For years, Columbus designers have been all dressed up with no place to go. But this year, for the first time, local industry professionals decided to take matters into their own hands with the launch of Columbus Fashion Week.
Producer Ed Kavishe explained that the inspiration behind the event came on the heels of viewing a litany of local fashion shows that were high on fashion, but low on execution.
"The quality of the shows was just not there," he said. "A lot of clubs and galleries were not designed to host a fashion show. We wanted to create a real showcase for talented local designers and retailers."
Kavishe, a longtime high-fashion photographer whose clients include New York's Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, said there are several important factors needed to effectively show clothing. Proper lighting is key—too dim, and the garments' details will be lost; too harsh, and the results can be unflattering.
What: Columbus Fashion Week
When: March 13-17
Where: Bar of Modern Art, Downtown
Web: columbusfashionweek.com
Walk It Off
Columbus Fashion Week schedule of events
March 13, 8 p.m.: Designer/boutique G&Co, showcasing European denim designs and couture wear
March 14, 10 p.m.: The Design House of Atomic Geisha by Geisha EL Hasan
March 14, 11 p.m.: Xantha Designs' "Ghettoe Bluz" funky denim collection and accessories
March 15, 10 p.m.: Demetri by Samara Collins
March 16, 10 p.m.: Retailer Arden B
March 17, 10 p.m.: Grand Finale Show with European couture Designer Silva Levit
An amply long runway is also essential. "You need time to really see the clothes, not just take four or five steps and turn around," Kavishe said. "You need at least 60 feet to walk."
With this year's first Fashion Week, themed "Indulge in Fashion," Columbus joins the ranks of New York, Milan, Paris and other couture crossroads.
"Columbus is a pretty fashionable town, if you think about it," Kavishe said. "We've got Limited Brands and Abercrombie and Fitch right here in town, along with a lot of talented designers. We wanted to give those designers a real platform to showcase their work."
The shows aren't just for fun, either. They will serve to connect local designers with boutique owners, models, reps from the local fashion corporations, the press and the public, Kavishe added. It can be a vital step in furthering a designer's career.
Columbus Fashion Week events are open to the public. Tickets cost $20 per event; proceeds benefit NineMillion.org, a charity that aids refugee children around the world. Now the fashion-forward of Columbus can look good and feel good.
If you'd like to share your fashion sense with Off The Rack, e-mail mstarker@columbusalive.com
March 8th, 2007
Copyright © 2007 Columbus Alive, Inc. All rights reserved.
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