Bernadette Jeudy & Roxanne Walton
Night 3 started off with the youngest guys under the tents totally stealing the show!! I think it’s safe to say that Emerging Designers, Bernadette Jeudy and Roxanne Walton, had the most adorable models of the week, but their designs definitely kept up with the little fellas wearing them! The idea for their line, Préparatoire, began when shopping for Bernadette’s nephew and realizing the lack of stylish options for boys. Their designs are guided by their heightened awareness of color and trim, which you can see in the attention to trim detailing on almost every piece. The collection featured classic styles with trendy details and upgrades to create a modern look. Basically, it gave me some major baby fever so I can start dressing my kiddos right away! I just love the little man look on little boys!
Gabrielle Mandel
Gabrielle Mandel doesn’t just have fashion in mind when designing, but also what social topic she’s going to portray. The socially conscious designer chose the idea of urban renewal as inspiration for her Fall 2015 collection. How perfect is that for Charleston Fashion Week- one of the oldest cities that is constantly seeing buildings transform! What evolved from this influence was a collection full of darker graphic prints on flowing materials. I can definitely see the urban inspiration coming through her designs!
Dinah Lightsey
If you know me, you know I love a good swimwear designer and Dinah Lightsey is definitely one to watch! This South Carolina girl is spot on with her attempt to leave a little mystery to the women’s body, as one pieces and high waisted bottoms are so on trend in swimwear! I would absolutely wear any of the suits pictured here and love that they’re so different from anything in stores now. Hello- a swimsuit with an illusion neckline?! Sign me up!!
Andie Enomoto & Taylor Kaclick
I must say, I’m pretty shocked that this NYC duo didn’t take the cake in the Emerging Designer Competiton! But, they were the winners for the night and they definitely garnered some attention to their innovative designs! The girls drew inspiration from childhood memories of their fathers- one who surfs and one who hunts- to create a collection that takes you from the sea to the land. You could absolutely see this journey in their show and they did an amazing idea of taking that concept and turning it into wearable fashion. My eyes definitely lean more toward the sea portion of the collection, but the entire show was beautiful and unique!
Caroline Hulsey
This southern Georgia gal, turned NYC fashion student, came back down to her roots and showed CHSFW what she’s been up to the past several years! Caroline focuses on creating classic and functional pieces and generally sticks to a neutral color palette- hello a minimalists dream!! But, her designs are anything but boring! Can we talk about this knit gown?! Tell me a week ago I’m going to love a knit gown and I would tell you you’re crazy, but Caroline quickly proved me wrong with this gorgeous piece of art! Apparently, it took her over 18 hours to make!! Whether back here in the south, or up in the big apple, this young designer has a bright future in fashion!
Belk
Belk dominated Thursday night at CHSFW, having not only the largest show of the week, but also getting beloved designer, Trina Turk, here!! Their show started out with fresh and springy looks fit for any Easter Sunday. I love this last outfit and the idea of skipping the traditional “Easter dress” and instead wearing a dressy cropped pant and nice blouse. It’s super on trend with this light blue color {my personal fav} and the pleated top.
They then showed off another of my favorite spring trends- all white {errything}. A classic all white look is just lovely and Belk proves that you can rock it at any age! How gorgeous are these ladies?! They’ve definitely got something for all of you soon to be brides out there also- think showers, luncheons and rehearsal dinner wear!
The show then kicked things up a notch with upbeat tunes and models dancing down the runway for some fabulous resort wear! This portion was full of bright colors and looks that could take you from day to night on any tropical vacay!
Next came safari inspired summer looks! These were full of rich earth tones and boho touches such as fringe and tribal prints. They would also make for great vacation wear and if you’re anything like me would also become staples in your summer wardrobe. I just love an easy breezy boho look in the summer!
It wouldn’t be a department store fashion show in Charleston without a little nautical inspired wear! Chambray, navy blue, white and sailboat prints were the name of the game!
This portion of the Belk show was probably my favorite- black and white with pops of neon! I love how they took structured shapes with geometric or striped prints in classic black and white, then accessorized with subtle pops of green or orange. They then paired these looks with on trend chunky sandals, making it super modern. I would wear every outfit from this part of the show- LOVE!
Before bringing out the big finale, their Trina Turk show, Belk cooled things off with grayscale and metallic looks. I especially loved the men’s look and the twins’ look in this portion. I love relaxed athletic wear get ups that are still totally appropriate for public!
Belk- Trina Turk
How do you really kill it on Thursday night at Charleston Fashion Week?! Oh, just have a Trina Turk show- NBD!! As a longtime fan of the brand, I could not have been more excited to see her show!! Bonus: I was seated right across from her and could see every look and reaction (all good Belk, so don’t worry!!) In typical Trina Turk fashion, the show was fun and upbeat with lots of bold prints and bright colors. I think it had everyone in the audience craving a little sunshine!
It wouldn’t be a proper Trina Turk show without some of her signature swimwear- my personal favorite of her designs! I just love how festive they are for summer or a vacation somewhere tropical!
How did I get left out of this fan club moment?!
She totally loved it and we all totally loved her!!
Photos: Side Yard Studios
iPhone Highlights
post shoot with the lady behind the lens- Susan Lloyd Photography
if you saw me at CHSFW, it was prob like this
with the lady of the night- Trina Turk (hate you tent lighting)
ran into Harbison with some of my besties that night, so photo was a must- he’s the nicest ever! #redeyes
