Saint Louis Fashion Week’s Industry Night brought a taste of New York Fashion Week to the Show Me State. Industry Night, held last night at Windows on Washington, featured runway presentations by nationally recognized designers who showcased their latest collections. Even Fern Mallis, the creator of New York Fashion Week, made an appearance at the event.
Industry Night began with presentations by emerging designers—Dipped & Dyed, Suzanne Lay, Paulie Gibson, and Blue Bird Apparel—during a cocktail party before the runway show. This presentation format allowed for crucial interaction between attendees and the models wearing the clothing as well as the designers who were available to discuss their collections. After talking with Genevieve Cortinovis, founder of Dipped & Dyed, I became more intrigued by her line because it prioritizes socially conscious production.
Here are photographs I took of my favorite looks from Industry Night:
Runway Show
The Industry Night runway show followed with collections by nationally recognized designers, Jennifer Chun and Samantha Pleet, and local designers, Wai Ming and Laura Kathleen. Wai Ming sent the first collection down the runway, a very classic and polished collection featuring black and white, graphic houndstooth prints, and leather.
Laura Kathleen, who also presented at the Project Runway show, sent her second collection of this Saint Louis Fashion Week down the runway. This one was über glamourous and exquisitely tailored.
Jennifer Chun presented a sporty chic collection. The luxe athletic pieces were both casual and sophisticated.
Brooklyn designer, Samantha Pleet, presented a collection filled with lots of dimension. The pieces were relaxed, but far from basic because of special details like her playful prints and cutout designs. We also got a close look at some of her new shoe and boot designs, perfect complements to her looks.
Eva Franco closed Industry Night with a fun, feminine, and flirty collection. Even the models couldn’t contain their excitement as they playfully strutted down the runway. Her pieces featured fresh colors, fantastic prints, and form-flattering silhouettes.
