It happened in Columbus, Ohio! The sixth annual Columbus Fashion Week takes place at the Columbus Athenaeum. Hosting both the Wedding Runway Show and the Grand Finale Runway Show, Columbus Fashion week didn’t disappoint. Founder and Executive Director Tommy McClure, together with his team of talented board members, designers, models, and production crew put together an unforgettable event to host in the Capital.
Approachable and friendly, Tommy easily shares his passion for Columbus Fashion Week as “Fashion with a heart”. Columbus Fashion Week is a non-profit organization that hosts philanthropic events throughout the week. Proceeds are used to award scholarships to deserving students pursuing a degree in fashion.
Tommy is happy to share what’s new in this year’s show. This year the Finale Runway Show presented two celebrity headliners. Celebrity stylist Stevie Boi opened the show, while veteran stylist David Tupaz wrapped up the perfect fashion night. Falling in between the two, local Columbus talent peppered the runways with looks galore for those with a penchant for style.
Celebrity stylist Stevie Boi swoops in on Columbus adding energy and excitement to the runway. Known for his glasses worn by Lady Gaga, in addition to the style of big-name celebrities like Beyoncé, Stevie Boi showed off his Spring/Summer 2016 collection on the Columbus Runway. Her classic black and white combination comes with vibrant accessories. She ended her runway collection with a model wearing a white leotard, an intricately studded motorbike jacket and slick glasses. This sophisticated performance opened the show in a big way!
Celebrity Stylist David Tupaz joined the weeklong event to share wisdom and insight to encourage people in the industry. A fashion connoisseur in his own right, David outfitted the Runway Finale in amazing glamour. David’s vintage Hollywood style graced the runway in elaborate dresses, and indulgent ready-to-wear. Not only does she incorporate black and white into her designs, she effectively brings out refreshing floral prints by using luxurious fabrics and vibrant colours.
Black and white with splashes of red, emerged as a prominent theme amongst designers. Prissy Duck teamed up with a black and white houndstooth print cape that also doubled as a chic hood that complemented a classic red dress with houndstooth cuffs. On the other hand, designer Kevin Black opened with white as his color of choice for his elegant dress featuring a breezy fabric resembling warmer weather. Genoveva Christoff caught the eye of the audience with her signature laser cut skin. Using a bejeweled toned palette paired with black and her laser cut designs, Genoveva filled the runways with her collection. Lubna Designs is known for flowing fabrics with lovely movements and delightful lace overlays. Lubna does not disappoint audiences with its signature overlays to add a special touch to classic silhouettes. Kelley Elyse Designs uses neoprene to deliver a classy style. Designer Kelley Plas of Kelly Elyse Designs, with a creative neoprene ready-to-wear structure also in black and white. New to the runway, Tamara Holder brings out the unique aesthetic of using burlap as the fabric of choice for her resort collection. The celebration of her island heritage translates to cool but chic island clothing.
The Wedding Runway Show managed to set the tone on Thursday night for the upcoming Runway Finale Show. The Wedding Show opened with an interesting video with this year’s theme, “The Evolution of Marriage”. Councilor Renard Green shared the concept from a historical perspective starting in the Garden of Eden, moving to the Emancipation Proclamation, continuing to the legalization of interracial marriage, ultimately developing into the legalization of same-sex marriage. Renard added that this year’s show highlighted the emerging trend of more colours, patterns, and coordinating her bridal wear.
In addition, Style Director, Nia Noelle shares what will be different from this year’s Wedding Runway Show. The runway itself is a refreshing change. Past the crowd, there is no bad seat in the house. Everyone got a closer look at the attractive fashions as the models walked and paced the petal-clad runway. Nia shared a number of styles in the show including a marriage dress designed in denim by Melissa Koch.
The Bridal Show opens with lovely girls lining the runway in red flower petals, followed by a little boy and girl, hand in hand walking down the runway. Next, the designers showcased their collections for Spring/Summer 2016. This year’s exhibition features exclusive menswear from Persona in addition to The Bespoken Mogul. Additionally, Lubna Designs gives us a look at its first menswear collection. The Persona men clad in their signature colourful patterned jackets with classic stripes. Designer Zuri Greer calls her collection “non-traditional, traditional”. Persona pushes the envelope in men’s suits by incorporating floral and paisley designs to appeal to men who want a more sophisticated aesthetic. On the other hand The Bespoken Mogul incorporates more traditional patterns and patterns while using color to showcase her collection. Finally, Lubna Designs comes with a more casual look for men who are preparing for their big day.
Designer Joan Madison of Joan’s Bridal Couture stood out in a dramatic cape and trouser suit bridal dress. Dressed in lovely striped fabrics, Joan’s collection fills the air with excitement! Gasps and applause were the responses encountered as each model swept the runway.
The robed dress is presented in a cream color with a rich satin lining. Adorned around the shoulders and collarbones only, Joan shows how easy elegance can make an impact. Joan captivated audiences with her textured trouser suit. At first glance the clothes looked like traditional wedding attire, but upon closer inspection they turned out to be pants.
Columbus Fashion Week is a joyous week crammed with fashion. Founder and Executive Director Tommy McClure shared that Columbus is still making a mark in the fashion industry. Additionally, Columbus Fashion Week is gaining a foothold in the fashion industry as it continues to encourage creativity and infuse style into the landscape of Columbus, Ohio.
