Wow, what an amazing week! The team at Haberdashery can't say enough about our experience at the 2012 Charleston Fashion Week. It was nothing less than a high-speed car chase beginning last Sunday and stretching through to the wee hours of the following Sunday morning. We're still basking in the afterglow of a successful week. But after countless hours on our feet (in heels no less), our footsies sure are glad it's over.
The highlights? We arrived in Charleston on Sunday, March 18 and fit our eight models in only one hour. That initial hour would pretty much prepare us for the pace of the week to come. On Monday, we continued to fit models in the morning and then retreated to our comfy and magnificent store space, ONE Boutique on King Street, where we would do our final alterations and preparations throughout the week. Tuesday marked opening night of Charleston Fashion Week and we were thrilled to support our Savannah friend, designer Emily Bargeron with Mamie Ruth. Fantastic line! Wednesday we put the finishing touches on our collection and again enjoyed taking in great night of fashion under the tent. After an already grueling week, Haberdashery owner and lead designer, and CFW Emerging Designer semifinalist Ashley Newsome took a day off to prepare mentally for the next evening's runway show (and enjoy some tastes of the city). Sadly, she missed seeing the Copper Penny collection, styled by another Savannah local and friend, Mitchell Hall.
Now for the ACTION - Friday! We started hardcore preparations at 4:30 pm. We arrived on the scene and began unpacking, organizing our line - including the clothes, shoes, and accessories - by line. After a little hiccup on account of overheating power outlets, we were able to steam and press all eight of our looks. Models arrived a little after 7:00 pm but we found ourselves down to the wire with three of our models walking in the show immediately preceding ours. Our team has never worked so fast in their lives - dressing each of the last three models in less than two minutes, as the hair and make-up crew diligently worked around us.
The show was more gorgeous than any of us anticipated. The models were divine and wore each look with poise, style, and grace. Designer Ashley Newsome did not walk away the night's winner but she walked away with a great deal of respect from the fashion world and the many attendees at the show. She also walked away with a great deal of pride and appreciation for the experience.
The week ended with Saturday's Bridal Show during the day, which featured designer Rachel Gordon, and the evening show that was highlighted by the Emerging Designer finalists. Congratulations to Savannahian and fellow SCAD graduate Hannah Goff for winning the Emerging Designer competition. Everyone celebrated that evening at the Charleston Aquarium.
SPECIAL THANKS goes out to Haberdashery intern Kaitlyn Machos. We sincerely couldn't have done it without her. She even gave up her Spring Break to come and support us. Also, endless thanks to Rachel Gordon and Sarah Poe of ONE Boutique for letting us borrow their space as basecamp/makeshift studio and for letting us use their fabulous merchandise as accessories in the show (pictured above).
Our debt of gratitude also extends to Meredith Sutton for her to-die-for, handmade, period-influenced jewelry and accessories (example pictured above), Dennis Burnett for his photography, and the lovely ladies at SATCHEL for the custom leather handbags that complimented our looks on the runway. THANK YOU to Summer Teal Simpson and Anita Akella for rolling up their sleeves to help us prepare the show backstage Friday night. And to Will Kubley for his help putting together tracks for the show.
Personal thanks go out from Ashley to her parents, her boyfriend, Nick, and to all her family, friends, customers, and followers for their tireless patience and support of her and Haberdashery over the past few months as she prepared for last week.
Last, but not least, endless thanks go to Charleston Fashion Week - the models, staff, judges, volunteers, supporters, patrons, and sponsors - for giving this designer a chance to prove what she's made of.
Check out our interview on local Blog "Charleston Low Country Boil".
For information on how to acquire any of the looks from the CFW line, please contact Haberdashery for pricing.
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