The Michigan Fashion Week Review

Cleveland,

I hate to say this..but accept defeat.

The first annual Michigan Fashion Week has surpassed my standards.

A proper venue, an organized set up, and helpful production made this show a success.

Last show i attended i felt a little over dressed in a vintage Faviana dress, so i decided to go with something a bit more casual. I wore a GUESS white tank, a Charlotte Russe hi-low skirt, a forever21 belt, and my go-to fashion industry shoes.. taupe suede Jeffrey Campbell Lita boots.

 

Southfield Pavillion held Michigan's first annual fashion week. The actual location was in a beautiful building, but finding the event was an issue, especially for someone that didn't  know the area. I was expecting a sign or something, but ended up frustratingly yelling out my window to locals, asking for directions. When i got inside, I gave the security my name and was  presented with a press pass wristband.. incredibly exciting since it's the first one of my entire career.

After a fifteen minute wait and a lot of confusion, I was seated right next to the photographers. I was annoyed that it took so long, but sitting front and center made up for it. At this point, i was impressed with the direction of staff and everything that went into making this show organized.

The host, Bianca Golden, was a cycle 9 contestant on America's Next Top Model. She was upbeat, beautifully dressed and supportive of an event in her home state. Bianca wore a black mesh sheath flare dress by Erika Hicks. She made a statement with her sheer front and perfectly placed petals. I'm obsessed with ANTM &  Project Runway, so meeting cast members of both shows this year was a dream come true. 

Andrea is the designer of Tidal Cool Creations.

The first time i saw her collection was this past spring at Cleveland Fashion Week. Her recent african-inspired runway 2013 Spring/Summer collection was full of beautiful pieces that had me missing the summer breeze already. Playful, patterned resort-like pieces including a-line frocks, girly halter dresses, elegant jumpsuits and sexy hotpant/corset combos made Andrea's collection the victim of constant compliments from the surrounding audience. My favorite look is the dress shown above; foxy & fashionable. 

 

Taylor's designs were especially elegant featuring white tones mixed with dark detail. She included all season wear, quality coats, flare pants, and carefully constructed pieces. My favorite ensemble was the statement making combination of a peplum ivory top and patterned jersey trousers.

Thierry Couture is focused on preppy detail and unique styles. She gave "couture" a new meaning by designing high quality pieces specifically for every day wear. Pretty ruffles, interesting textures and surprising colors came together to feed the visual stimuli.

 

Tyna Fanciee Logan created an inspiring collection of sass and style. Each piece was ready to wear blended with incredible elements of high fashion. The look was signature; adding a simple piece like leggings to a bandeau/vest combo became a spot light stealing ensemble.

Vintage Ties by Jaiden was a definitely a fresh collection that kept the show fun and interesting. His ties and accessories were studded, patterned, shredded and styled to perfection. Jaiden paired each design with a sick collection of menswear, fashioned to great taste.

Fun frocks were the basis of Siana's collection.

A great feature was the wide variety of texture and shape. Her dresses were very much my style; flirty, short skirts with high necklines and long sleeves. I can see her designs being worn by fashion power houses like Rachel Zoe or Rihanna.

 

Addiction Designs by Jamilla was definitely a respectable line.

Peplum blouses, banded skirts, constructed a-line silhouettes, and geometric patterns kept this collection focused on future trends yet still incorporated timeless elements, like cinched waists.

Overall, Michigan Fashion Week killed it. While they can't call themselves Chicago or New York, they held their own especially for their first ever showcase event. Each designer presented their collection by starting off with a personable video describing their collection, a nice touch that gave background behind their inspiring pieces. Plus size and male models strutted down the runway, a fresh vision among the rail thin models that clumped through MBFW last week. Great work to all who organized and completed Michigan's first annual Fashion Week. From the looks of Spring/Summer 2013 collections, we're about to have a fiercely fashionable year.