections and killer pieces to date.
Niki found herself designing clothes when she got sick of struggling to find pieces that fit her abnormally tall frame. That’s not where she started though. She began making one-of-a-kind handbags in 2005, which is also when she began selling them at Cliche, a local boutique. She thinks it’s fascinating that around 100 of her bags are “roaming around Minneapolis somewhere.” (I agree!)
Inspiration is never a lost cause for Niki either. She keeps a neat box of pictures that she rips out of magazines. Usually, a particular unique style or color palette will set her brain on the right track to create a master collection.
Niki’s most recent project was one she doesn’t wish to repeat. This is not because it was hard or didn’t end well. It was quite the opposite actually. Niki found herself so enveloped in her designing that it was hard to get anything else accomplished! Her senior collection took her nearly 6 months from creation and development to finally constructing the garments and showcasing them on the runway. “I really pushed myself and my creativity and I was really excited about the results.”
Although she certainly has the right to be, the classy lady isn’t hard to please either. “There are infinite perfect paths for me. I would be happy as a designer for a high-end ready to wear company, or as the owner of my own line.” She raves about her excitement for what her future holds.
Interestingly enough, Niki can’t speak highly enough of Gareth Pugh. His designs are intensely structural and play with shape in unheard of ways. It makes complete sense that she loves him, because her collections, especially her last, the senior collection she created, showcase her inspiration precisely. She says his fashion shows are like a punch in the face to her (in a good way) and that she feels she could learn so much from him.
Someone of Niki’s nature is bound to be able to provide some knock-out fashion advice. For spring, she recommends that every girl invest in a smart, sexy, well-tailored jacket. She personally believes that a blazer has the ability to tie any look together and make anyone’s body look amazing.
Niki English is just a few short months from completing her degree at the U of M but this is definitely just the beginning for her and she has no plans to slow down. In April, Niki will participate in Envision: Artopia, part of Minnesota Fashion Week as well as compete in the Sol Inspirations sustainable design contest.
When we say she’s “one to watch”, it’s no joke. This girl’s going places, and if your smart, you’ll keep up.
How Do I Know??
English, Niki. Personal interview. 01 Mar. 2011.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
Bridal Bliss Begins at The Look of Love Wedding Planning Event
February 5th, 2011
The Westin Edina Galleria
By Emma Lyons
Decadent desserts, mouth-watering hor d'oeuvres, elegant floral bouquets, and collections of beautiful wedding gowns filled the Westin on this cold Saturday in February. As the guests entered, they were greeted with chocolate covered strawberries, champagne, and of course, the latest issue of Minnesota Bride to provide a warm welcome and help to create an enchanting ambience.
Hearts were warmed and excitement filled the air as brides, bridesmaids, friends, and families entered the Look of Love Fashion wedding planning event hosted by Minnesota Bride at the Westin Edina. There were many impressive exhibitors who took part in this event including but not limited to Cocoa and Fig, Mestad’s, Dugo, McCormick and Schmick’s, Violet’s Flowers, Avant Décor, and my personal favorite: Joynoelle.
Local Designer Delves into the Minnesota Fashion Scene
Minneapolis based designer Joy Teiken started Joynoelle in 2003 and in her 9 years of designing, she has become quite successful. Joy has been featured in many national and international publications including WWD, Daily Candy NYC, Real Simple, and has been highlighted on the runways in New York, LA, and Chicago.
Joynoelle’s designs are chic and classic couture with clear inspirations from vintage gowns and dresses, which were found in the delicate and intricate fabrics and details. The wedding gowns range from $1000-$4000 and are created for each individual bride. Joy has the bride come into the boutique where she then drapes her with a substantial amount of silk to find the perfect shape that flatters the bride’s body. This kind of custom service is simply hard to find, so many brides take advantage of having the perfect dress made just for them.
And the Bridal Bliss Continues..
The main event at this wedding planning exhibit was the beautiful fashion show. Several women and one man were able to slip on the beautiful garments and proudly stride down the runway presenting the locally made and locally sold gowns and tuxes. Minnesota Bride magazine Editor and local trendsetter Mary O’Regan announced the models and beautifully described the garments and designers they were wearing.
The resounding applause echoed through the halls, which proves that this event was a magical success. Every bride was bestowed with a lot more information about how to plan her wedding, or, more importantly, this show got her even more excited about her upcoming big day.
For more information about this event and its vendors, check out the links below:
"About Joynoëlle." Welcome to Joynoëlle. Web. 21 Feb. 2011..
Johnson, R.c. "Wedding Planning Event (MN): 'The Look of Love' by Minnesota Bride, 2/05/11." Associated Content from Yahoo! - Associatedcontent.com. Web. 21 Feb. 2011..
"Look of Love Exhibitors | Bridal and Wedding Planning Resource for Minnesota Weddings | Minnesota Bride Magazine." Minnesota Weddings | Bridal and Wedding Planning Resource for Minnesota Weddings | Minnesota Bride Magazine. Web. 21 Feb. 2011..
Mary O'Regan - Fashion Editor. Web. 22 Feb. 2011.
The Westin Edina Galleria
By Emma Lyons
Decadent desserts, mouth-watering hor d'oeuvres, elegant floral bouquets, and collections of beautiful wedding gowns filled the Westin on this cold Saturday in February. As the guests entered, they were greeted with chocolate covered strawberries, champagne, and of course, the latest issue of Minnesota Bride to provide a warm welcome and help to create an enchanting ambience.
Hearts were warmed and excitement filled the air as brides, bridesmaids, friends, and families entered the Look of Love Fashion wedding planning event hosted by Minnesota Bride at the Westin Edina. There were many impressive exhibitors who took part in this event including but not limited to Cocoa and Fig, Mestad’s, Dugo, McCormick and Schmick’s, Violet’s Flowers, Avant Décor, and my personal favorite: Joynoelle.
Local Designer Delves into the Minnesota Fashion Scene
Minneapolis based designer Joy Teiken started Joynoelle in 2003 and in her 9 years of designing, she has become quite successful. Joy has been featured in many national and international publications including WWD, Daily Candy NYC, Real Simple, and has been highlighted on the runways in New York, LA, and Chicago.
Joynoelle’s designs are chic and classic couture with clear inspirations from vintage gowns and dresses, which were found in the delicate and intricate fabrics and details. The wedding gowns range from $1000-$4000 and are created for each individual bride. Joy has the bride come into the boutique where she then drapes her with a substantial amount of silk to find the perfect shape that flatters the bride’s body. This kind of custom service is simply hard to find, so many brides take advantage of having the perfect dress made just for them.
And the Bridal Bliss Continues..
The main event at this wedding planning exhibit was the beautiful fashion show. Several women and one man were able to slip on the beautiful garments and proudly stride down the runway presenting the locally made and locally sold gowns and tuxes. Minnesota Bride magazine Editor and local trendsetter Mary O’Regan announced the models and beautifully described the garments and designers they were wearing.
The resounding applause echoed through the halls, which proves that this event was a magical success. Every bride was bestowed with a lot more information about how to plan her wedding, or, more importantly, this show got her even more excited about her upcoming big day.
For more information about this event and its vendors, check out the links below:
"About Joynoëlle." Welcome to Joynoëlle. Web. 21 Feb. 2011.
Johnson, R.c. "Wedding Planning Event (MN): 'The Look of Love' by Minnesota Bride, 2/05/11." Associated Content from Yahoo! - Associatedcontent.com. Web. 21 Feb. 2011.
"Look of Love Exhibitors | Bridal and Wedding Planning Resource for Minnesota Weddings | Minnesota Bride Magazine." Minnesota Weddings | Bridal and Wedding Planning Resource for Minnesota Weddings | Minnesota Bride Magazine. Web. 21 Feb. 2011.
Mary O'Regan - Fashion Editor. Web. 22 Feb. 2011.
Snooping Out Style at the Cabooze
By Emma Lyons
It’s Tuesday afternoon on January 25th, 2011 and the bartenders and security guards at the Cabooze are busy preparing for the sold out Snoop Dogg shows. Ice is being filled, stools are pulled from the tables, and bartenders are arranging bottles to prepare for the hundreds of incoming Snoop fans. The line for the sold out show is wrapped around the block as the excited fans wait for the doors to open. As the doors open, fans rush in to find the prime spot to enjoy this well-known rap artist.
Being employed with the Cabooze gives me the opportunity to have a backstage look at the festivities, fashions, and fans. I was very interested in seeing who would come out for this electrifying show, and, more importantly, what are they wearing. Working at the coat check gave me a prime opportunity to see outerwear fashions as well as the styles underneath the many layers we wear just to get by on an average, below zero, Minnesota night.
Many women wore ¾ length down coats with faux fur wrapped around the hood. More popular jacket trends include the military styled structured wool pea coats and bomber jackets. The men wore a lot of similar jacket style but I also say some plain sweatshirts, and canvas military-inspired jackets. After the removal of the necessary layers, I saw many similar fashions.
Women adorned themselves in many of the latest fashions. Skinny jeans and leggings paired with tunics and over-sized jersey knit tees were at the height of popularity for this hip happening. More sizzlin’ styles include; leather biker-inspired jackets, ankle high combat boots, black stiletto boots, fingerless gloves, exposed zippers, lace tights and tops, various plaid apparel, long necklaces, sequined swag, and miniskirts all combined with an excessive amount of cleavage.
The men on the scene were wearing various colored hooded sweatshirts, plaid shirts, baseball caps, sweat suits, metallic sunglasses, straight-legged jeans, and black brimmed glasses. Snoop himself wore a do’ rag, sunglasses, and lots of bling. It is easy to say that the fans knew Snoop well. Snoop Dogg had many women go on stage with him to dance and let me tell you, every woman invited on stage were ‘shaking what their mama gave them.’ Snoop was even guilty of making various comments about the women including "It's not your beauty, it's your booty" and “I need to take some vitamin D's”. Aside from consistent objectifying of women, the show was really amusing. Everybody seemed well behaved and was having a blast. Needless to say, this event was a hit and Snoop was really appreciative of having a sold out show.
The show came to a close, the guests all collected their jackets as they left the venue, the stools are returned to the table tops, the ice is melted in the bins, and the staff all enjoyed a deep sigh of relief as they counted their sizeable earnings. There were some fashion misses but overall, the night with Snoop Dogg was a fashion hit.
917 Cedar Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55404
(612) 338-6425
It’s Tuesday afternoon on January 25th, 2011 and the bartenders and security guards at the Cabooze are busy preparing for the sold out Snoop Dogg shows. Ice is being filled, stools are pulled from the tables, and bartenders are arranging bottles to prepare for the hundreds of incoming Snoop fans. The line for the sold out show is wrapped around the block as the excited fans wait for the doors to open. As the doors open, fans rush in to find the prime spot to enjoy this well-known rap artist.
Being employed with the Cabooze gives me the opportunity to have a backstage look at the festivities, fashions, and fans. I was very interested in seeing who would come out for this electrifying show, and, more importantly, what are they wearing. Working at the coat check gave me a prime opportunity to see outerwear fashions as well as the styles underneath the many layers we wear just to get by on an average, below zero, Minnesota night.
Many women wore ¾ length down coats with faux fur wrapped around the hood. More popular jacket trends include the military styled structured wool pea coats and bomber jackets. The men wore a lot of similar jacket style but I also say some plain sweatshirts, and canvas military-inspired jackets. After the removal of the necessary layers, I saw many similar fashions.
Women adorned themselves in many of the latest fashions. Skinny jeans and leggings paired with tunics and over-sized jersey knit tees were at the height of popularity for this hip happening. More sizzlin’ styles include; leather biker-inspired jackets, ankle high combat boots, black stiletto boots, fingerless gloves, exposed zippers, lace tights and tops, various plaid apparel, long necklaces, sequined swag, and miniskirts all combined with an excessive amount of cleavage.
The men on the scene were wearing various colored hooded sweatshirts, plaid shirts, baseball caps, sweat suits, metallic sunglasses, straight-legged jeans, and black brimmed glasses. Snoop himself wore a do’ rag, sunglasses, and lots of bling. It is easy to say that the fans knew Snoop well. Snoop Dogg had many women go on stage with him to dance and let me tell you, every woman invited on stage were ‘shaking what their mama gave them.’ Snoop was even guilty of making various comments about the women including "It's not your beauty, it's your booty" and “I need to take some vitamin D's”. Aside from consistent objectifying of women, the show was really amusing. Everybody seemed well behaved and was having a blast. Needless to say, this event was a hit and Snoop was really appreciative of having a sold out show.
The show came to a close, the guests all collected their jackets as they left the venue, the stools are returned to the table tops, the ice is melted in the bins, and the staff all enjoyed a deep sigh of relief as they counted their sizeable earnings. There were some fashion misses but overall, the night with Snoop Dogg was a fashion hit.
917 Cedar Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55404
(612) 338-6425
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Mother, Daughter Duo Takes on Boutique Franchise
Sara McCarthy, March 10th 2011.
Walking into Mainstream Boutique in Woodbury Minnesota is like walking into a fun, upbeat atmosphere filled with unique clothes and accessories. You are greeted with a warm smile, a friendly, “What brings you in today?” and you instantly as comfortable as you are when you shop through your best friends closet. Who is responsible for this one of a kind experience? A mother, daughter duo; Debby Terlizzi and Allison Terlizzi.
“Were doing this,” they say simultaneously as they speak about their decision to open the store. “The neighbors were playing devil’s advocate,” they would ask; what are you going to do for advertising, it’s a large commitment can you devote your time and energy, and it’s a big investment what if sales fall? Backing up each question with a logical response they realized that they already made there decision, “were doing this.”
Debby holds an extensive background in the retail industry including three years at Mainstream Boutique in Apple Valley Minnesota, where the corporate offices are located. Allison recently graduated from Bethel University with a Bachelors Degree in Business Marketing. The grand opening of the store was July 22nd 2010.
Debby, 52 and Allison, 23 bring in a large market of consumers. Both are involved in buying the product for the store, they try to bring in clothing for a variety of ages. With their age difference it comes naturally. “We want people to be noticed,” says Allison, “the products we sell are exclusive to our store, and you won’t find them anywhere else.”
(Allison pictured to the far left and Debby pictured far right.)
To stay on top of trends the duo travels to trade shows around the United States in search of clothing and accessories that stands true to their store concept. WWIN, Women’s Wear in Nevada, and MAGIC, to name a few.
A day in the life of a boutique owner, “Mondays we work together paying bills, making deposits, and submitting payroll,” says Debbie. Other activities they perform throughout the week to keep the store up and running is checking invoices on packages to make sure there orders are correct, ordering new product, marking down product, sending out emails, facebook updates, and making sure the store is spotless.
Another concept the boutique is involved with is events, events, events! They participate in group events for bachelorette parties, girl’s night out parties, and donations for a cause. They have already been involved with a fundraiser for Breast Cancer, Prolife Campaign, Golden Girls, Pink Swing, as well as two fashion shows.
The store will be launching new product assortments this summer including; shoes, soap gift sets, and handbags. When asked: what are your goals for the boutique, “Make relationships and make money!”
Mainstream Boutique is located at 755 Bielenberg Drive in the Tamarack Hills retail center. For more information go to www.mainstreamboutique.com or call (651)739-8111.
Terlizzi, Allison and Debby. Personal Interview by Sara McCarthy, February 16th, 2011.
Vacation Getaway
Spring break is approaching quickly; do we have everything we need for our warm vacation getaways? A look that keeps coming back every spring is the nautical theme. Navy blue, ocean blue, kakis, and white is the color palette, and stripes are the print. This look is timeless and classic. We see a lot of the nautical theme clothing in designer resort wear. A designer who does it best: Ralph Lauren, he has a way to make a stripe top seem as though it has been reinvested every year. Ralph Lauren is known for his American style and nautical is just that: American. Yacht clubs, sail boats, vacation in the Hamptons, and rugby tournaments is where we see the look the most.
An on trend nautical favorite is the white pant. Nordstrom did it best with their Hudson wide leg trouser jean in white wash. These jeans are slimming through the waist and hips and wide hitting at the knee on down, pair this with a light blue top and crop navy jacket and the look is complete.
(Nordstrom.com, Hudson Jeans $165, Hy & Dot silk tank $68, and Hy & Dot stripe blazer $108).
Another on trend nautical favorite is the stripe three quarter lengths top. J.Crew, known for their preppy clothing style, does it best. The brand pairs the top with a kakis skirt, and a leather belt.
(JCrew.com, Indigo stripe boatneck sailor tee $65, Kakis mini $88).
Need shoes for your vacation? The perfect shoe for a warm getaway the classic Sperry topsiders. Comfortable, lightweight, and they have a great rubber bottom so you don’t slip around on the boat.
(Nordstrom.com, Sperry Top-Sider ‘Angelfish’ Boat Shoe$74.95).
Don’t forget your swimwear! A style that keeps coming back season after season is the cut out one piece. The one piece look is sophisticated and classic. It’s all about making the women feel comfortable and sexy, so you have a few pounds that you didn’t get around to loosing, the one piece will cover it up easily, while making you feel great, no guilt!
(Nordstrom.com, vitamin A silver collection one piece $99).
If you’re a window shopper, stop by H&M, to get ideas on how to complete your nautical look. There merchandising hits this theme on the dot. Mall of America shows an entire nautical story throughout their front windows, walking in the center matches the looks so you can easily shop what you have just saw.
The overall silhouette is sharp lines; rarely do we see things that are very oversized and bulky. The theme is very clean and simple, don’t overdo it! Most of the fabrics are lightweight and flexible so you feel comfortable in the warm weather. The look is mostly daywear, you could dress it up at night by pairing the stripe top with a pair of skinny white jeans an anchor necklace and a pair of cork wedge heels! If you’re looking for more trend ideas for the theme, take a look at old United States Navy photos. They’re beautiful and full inspiration!
Spring is just around the corner. Whether you are taking a vacation or preparing for the warm weather ahead these looks will complete your wardrobe. So finally, relax and enjoy spring break.
Sara McCarthy, January 1/25/2011.
Hitting the Slopes Minnesota Style
This winter’s record snow fall has excited all those who hit the slopes here in cold Minnesota. You are not a Minnesotan if you haven’t tried skiing or snowboarding at least once. A favorite location of mine is Welch Village. One way to show off on the mountain is by doing death defying tricks; if you aren’t so advanced you can show your style through your outerwear. If you can’t make it down the hill without falling at least you look cool trying right?
A trend we see season after season is bright vivid colors splattered all over jackets and snow pants. Vivid colors make a person stand out against the white, snow covered background. Popular snowboard and ski brands include: Burton, DC, Forum, and Spyder. To understand the trends in outwear for snowboarding and skiing you have to understand the athletes that perform these sports. We look to the professionals, and what they are wearing at the X-Games and in the photographs we see of them. Often times the look is very loud with graphics prints from the hat and jacket, all the way down to the boots and the equipment, this could be because they are performing very intense routines and need an adrenaline rush to get themselves going. Here in Minnesota, we follow a more classic look. We are not on the same level as the X-Games professionals. The athletes seen at Welch Village may be wearing a loud jacket but they are pairing it with a solid colored snow pant and boot. It seems as though the more advanced athletes adopt a more outgoing look because they want to be noticed on the slopes. Those who are not confident in their skills may hide themselves by wearing more neutral colors such as; black, navy or green.
An important feature of the jacket is the amount of pockets: the more the better. The snowboarders and skiers at Welch need a large pocket for their goggles in case they decide not to wear them, a pocket for their camera to take pictures of their family and friends, a pocket for their phone so they can call someone if they get separated from their group, and a pocket for their iPod so they can listen to some upbeat music for motivation.
Accessories are just as important in outwear as the jackets and snow pants. Goggles are a must, along with waterproof mittens and beanies. Snowboarders at Welch Village tend to wear beanies with bills, more for the trend then to actually serve a function. Another accessory seen for the first time this season here in Minnesota is the bandana. Not just any bandana though, these bandanas have a soft wool liner attached to them, this way they can block the wind and keep your face warm at the same time.
Too cold on the slopes, warm up in the chalet! Inside North Face and Under Armor are the choice of dress. Both brands have advanced technology in there fabrications making the clothing ultra warm for the cold weather, although you won’t see graphic prints or bright colors, these brands typically make clothing in neutral colors, black being the most predominate.
Winter isn’t over yet, hit up the slopes, Minnesota style.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Behind the Curtain
Behind the Curtain
By: Kara Koepplin
Walking into the Westin in Edina for the “Look of Love” Fashion show I anticipated madness, chaos and people running around giving orders. To my pleasant surprise it was the exact opposite. When arriving to volunteer I felt nervous at first, I mean this was my very first fashion show that I actually had a role in. I’ve always been the one to attend shows, but had never had the opportunity to be “ behind the scenes”. I wanted to be sure to make my best impression. We were instructed to wait and talk with Allison and A.J of Ignite Models in the changing room. Upon walking in, my eye immediately was drawn towards the gorgeous racks of bridal gowns. They were absolutely stunning. I couldn’t help but wonder which ones my model would be wearing, I also couldn’t help but peak at the price tags…yikes! When we meet up with Allison and A.J they took us under their wing and gave me and the other volunteers a brief run through of what our role was. We were the “dressers” which meant that we help the models change in between each look. What I wasn’t aware of is how intense this role would be. Allison and A.J emphasized one important aspect of this particular role, which basically came down to “do it well and do it fast”. The other volunteers and I had been there since 8:30 a.m, after our quick run-through we sat around for quite some time. Coffee was definitely on the mind. I decided to really take in as to what goes on during this “behind the scenes” experience. As I had mentioned before, it was a lot more relaxed than I anticipated. Maybe I had this image of craziness because I watch too many Episodes of “The Hills” on MTV where there is always drama at fashion shows. I walked around, admired the Dresses and nonchalantly looked at the prices (yikes!). The merchandise we were working with was not only beautiful but the cost of 1 years rent. I was excited to see who I would be putting these extravagant dresses on. I was hoping she was nice and not the typical model that may think she’s a tad better than you. Slowly but surely the models started arriving with a Venti latte from Starbucks in their hand and most of them at least 8 inches taller than me. My confidence dissipated for a quick moment until I remembered that there is a first for everything. One model walked in and it was a familiar face. She was the Mother of the Bride model and just happened to be a family friend of mine since I was little. We exchanged hugsand she said she would love for me to be her dresser. I recommended the idea to Allison and A.J and they were fine with it. Whew, just knowing the model took a little pressure off for some reason.
By: Kara Koepplin
Walking into the Westin in Edina for the “Look of Love” Fashion show I anticipated madness, chaos and people running around giving orders. To my pleasant surprise it was the exact opposite. When arriving to volunteer I felt nervous at first, I mean this was my very first fashion show that I actually had a role in. I’ve always been the one to attend shows, but had never had the opportunity to be “ behind the scenes”. I wanted to be sure to make my best impression. We were instructed to wait and talk with Allison and A.J of Ignite Models in the changing room. Upon walking in, my eye immediately was drawn towards the gorgeous racks of bridal gowns. They were absolutely stunning. I couldn’t help but wonder which ones my model would be wearing, I also couldn’t help but peak at the price tags…yikes! When we meet up with Allison and A.J they took us under their wing and gave me and the other volunteers a brief run through of what our role was. We were the “dressers” which meant that we help the models change in between each look. What I wasn’t aware of is how intense this role would be. Allison and A.J emphasized one important aspect of this particular role, which basically came down to “do it well and do it fast”. The other volunteers and I had been there since 8:30 a.m, after our quick run-through we sat around for quite some time. Coffee was definitely on the mind. I decided to really take in as to what goes on during this “behind the scenes” experience. As I had mentioned before, it was a lot more relaxed than I anticipated. Maybe I had this image of craziness because I watch too many Episodes of “The Hills” on MTV where there is always drama at fashion shows. I walked around, admired the Dresses and nonchalantly looked at the prices (yikes!). The merchandise we were working with was not only beautiful but the cost of 1 years rent. I was excited to see who I would be putting these extravagant dresses on. I was hoping she was nice and not the typical model that may think she’s a tad better than you. Slowly but surely the models started arriving with a Venti latte from Starbucks in their hand and most of them at least 8 inches taller than me. My confidence dissipated for a quick moment until I remembered that there is a first for everything. One model walked in and it was a familiar face. She was the Mother of the Bride model and just happened to be a family friend of mine since I was little. We exchanged hugsand she said she would love for me to be her dresser. I recommended the idea to Allison and A.J and they were fine with it. Whew, just knowing the model took a little pressure off for some reason.
It’s Showtime!
The fashion show is close to starting so we all head to the stage and go “behind the scene” to our changing area. Well the changing area was about the size of a large walk-in closet so we knew this would be quit the challenge. Just imagine about 30 big billowing dresses, about ten assistants and models and the look of fear on all of our face. It was a priceless moment that I don’t think I’ll ever forget. We all knew it had to be done. The countdown has begun; the fashion show is about to start in less than five minutes. The anticipation begins, you can see it the faces of the models and the dressers. I take of my jacket, I didn’t want it getting in my way and at that point I think I may have sweat through it already (not attractive). I also take off my shoes, just to be sure there isn’t any tripping or ripping going on, I would have been mortified if I had even pulled a thread or broke a bead. My main focus was strictly on changing my model and having all of her clothes and accessories available the moment she got off the runway. Looking around, I was reassured that the other dressers and models were feeling just as anxious as I was. The MC comes on stage that just so happens to be Mary O’Regan, the style editor at Tiger Oak Publications. She notified the audience that the fashion show was about to start. The models all have their first look on and are lined up in their assigned order. My model was first, I felt proud when she stepped onto the stage, not only because I knew her but also because I was a part of why she looked stunning. I know I only dressed her, but I never realized how much the models rely on their dressers. If you don’t get them dressed correctly or if something looks wrong or out of place, it’s your fault. So needleless to say, it was a good feeling when your model steps out and looks flawless. As the second look approaches I only had a few models in-between which technically means a few minutes, like two to be exact. I quickly got her changed as others are doing the same. Dresses come off in split seconds, jewelry is flying off and shoes are swapped and exchanged and off they go. Another successful change had gone by and that means a happy model and a happy Kara. I felt my confidence boost a little at that very moment. There was only one more look to go and my anxiety withered away and relief took over.
It’s a wrap!
The show is about to wrap up, it was only about twenty minutes long but seemed about five minutes because of all the chaos going on backstage. My model Barb was all finished and congratulated me on my first real fashion show experience. My first thought was “That was it!” I was happy how it all went and was excited that I got to be a part of it. I couldn’t believe how quickly it all flew by and I was pleased that it all went smoothly and no one got hurt, failed to dress a model, or cracked under pressure. As all the models walked back to the dressing room to change, I think all of the volunteers looked at each other and let out a huge sigh of relief. It feels like such a great accomplishment when a fashion show goes well. We all talked about our individual crazy moments and laughed for a while, then it was time to go home. My first fashion event was a success, I walked away with a great experience and I definitely plan on doing more volunteer work in the future!
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