Michigan Fashion Week Makes Its Debut

Michigan Fashion Week (MFW) debuted to a crowded room of excited attendees, this past Saturday night, at the Southfield Civic Center. Fourteen designers

 showcased their collections on the runway in the first-time fashion event. The list of designers to present showcases include: Siana Treece, Taylor Tankson,

 Terry-Ann Phillips, Fanciee Clothing, Andrea Howell, Crystal White, Jaiden Shephard, Addiction Designs by Jamalia, Monica Lynn, Christine Mapondera, Johnny

 Bomber, KAJ Elliott, Marvela Boutique, and Erika Hicks.

 Upon entry, there were a few vendors lined up against the outer edge of the event that sold items of clothing, jewelry, and accessories. A live band played and

 sang popular tunes in the background to keep guests grooving. There were also light refreshments provided to nibble on and blue punch to sip on.

 Guests began to trickle in little by little. But by 7:00pm, groups of people steadily poured into the event. The designer showcase began 15 minutes later than

 expected. However it kicked with an energetic intro from MFW creator, Loren Jordan and America’s Top Model cycle 9 finalist, Bianca Golden.

 Bianca Golden wore a black flare dress, with black petals embellished on the front, and a sheer back. It was a simple yet sexy dress from the Ever Collection by

 Erika Hicks.

 Loren Jordan kept it sophisticated and fashionable as she appeared before the crowd in a long, charcoal gown with rhinestones around the neck. One of the major

 points stressed about MFW was that it was one of the few fashion events that allowed designers to showcase their collections for free to the public.

 Many different groups and forms of media provided their sponsorship to the event. The online artist network, Access4Artists, was among the most visible sponsors

 at the event. After a few brief introductions and a lively performance by girl group, Lois Lane, the designer showcases began.

 Before each runway presentation, each designer shared his or her fashion background and the inspiration for behind his or her collection. Crystal White described

 her collection as “sexy, office chic” while designer Siana Treece described her collection as “secret garden” inspired.

 Each designer brought a young and unique perspective to the collection they created. From Terry-Ann Phillips’ colorful and feminine collection to the urban,

 casual vibe of Johhny Bomber’s clothing, there was a variety of fashion flavor to see.

 Perhaps, the most impressive part of MFW was that many designers had only been designing for a few years yet were able to put together collections to present for

 one of their biggest or first professional fashion events.

 The models also brought their own style and personality to their struts down the runway. Overall, MFW drew a large crowd for its first year and gave upcoming

 local designers an opportunity to step further into the fashion industry.

 MFW came together in an organized fashion event in its first year and displayed a promise for more development as it progresses into the future. Like all local

 fashion events, it will be the public’s embrace and the participation of local fashion talent that will determine the future success of MFW.

 Raquel is a Michigan native with a Bachelors in Journalism from the University of Michigan. She loves fashion and writing about life’s everyday stories. She has

 written for various local publications that include Dearborn Press & Guide and Detroit Fashion Pages. Raquel also writes for her own local events blog, Metro

 Diva Pages.