In addition to checking out great fashion , Memphis Fashion Week also presents opportunities to check out cool places around town – previous locations include the gorgeous Cadre building and an airplane hanger. This year was no exception with the Featured Designer shook at the soon to open Crosstown Concourse. Crosstown has been a HUGE deal in Memphis and is a complete re-vitalization of an old sears warehouse that will now be mixed use retail, office and residential space. Here’s a sneak peak of the inside:
Doors for the show open 1 hour prior to the start and there was a photo booth by the entrance. Lots of mingling and photo taking going on before the show. Before the show and also during each intermission there were freeze models wearing different looks from sponsoring local boutiques – I really enjoy the freeze model aspect of these events.
For general admission there was a bar with beer and wine available and ample seating set in an arc around the lobby. For VIPs there was a separate lounge with light appetizers and a full bar and reserved front row seating – this was great because we were running late and didn’t have to worry about missing out on a good seat. We wound up sitting right by where the model stop for professional photos so I got a REALLY good look at all of the clothing and the details – we also sat right across from Nicole Miller – but more on that later.
I tried to photograph each outfit but some photos didn’t come out well enough to share. Keep in mind I was seated right before the pause point so the models were still walking in my photos, also I’m not a pro photographer but I do want to share the awesomeness that I saw!
First up for the evening was Sheila Jay Designs. I had the pleasure of meeting Sheila at the kickoff event (her dress is the really beautiful reversible one) and again in the VIP lounge. Not only is Sheila super talented but she is so sweet! This was her first runway show and her designs killed it and her attention to detail is excellent.
Everything was beautiful but I am especially interested in the last outfit. After two nights of fashion shows I’ve decided I need to take a serious look in investing in local fashion when purchasing my investment pieces for my wardrobe. All pieces are 100% cotton and Sheila has an option for custom orders on her website – woohoo! Also, her pricing is very reasonable- $65 for the wrap tunics, $150 for the romper in my first photo.
Next up was another local designer – Beg and Borrow. This line features custom shirts and shirt dresses for women. I got a little peak at the kickoff event and let me tell you – there is quite the variety of fabric and prints to choose from and the craftsmanship is impeccable. Also, because each piece is made to measure it’s all customizable. Do y’all know the struggle of being plus sized AND tall? I’ve already started communication with the designer to get one of my own and I am SOOO excited. I see myself building a little collection of these versatile pieces, which by the way start at $150 (that’s for a custom made for you piece y’all – wow!)
Even Shaun, who was in begrudging attendance (he’s so not into this kind of thing but he was a very good sport) showed interest in this collection. I love how versatile these pieces are – the hardest part will be choosing what color to get for my first one.
Since these posts are pretty picture heavy I’m going to cover two designers per post so be sure to check back tomorrow for the other two featured designers and follow me on Instagram.