Chic in the City Report
May 31st, 2010 by Paula Rath
Poet Bridget Gray, wearing a jacket by Doug Jago, recited her original works between each of the designers' segments.
"The best fashion show I've ever seen in Hawaii!"
"Such a great event! I had tons of fun all night long."
"What fabulous fashions! We have so much talent in Hawaii!"
"I loved the little extras like the mime and mannequins on the stage and the lady on stilts to spice it up,"
"The music and pacing were great!"
"Bridget Gray's poetry dividing up the designers was a stroke on genius."
Erin Ludolph opened the show with a stunning collection of evening looks. Here she takes feathers to new heights.
These were just a few of the comments I heard after the Chic in the City fashion show, as we were waiting in line to get into the Dole theatre to see the movie "Sex and the City 2.".
No question about it. It was a great event, from the greeting by the clown on stilts (oh no, I am drawing a blank on her name - she is Sierra Dew's mother who lives on Maui and came over just for the event) to the clothes on the runway to the visuals that added excitement to the runway, foyer and ballroom. It was truly a transformative evening for island fashion.
Suzanna Kuhlemann created this swimsuit as a nod to the New York skyline.
Amanda Stevens did a phenomenal job with this first-time event. Those who attended hope it will become an annual event.
While there were terrific pupu, cocktails and silent auction, the fashion show was the centerpiece of the evening. The show, called Cirque du Culture, rocked!
A theme is always helpful to fashion designers. It gives them a clear direction. As a former designer I understand it's hard to rein in the overabundance of thoughts and ideas. There are always far too many design concepts than what can be plausibly produced.
The circus theme offers a plethora of design ideas for clothing and accessories and each designer clearly had fun interpreting Cirque du Culture.
Jodi Salmonson's supremely wearable Martique line went to the circus with fun accessories.
The theme was enhanced by the poetry of Bridget Gray, who performed between each designer's segment. What a talent! Kudos to Sierra Dew for securing her. And wow did she rock Doug Jago's hand painted shirt.
Each designer showcased a carefully edited collection, with most pieces created specifically for the show and speaking to the theme.
And, hey, the music was great! I know Sierra listened to hundreds of hours of music to make her selections and all her work paid off. The music was highly original, exciting and yet did not overpower the performances of the models.
It was indeed an honor to have Anya on the runway. I think she helped all the models kick it up a notch. And she's such a pleasure to work with. No drama or diva-esque rantings, just plain great work on the runway and kindness and thoughtfulness back stage.
Rene worked his wonders backstage to make it all come together in a professional manner. The timing was impeccable and the models right on cue.
Hair and makeup by the likes of Ryan Jacobie and Jessica Hoffman helped set the tone and up the ante for the models.
As a fashion writer I do, of course, attend a lot of fashion shows. So many are formulaic and, well, boring. There was nothing ho-hum about Cirque du Culture. It's one I will remember for many years. Congratulations to all who were involved.
- Paula Rath
Willow Chang modeled an adorable Sierra Dew dress and danced her way down the runway.
Doug Jago went over the top with his collection. Recognize the model? She's Dezilynn, 14, of Waianae, who was our model for my Alice in Wonderland shoot in March.
Mahalo to Jerry Mayfield for the photos!
Tags: Amanda Stevens, Chiic in the City, Doug Jago, Erin Ludolph, Jodi Salmonson, Sierra Dew, Suzanna Kuhlemann
