Every day is a fashion show and the world is your runway. – Coco Chanel
It’s exciting that we have a Fashion Week in New Orleans. I know when we think of Fashion Week you immediately think of New York but there are fashion designers all over the country and it’s an incredible opportunity to highlight the fashion industry in New Orleans.
You can catch up on the whole week in this six minute video…
Fashion is artistic expression. Fashion shows are walking art exhibits.
Fashion shows are an opportunity for a designer to showcase their upcoming line. Typically these shows are attended by buyers and media to gain exposure to the brand and potentially be picked up by a storefront. While New York and Paris Fashion Week are the most influential, other Fashion Weeks have been popping up all over the country for years to gain exposure for local designers.
Tracee Dundas started New Orleans Fashion Week 9 years ago with the goal to highlight designers and artisans in the local New Orleans area. She works tirelessly to put on this seven day event.
This year I was able to attend five out of the seven events. It was very inspirational to be surrounded by so much creative energy and I wanted to share it all with you.
Grand Glam: The Artistry of Carnival Fashion
This event was to highlight the incredible artistry that goes into creating costumes for Mardi Gras. Something unique about New Orleans is that there is an entire section of the fashion industry that is constantly creating outfits and costumes for our Carnival Royalty and krewes. Take a look at this video for more.
Shoesday Tuesday
Hosted by Canal Place and dedicated to all things SHOES! This was such a fun event for networking and the show was interactive. Models moved throughout the crowd and you could get a firsthand look at everything they were displaying. We were also treated to a fun pop up show by Afri Modiste on the second floor at the Salon Gallery which is a part of the New Orleans Arts Council.
ORLÉANS originale X ORLEANS nouvelle
Hosted by Degas House this event allowed New Orleans Fashion Week to partner with our sister city in France. Two designers, Martial Tapolo and Soleo, from Orleans, France were able to attend along with their Deputy Mayor, Beatrice Odunlami. Beautiful French Fashion were on the agenda for the evening!
Top Designer Challenge
This is always one of my favorite nights. The top designer challenge is for up and coming local designers who have never had the opportunity to have a fashion show before. Many of these designers are right out of school. This is an amazing opportunity for these designers. Also, I want to give a huge thank you to designer Nia for her body positive, all curvy girl, show! It was inspirational and I loved it all. You can follow her here. She’s going to do big things!
Runway Shows
I was only able to attend the runway shows on Friday night but it was a great night. My friend Cara Bennett debuted her second line for MoveMe Fit. I also got to see one of my new favorites, Sparkle City, and my night was made when I was introduced to Cookie Dubois Clothing!
What I Wore
I had a fashion “plan” a few weeks before NOFW. I knew I wanted to wear my purple striped dress from Mallie in Covington with sneakers. Unexpected outfits were the BURU top with navy sequin skirt that I literally put on at the last moment. My Anna Sui from Target dress was also a last minute decision because it came in the mail the day before. My favorite look was the gunmetal rhinestone top and accessories from the Villa in Mandeville and the gold Anthropologie skirt. I felt like the sun and the stars in that look!
I loved feeling fun and funky and every look was definitely uniquely mine.
Til’ next year NOFW… XO
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