Mosaic
I hadn’t heard of this Lake City boutique, located about an hour outside of Charleston, until a chance encounter with owner, Leah Norwood, at the NYFW Nicole Miller show. Upon hearing about her store and the high end brands she carries, I quickly learned that small town didn’t mean small time! On night two, Mosaic Clothing made their Charleston Fashion Week debut and the show did not disappoint! They started out with airy bright whites- perfect for your spring travels.
Can we talk about this killer Mara Hoffman suit?! Seriously considering this one for my own summer wardrobe! Does this not scream Miami?! And the models braid!!! The entire look is just killer!!
Mosaic then took things in an edgy/boho direction with fringe layered over bold graphic prints. I especially love this last look! It looks effortless styled with black gladiators, but could easily be dressed up with a pair of black heels.
The last look was my absolute favorite of the night and definitely one of my top from the week! They took a super on trend high waisted black two piece and “Almost Famoused” it up with a shag throw situation, fabulous fringed heels and THAT HAIR!! I was in absolute 70’s heaven when she came down that runway!! Mosaic Clothing killed it with their first ever CHSFW show and I’m now officially dying to get in their store {and to explore Lake City}.
Ike Behar
Ike Behar, aka every Charleston prepster boy’s dream, came back for it’s second Charleston Fashion Week! The Miami based company has a store locally here on King St. that is run by local men’s fashion expert, Taylor Eubanks. He styled this show to perfection, combining classic menswear staples with innovative and fresh concepts. I really enjoyed his use of their ties as belts; the pattern play in the first look with the “belt” and jacket was fabulous!!
Ike absolutely killed the hat game on the runway!! The models had this swagger about them that definitely had something to do with their perfectly tailored jackets and sassy hats!
What would a menswear runway show be without a tux?! Ike did formal wear perfectly in my favorite tux jacket color, navy. Bonus: there was a man bun involved!!
Annina King
It’s no surprise that Annina King uses the words “feminine and strong” to describe herself, because that’s exactly what I would also say about her Fall 2015 Ready to Wear collection. The emerging designer says she uses influence from nature, “everything from a bare winter branch to storm skies and trees,” to inspire her designs. It was definitely a very wearable collection, with fits that would flatter women of any shape or size!
Elyssa Wingard
Lowcountry native, Elyssa Wingard, was by far my favorite of the evening!! It wasn’t just me either because she went on to be People’s Choice winner in the Emerging Designer Competition f0r Wednesday night. I loved her bright and fun Resort collection! The prints and colors were so perfect for summers in Charleston and the movement of her gowns was absolutely stunning! The entire crowd gasped when her opening gown came down the runway. Bravo Elyssa!! I can’t’ wait to see what more comes from this Charleston girl!!
Julia Le & Sean Mueller
This design duo are both still students at North Carolina State University, Julie pursuing a degree in fashion and textile management and Sean in studio art. Considering their interest in visual arts, it’s no surprise that they are heavily influenced by Jackson Pollock’s action paintings. Upon seeing the artist’s work in Florence, Italy, the two decided to bring that to the runway. What became was a beautiful collection of flawlessly structured pieces featuring that signature paint splattered look. Julie and Sean have successfully combined art and fashion in their Fall 2015 collection shown at Charleston Fashion Week, and they haven’t even graduated college! I know these two have a bright future in any arts they decide to pursue!
Gloria Forehand
Gloria Forehand not only wound up winning the Wednesday night portion of the Emerging Designer Competiton, but also went on to win the whole shebang!! No surprise that this designer comes to Charleston Fashion Week from NYC with a degree from F.I.T. Gloria has lived in the U.S. since she was 21, however, it was her Korean roots that inspired this collection. The quality of her work is undeniable and I definitely think that her gowns are red carpet worthy!! Fern Mallis even mentioned she could picture her working for someone such as Carolina Herrera- which has to be a huge honor for an emerging designer!
Christian Caldwell 
Christian designs specifically for the real life woman- one who isn’t afraid to have fun with fashion, but also wants it to be comfortable, functional and affordable! Anyone else love hearing about designers like this?! I loved all of her stand out pieces and could definitely see myself wearing most of her collection!
Harbison
The Harbison show is quite possibly the highlight of Charleston Fashion Week for me!! Not only did he dress BEYONCE for the Kanye West x Adidas show at NYFW, but Queen Bey’s got it right- his designs are out of this world!! Bonus: he’s also superrr nice and down to earth! I love how his collection perfectly embodies the strong and feminine of the women. His more structured and color blocked pieces {looking at you Beyonce coat} really stand for that strength. Then, the more flowy fabrics with ruffled edges and in soft colors, really show the more feminine side of a woman. The show was just absolutely flawless and I’m officially dying for some Harbison in my life!! He’s definitely going to go far and fast!!
Photos: Side Yard Studios
iPhone Highlights Night 2
what a gem!
