BFW: Sweat and Spice Spectacular

I attended the Sweat and Spice Spectacular as part of Bellevue Fashion Week tonight and didn’t have any expectations at all with one exception – I was expecting to see some athletic wear. The event description states, ‘enjoy savory treats, witness incredible live performances, explore our latest functional product line and leave inspired.’ They were able to deliver all that they promised and more.

The event was presented by Lululemon Athlectica with all proceeds benefiting the Bellevue Boys and Girls Club. The show started out with Bollywood Infusion Dance Performers and they did an awesome job! Then we had Kathy Haggart, president of the Boys and Girls Club welcome the audience with a thank you to the attendees. Shortly, Allison Forsyth, owner of Lululemon Athelectica and Canadian alpine ski team alumnus took the stage. She shared with us her story of becoming a professional athletic and the day her race ended due to a crash days before her chance for the gold medal during the 2006 Olympics. She also shared with us a tear jerking story about her mother who was diagnosing with breast cancer and how fortunate she felt to have come home from the Olympics to spend time with her before her passing. The speech was definitely a little longer than I had expected but as promised, she did inspire me. She left us with the message that life happens and when it does you can either say, ‘poor me’, or pick yourself back up and keep going. I thought that was a positive message for the little ones who did attend.

Now the crowd was ready for the fashion! When the models entered the runway, they were not your typical female model – 5’9, 105lbs, and check bones has high as a sky scraper. Instead they were athletics who worked in the fitness industry walk the catwalk with their tricks. Bev Currier and Maika Manring from The Bar Method stood on the run way with a balancing act on double bars all proving that the gear they were wearing from Lululemon Athelectica was indeed functional.

After the show ended, Tarah and I were grabbing our cap for our lens when we spotted a group of girls battling at the end of the runway mimicking the tricks they were just presented with. It was quite adorable.

This show was definitely for people who have a strong love for the active life and the gear necessary to make it happen. Yes, not so much for me.

Nordstrom Bellevue Square Fall Fashion Show

Held at the Hyatt, the Nordstrom Bellevue Square fourth annual fall runway fashion show was a sold out event. With approximately 500 guests, 100% of the ticket sales went towards the Detlef Schrempf Foundation! Featured designers included Diane von Furstenberg, Elizabeth and James, Haute Hippie, Hugo Boss, Leifsdotter, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Milly, Rag & Bone and Vince.

The essential items for Fall 2009 according to Nordstrom are…

For women… leather, updated sheath dress, the ‘boyfriend’ blazer, ruffled blouse, leggings, tall boots, seasonless sandals, and metal hardware.

I’d like to add faux fur…


And deep colors…


For men… leather, a cardigan, lean silhouettes, plaid, boots, Nordstrom guide to men’s style by Tom Julian.

…and I totally agree with lean silhouettes..


Stay tune for more photos of the runway show at photos by youa kong blog.

Bellevue Fashion Week

Hello fashionistas! Bellevue Fashion Week is just around the corner and here are some updated information for you...

Fashion Week ’09 In-Store Events/Mini Runway Shows Add Sizzle to Weeklong Celebration of Style

BELLEVUE, Wash. (Sept. 21, 2009) – Along with the more notable fashion runway events for Fashion Week ’09, which runs September 29 – October 4, 2009 at The Bellevue Collection, are a host of complimentary in-store events and mini runway shows -- all loaded with style.

EVENTS By Date

Tea Time with TIGI at Beauty Works
Monday, September 28, 1-3 PM
Are you a Brunette Goddess or a Super Star? Are you a Rockaholic or do you rock the Cat Walk? Sip iced tea, and play with product while TIGI expert, Susan Grizzle answers all of your questions, and helps you find which TIGI personality you are! Stop in and enter to win a prize.

Dismero Event at Papillon
Monday, September 28, 4-8 PM
Come to Papillon to celebrate our fabulous Italian Sportswear line Dismero- for you to take with you- special purchases on all our Italian lines. Sip Prosecco and nibble on Italian delicacies.

Complimentary Skincare Consultations at Aveda
Every Day of Fashion Week
Visit Aveda for your complimentary skincare consultation and receive a sample of a masque best suited for your skin type.


An Evening In Black and White with Sebastian at Beauty Works
Tuesday, September 29, 6-8 PM
Did you love Sebastian's Threads? You will love Microweb Fiber! Come and learn about Microweb Fiber and the rest of the fabulous new line with our Sebastian specialist, Chrissy Sayre. You will be able to play with the products, enjoy a snack, and participate in an in-store drawing.

Curls Night Out by Deva Curl at Beauty Works
Wednesday, September 30, 4-7 PM
Sick of flat ironing your hair every day? Fearful that the Seattle rain will make your waves rear their unruly head? Stop denying your curls and embrace them! The Deva Curl line was created by Lorraine Massey, author of the book Curly Girl. Come and let our very own designer, Linda Jacobs, walk you through a new way to love your curls with these amazing products.

Skin Bar Event by Dermalogica at Beauty Works
Thursday, October 1, 4-7 PM
As the seasons change, so does the needs of your skin. Our skin care specialist, Inga Lajauskiene, can help! Stop by for a specialized Dermalogica face mapping, and find out what your skin needs to keep that healthy glow all year round. There will samples and testers, as well as a chance to win a fabulous Dermalogica gift basket.

Grand Opening of HUGO BOSS
Thursday, October 1
Join HUGO BOSS and Details to celebrate the Grand Opening of the new BOSS Store. Enjoy specialty drinks and the chance to win exclusive prizes as you shop the newest BOSS collections for men. For event details visit the BOSS Store. Register to receive exclusive information on HUGO BOSS events and collections and a chance to win a $1,000 HUGO BOSS wardrobe by visiting www.hugoboss-store.com.

Business Casual Seminar at Road
Thursday October 1st, 7 PM
This event will cover acceptable workplace fashion. How to start with the basics and add the elements of fashion. Picking the right color and how to achieve the perfect fit will also be covered. Special one on one consultations will be available as well.

Hair U Wear by Ken Paves and Jessica Simpson at Beauty Works
Friday, October 2, 4-8 PM
Get the glamour of long silky voluminous hair without having to do the work of growing it! We will do a color match, and show you how to apply these popular extensions. Learn how to utilize the extensions for different styles and how to properly store and clean them so that you can have your extensions for years to come. During this event, all hair pieces will be 50% off.

KOS Launch Event at Louie Permelia
Saturday, October 3
The world's hottest new fashion footwear line. KOS, an elite purveyor of high quality, high fashion shearling boots. Come see an exclusive preview of the new fall line-up. Enjoy wine and cheese for this exciting event.

MINI RUNWAY SHOWS
Invite the teens, men and women in the family for these exciting mini runway shows. The following stores will feature shows in Center Court of Bellevue Square daily from Sept. 30th – Oct. 4th A complete schedule of mini runway show times is posted on bellevuecollection.com/fashionweek.
v Ann Taylor

v Aritzia

v Banana Republic

v Billabong

v Cache

v Eddie Bauer

v Escape Outdoors

v Exofficio

v Express

v Free People

v Gap

v GUESS?

v Helly Hansen

v Louie Permelia

v Lucy

v Macy’s

v MARQSMEN

v Martin & Osa

v ROAD

v Vans

v Zebraclub


For more information on all Fashion Week ’09 events, visit bellevuecollection.com/fashionweek.


About The Bellevue Collection

Located in the heart of Bellevue, Washington, The Bellevue Collection includes Bellevue Square, Bellevue Place and Lincoln Square. With a distinctive collection of 250 of the finest shops,23 sit-down restaurants, a 16-screen premier cinema, 700 luxury hotel rooms and 10,000 free retail parking spaces, all in one location. The Bellevue Collection is an experience unlike any other in the region. It is located on Bellevue Way between NE 4th and NE 10th Street in downtown Bellevue, just across Lake Washington from Seattle.

IADT Imagine Fashion Show

When I think of the International Academy of Design and Technology’s annual fashion show – Imagine, I think of the big white Bryant Park like tent set up in the school’s parking lot. This year IADT presented another well executed fashion show. There were over 100 garments and 9 categories including casual and active, day, career, cocktail, alternative, club, costume, evening, and bridal wear.

Here are my favorite designs for the night…

Fashion First

There are a handful of fashion shows that I look forward to seeing every year and Fashion First is one of them. The idea behind Fashion First is to showcase the best fall fashion within our local boutiques and designers while benefiting the Starlight foundation. The event was definitely charity heavy and full of fashion.

John Curley from Evening Magazine kicked off the night with an auction. The auction included a seven day stay in Cancun, jersey from Matt Hasselbeck, wine collections, and a one on one consultation and garment made of your choice with Project Runway contestant, Blaine (which was auctioned for $2,000).

Tonight's line up included...

La Ree (pictured above), The Finerie, Totokaelo, merge, Tatters, Clutch, Impluse, Heidi K Jewelry, the winners of Seamless in Seattle, and student designs from the Art Institute.

On the runway there were a five trends that I spotted...
1. Lots of mixture with gray and black
2. Black Boots, Booties, and Gladiator heels
3. Fur vests
4. The boyfriend blazer
5. Big everything from hair to bold colorful jewelry.

Once again, Fashion First threw another great show. :)

From Fashion Faux Pas to Fashion Fabulous!

A few local designers were put to the challenge by the Ruby Room to play fairy godmother and beautify the unwanted evening gowns left behind. Once transformed, the evening gowns were then displayed at the Fashion Faux Pas to Fashion Fabulous fashion show where they were auction off. The local designers included Sabrina Couture and Tiffany Miller. Here are some of the gorgeous gowns they were able to put together...

Save the Dates: Great Fashion Events

My favorite time of the year is just around the corner – fall! With that, so are the fashion shows! Here are some upcoming shows you do not want to miss. Every show is tied to a charity so why not kill two birds with one stone – a great night out with your girls while supporting a local charity!

Product Runway
What: 18 leading interior designers, architects, and students will flaunt their creativity by sending couture garments crafted from a diverse range of interior materials and finishes down the runway. Innovative teams from regional firms will design and construct their creations using everything from carpet to lighting – as they compete for prizes and bragging rights!
When: Friday, August 28th Doors open at 7PM
Where: Seattle Exhibition Hall
Benefiting: Seattle Ronald McDonald House & IDCW
Tickets: http://www.productrunway.com/about.html

Fashion Faux Pas to Fashion Fabulous!
What: The Ruby Room invited talented local fashion designers such as MAC Designs, Tiffany Miller and Sabrina Couture to work their magic with Ruby Room gowns that weren't asked to the prom. The designers will make them the belles of the ball and you'll have the chance to take home a one-of-a-kind gown! You will also have the chance to bid on two round trip JetBlue tickets, a relaxing stay at the Inn at Langley, a SilverLake Wine Frenzy and much much more! Last year they exceeded their fundraising goals and with your help they'll do it again this year.
When: Saturday, August 29th Doors open at 7PM
Where: Paramount Theater
Benefiting: The Ruby Room
Tickets: http://www.rubyroomseattle.org/

Fashion First’s 6th Annual Fashion Show
What: Watch all your local fashion boutiques such as La Ree, Merge, and Clutch come together for one hot night filled with fall fashion! You will be the first to see what these boutiques will be stocking on their shelves in time for the fall.
When: Thursday, September 17th Doors open at 7:30PM
Where: Qwest Event Center
Benefiting: Starlight Children’s Foundation
Tickets: http://www.fashionfirstseattle.com/tickets.html

The Bellevue Collection: Fashion Week
What: The Bellevue Collection presents six days of fashion displays including a special screening of The September Issue, Nordstrom fall fashion show, and a first time ever Front Row Fashion show, a collaboration with Vogue.
When: Tuesday, September 29th – Sunday, October 4th
Where: Bellevue, WA
Benefiting: Boys and Girls Clubs of Bellevue
Tickets: http://www.bellevuecollection.com/fashionweek/fw_tickets.php

Imagine! – 2009
What: The International Academy of Design & Technology’s 3rd Annual Fashion Show - Imagine! will take place on the grounds of their fabulous campus in Tukwila under canopies and in tents in the same style as the celebrated Fashion Week at Bryant Park in New York City. On this very special Friday evening they are proud to present to you some of their top student designs – the best of the best that their fashion students have to offer.
When: Friday, September 18th @ 8PM
Benefiting: The International Academy of Design & Technology
Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/70045

Luly Yang Annual Couture Fashion Show
What: Every year Luly Yang’s newly designed couture collections are first revealed at her annual couture fashion show before they go on display at her store. Luly’s couture collections are stunning and unique. You can also find a theme behind the creation of her designs.
When: October 9th, 2009
Where: Fairmont Olympic Hotel
Benefiting: Camp Korey
Tickets: email fashionshow@solomonevents.com

Collaboration: Vogue and The Bellevue Collection's Fashion Week '09

It is not hard to miss the major development and renovations in downtown Bellevue these past few years especially the endless expansion of The Bellevue Collection. This place easily became one of my favorite spots to shop for luxury brands and it continues to get better with new retail store openings such as Michael Kors, Hugo Boss, True Religion, and 7 For All Mankind (yes, you can now find these stores in Bellevue Sqaure).

Every year The Bellevue Collection hosts their own fashion week on the Eastside and today they announced some very exciting news - The Bellevue Collection will be collaborating with Vogue to bring you Front Row Fashion! This will be a runway show produce by the fashion magazine and will feature fashion from The Bellevue Collection. Ann Vincent, the director of merchandising for Vogue will be sharing fall fashion must-haves. Also included in the six day extravaganza is a special screening of The September Issue at Lincoln Square Cinemas. Yes, all very exciting stuff!

Here are all the details of what you can expect to see...

BELLEVUE, Wash., July 22 /PRNewswire/ -- The Bellevue Collection announces today a collaboration with the recognized authority in haute fashion coverage, Vogue magazine, for Fashion Week '09, September 29 - October 4, 2009. In addition to a special Vogue fashion presentation, this fourth annual event will include proven favorites such as the Nordstrom Fall Fashion Show, a runway show by David Lawrence showcasing Italian designer fashions, a cutting edge hair and fashion show by 7 Salon and Zebraclub, and VIP Shopping Night at The Bellevue Collection.

New this year is Front Row Fashion presented by Vogue, a spectacular runway show designed and executed by Vogue magazine with fashions from The Bellevue Collection. This exclusive presentation will bring the fall trends straight from the pages of Vogue to Bellevue's Fashion Week runway. Special guest, Anne Vincent, director of merchandising for Vogue, will be sharing this fall's must-haves.

In addition, Lincoln Square Cinemas will be the site of the greater Seattle/Eastside director's screening of the new documentary The September Issue. Offering unprecedented access into the making of the world's most famous fashion magazine, The September Issue illustrates Vogue's extraordinary influence on fashion, culture and on the market. The debut will be followed by a special Q & A reception with Director R. J. Cutler.

"With all of the new luxury brands choosing to open at The Bellevue Collection (Burberry, Michael Kors, 7 For All Mankind, Hugo Boss, True Religion) plus the broad collection of haute designers featured at Nordstrom and boutiques like David Lawrence and Mercer, partnering with Vogue to present our major fashion event was a perfect match," says Jennifer Leavitt, vice president of marketing, Kemper Development Company (KDC), owners of The Bellevue Collection. "This partnership speaks to the affluence, sophistication and fashionable sensibility of our core customers. We are ecstatic to be able to bring Vogue to the Northwest for Fashion Week at The Collection."

Anne Vincent, who has been with the business side of Vogue for eight years spearheading events, presenting fashion and beauty trends and serving as TV spokeswoman will be on hand for media interviews.

Major events planned for Fashion Week '09 are as follows:

Sept. 29 The September Issue Special Screening with director R.J.
Cutler, Lincoln Square Cinemas

Sept. 30: Nordstrom Fall Fashion Show, Hyatt Regency Bellevue

Oct. 1: Italia: Life in 'I' Style presented by David Lawrence and the
Italian Trade Commission, Hyatt Regency Bellevue

Oct 2 Sweat and Spice Spectacular, lululemon athletica, Hyatt
Regency Bellevue

Oct. 3: Breakfast at Tiffany's, Tiffany & Co. at Bellevue Square

Front Row Fashion Presented by Vogue, featuring Anne Vincent,
Vogue magazine, Hyatt Regency Bellevue

VIP Shopping Night at The Bellevue Collection, featuring a
host of exclusive offers from stores throughout The
Collection.

Oct. 4: Urban Blowout, cutting edge hair meets cutting edge fashion,
7 Salon and Zebraclub, Hyatt Regency Bellevue

For more information, visit www.thebelleuvecollection.com/fashionweek.

About The Bellevue Collection

Located in the heart of Bellevue, Washington, The Bellevue Collection includes Bellevue Square, Bellevue Place and Lincoln Square. With a distinctive collection of 250 of the finest shops, 19 sit-down restaurants, a 16-screen premier cinema, 700 luxury hotel rooms and 10,000 free retail parking spaces, all in one location. The Bellevue Collection is an experience unlike any other in the region. It is located on Bellevue Way between NE 4th and NE 10th Street in downtown Bellevue, just across Lake Washington from Seattle.

SOURCE The Bellevue Collection

So ladies, save the dates: September 29 - October 4, 2009 for The Bellevue Collection Fashion Week! Stay tuned and UFN will certainly keep you posted on more info, tickets, etc.

2009 Nordstrom Designer Preview Fashion Show

Honestly, I didn't sleep well last night because I was too excited about attending tonight's Nordstorm Designer Preview Show. There were three things, to be exact, that I was anticipating: 1) testing out my new Canon SLR because I was getting super tired of producing poor photo quality to all you readers; 2) Fall fashion! I love love love fall fashion; and 3) the designers! Oh, I'm talking about Chanel, Oscar de la Renta, and my girlfriend Versace! Yes, they were all there.


Held at the Paramount Theatre, the doors opened at 6:30pm for guests to enjoy cocktails and hors d'oevuvres while they mingle and did some boutique hopping. Each designer featured in the fashion show had their own little boutique set up for guests to get a better look at the garments that were being featured in the show. Guests were also able to pre-order the featured fashion; however, the only thing missing were the actual designers. Oh how a girl can wish...


So just how I like it, the show started at 8:30 as promised. Guests were seated fairly quickly and the show was rolling in no time. Already too ecstatic about the show and antsy to see what's to come, I was thankful that there weren't any long speeches. We got the chance to meet the new Seattle Art Museum's president to whom the show was benefiting and then out strutted Gucci.


The featured designers in the Nordstrom Designer Preview show were Gucci, Missoni, Stella McCartney, Marni, Versace, Nina Ricci, Marc Jacobs, Dries Van Noten, Michael Kors, Oscar de la Renta, Dolce & Gabbana, and Chanel.

This was by far one of the best fashion shows I've attended thus far. It was so well organized and the fashion did not disappoint. I will go to bed a happy girl tonight!

You can see all of the photos I took from the show here.

Project Red Dress Winner!

Attending the 2nd Annual Project Red Dress competition last night at the Fairview Olympic Hotel was the perfect way to welcome Valentine’s Day! Benefiting the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Movement, the event entailed 10 students from local fashion schools competing to win a $3,000 scholarship, and a window display with their dress at the downtown Macy’s Store.

Brooke and Monti of Movin’ 92.5 were the hostesses of the evening. Prior to the show, the contestants were given limited time to design and create a red dress (same concept as Project Runway). The Project Red Dress fashion show was held to judge the garments and determine the winner. This year Project Red Dress welcomed back Nick Verreos (Project Runway Season 2 contestant and NIKOLAKI designer) to be a part of their judge panel. Accompanying Nick on the judge panel included Laura Cassidy - Fashion Editor of Seattle Metropolitan, Victora Glenn - Victoria’s Bridal Couture and V Custom Design, Rose Dennis - President, ARD, LLC, and Aysel Andreson, M.D. - The Art and Science of Beauty. The judge panel took into consideration the contestants’ design concept, construction of the dress, creativity, and overall fit.

Taking first place was contestant Rosie Kohlmeier of New York Fashion Academy. Her fun and flirty cocktail dress finished off with an enormous bow in the front, had the best care in construction. Although she took home $3000 that evening, the look on her face when Nick Verreos announced her as the winner was priceless!

EcoLavish: An Eco-Conscious Fashion Show

Tonight the EcoLavish Fashion Show, put on by Half Past Lavish and sponsored by Urban Fashion Network was held at the Fremont Abbey Art Center . The show started at 8 pm and was hosted by Janaea and Susan from Seattle ’s Beauty Revolution Magazine.

Given the name of the fashion show – EcoLavish, I had already anticipated what the show was going to entail, a healthy dose of fashion with plenty of opportunity to practice sustainability. EcoLavish sure did not disappoint me. Not only did they practice but they implemented sustainability in their show!

They started with their hosts from Seattle ’s Beauty Revolution Magazine. This new online magazine coming in November has a mission to bring to all you eco-conscious fashion and beauty lovers a sustainable life style. Many of the designers practice sustainability with their collection by using vintage pieces. The designers included Malia Peoples, Nicole Hood, Laura Kincaid, Jessica Keen, Antonina Ramsey, Rita Gruzman and Kimberlee Iblings.

Urban Unveiled

For all you blushing brides to be, this was one exquisite event you did not want to miss out on. Urban Unveiled was founded by photographer Sharlane Chase and wedding planners Jesse and Travis from True Colors Event. Their mission behind Urban Unveiled is to bring those getting marry, the best vendors in photography, floral, catering, and well… everything else you can imagine that makes a wedding happen. Their style encompasses class, sophistication, luxury and simply going all out!

The venue, the Benaroya Hall in the heart of downtown Seattle was decorating nicely by Rented Elegance and Design (R.E.D). Catering was done by Wolfgang Puck and it didn’t hurt that the cake vendors presented little baked samples either. They were delicious!

Honestly, I had not anticipated a night of seeing lavishing vendors display their magnificent capabilities. I was solely there for the Luly Yang Bridal Couture show. Yes, I have two girlfriends being wed this upcoming year and I wanted to take great notes so that I can offer advice when needed. However; I am not getting married anytime soon and once I was in awe by the décor, I immediately felt regretful that they couldn’t be there.

The Luly Yang Bridal Couture show only enhanced the event. Once again, Luly was able to stun the crowd with her collection. I loved the flow of the trains, the excellent choice of fabric, the outrageous designs and the list can go on and on. It took my breath away being only a row behind the runway.

I believe this event happens twice a year – February and October for those planning a wedding for fall or spring. Hope to see you there next time.

Portland Fashion Week

PDX has done it again. They’ve taken sustainability into another level. With a runaway made out of 160 recycled water bottles, no wonder Book Moda named Portland Fashion Week ‘the most sustainable fashion week in the whole of USA, if not the world.’ The show was held at 14 Square (a newly built LEED certified building) in the Pearl District from Wednesday, October 8th through Sunday, October 12th.

With a strong emphasis on being green, everything from the sway bags to the lighting of the show were taken into deep consideration. Even the designers were eco-friendly. Lizzie Parker who showcased her collection on Saturday night, is well known in the Seattle area for her eco-friendly contemporary clothing line for women. Other designers presented were Idom, Lucia, Christopher Bevans and May Tee.

I was only able to attend the Saturday night show and was very impressed with the venue, the vendors and the runaway. The show was very similar to the tent outside of Bryant Park for New York fashion week. The variety of vendors in different aspects of fashion was a good and informative browse to have while sipping on my cocktail and waiting for the doors to the showroom to open. I even scored a free shirt from Mabel and Zora! My favorite eco-friendly designs were the paper coutour. Overall, PDX pulled off the second longest running fashion week in the west coast nicely.

Luly Yang's 20/20 Fashion Show - Fashion is in the Eye of the Beholder

Oh la la… couture! Tonight, after a week of built up anticipation, I attended Luly Yang’s 20/20 Fashion Show held at the Fremont Studios. The concept behind the theme 20/20 is to signify the importance of perfect vision when it comes to fashion which Luly believes is in the eye of the beholder. The proceeds from the show went to Camp Korey – a free, fun and safe camp for children of all ages suffering from a serious and life threatening illness.

The show kicked off with strong, brave and beautiful illness fighters from Camp Korey all glam in Luly Yang couture from head to toe. Then clients of Luly Yang stun the crowd with their piece of couture on the runway. At last the Luly Yang collection was shown. There were a total of five gorgeous sets each having their own theme: Eye of beholder, Optical Illusion, Essence of Color, X-ray Vision and Love is Blind. Each set had a strong focus around a specific eye color with a hint of the eye shape thrown on random couture.

Luly Yang also announced that she is opening her second couture boutique shop in Bejing, China this month.

To see photos from the show, click here.