I was thrilled to be selected as a Saint Louis Fashion Week VIP blogger again this year — my first piece of published writing came about when I was 18 because of STLFW (and a very kind reporter), and my earliest bits of blog business were found alongside the same series. Even outside of the amazing fashions, STLFW has a special spell on me, so I’m always prepared to take a few days off work and hit every possible event.
I have returned from the four-day extravaganza a sleepier woman with a purse-load of stories and photos to share. Up first? The official STLFW events and my favorite shots from the runway.
Emerging Designer Competition at St. Louis Union Station
The shows kicked off with this runway presentation featuring five finalists. With more than 1,200 people in the audience, the $25,000 Caleres Emerging Designer Award presented by Saint Louis Fashion Fund was awarded to Houghton (by Katharine Polk) at the end of the evening. Houghton’s hippie-chic silhouettes and unique use of cut-outs stayed stuck in my head, as did Haus Alkire’s pattern party and Novis’ amazing selection of fabric.
Wear It St. Louis at The Luminary
This still presentation featured 10 local designers, all responding to the prompt: Create a look inspired by a famous piece of artwork. Held in the industrial Luminary, this event took the STLFW crowd down to Cherokee Street. At the end of the event, ALIVE Media Group and Stevens – The Institute of Business & Arts presented $5,000 to winner Nasheli Ortiz.
While all the creations were outstanding, Destini Gamble’s jumpsuit and headpiece stole the show in my opinion. (PS: How does that model look so damn chic in pigtails? Tell me your secrets!)
Fantich & Young at Projects + Gallery
For the first time in the U.S., London designers Mariana Fantich and Dominic Young showcased Apex Predator | Darwinian Voodoo in St. Louis’ Central West End. Wondering why your mind has turned so morbid? Don’t fret — you really are looking at (faux) bone, teeth, and hair. It’s the ‘lifestyle brand’ for the alpha male and alpha female! Who needs red-soled stilettos when you have molars and cuspids on your shoes?
Designer Pop-Up Shop at the Skif International studio
The week of events wrapped up with the Designer Pop-Up Shop. Located inside the studio of one of St. Louis’ top fashion lines, this event was equal parts shopping and inspiration. The Skif studio was, for lack of a better word, out-of-control-insane. And I loved it.
I obviously couldn’t leave empty handed; more on that treasure soon.
If we’re friends on Instagram, you know I have more STLFW updates on the way. Thanks to Explore St. Louis Convention Center and the Midwest Influencer Network, I was able to spend my time between shows in style. (Like literally every minute between shows. So rad, so exhausting.) Stay tuned, dolls.
Thank you Saint Louis Fashion Week, Explore St. Louis, Midwest Influencer Network, St. Louis Union Station, and all other event partners. I was invited to these events and asked to share them with you. However, all opinions are my own!
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