Fashion First Seattle 2016: Vinyl Vault
Fashion First. What an event! If you can only make it to one event during the fall fashion season, this is the one to attend. Each year, the show has a different theme. Last year’s theme was Twelfth Man, Twelfth Year, in celebration of their 12th year hosting the show and as an homage to the beloved Seattle Seahawks, which was demonstrated by some fantastically designed Seahawks-themed pieces by The Art Institute of Seattle fashion students.
So following the theme of the night, I decided to rock a long-sleeve maroon bodycon dress complete with accessories and heels by one of my favorite designers, Christian Siriano. I managed to get there early, even though it seemed to take forever for me to get dressed after leaving work. While checking in, I ran into Megan Kohps of Style Remix, a director for Stella & Dot, whom I’d met earlier this year at a Canopy Blue event (and purchased some beautiful accessories from). I also ran into one of my instructors from my crazy days as a student at The Art Institute of Seattle. Talking to him brought back some memories!
I made sure to hit the bar and grab a delicious glass of red wine which led me to the Kendra Scott Mystery Jewelry Pull where I donated $50 to The Crescent Moon Foundation to pick a box of Kendra Scott jewelry. I got a pair of Elle Earrings. I’m not a huge fan of hanging earrings, but I’m sure I’ll give them a try.
As 8 p.m. neared, we all corralled into the main room for the show where I quickly found my seat. If you’ve ever been to Fashion First, you’ll know the event starts with a live auction. Well, this one was epic! Numerous patrons were gracious enough to open their wallets for some sweet prizes. Some of the auction items included CenturyLink’s Premiere Game Day Experience, Kendra Scott Jewelry and Cute Like Mad Clothing, tickets to Desert Trip Music Festival, a Weekend Getaway at The Lookout, spots for the Captain Keith & Ethan Stowell Crab Fest, and even a framed and signed guitar from the ultimate rocker, Slash. I was tempted to place a bid on a few of those, but I resisted. Maybe next year. I was, however, gifted with a pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses from Joan Kelly herself. Thanks, Joan!
Finally, after about ninety minutes of bidding, we were ready for the fashion. The runway featured looks from Intermix, The Brik, Mercer, Sharply (which I’ll have to bookmark for my husband), Canopy Blue, Ragamoffyn’s, Divalani Style, Cute Like Mad (and that fabulous $1,000 Olivia Leather Jacket, which I’m sure, is worth every penny!), The Finerie, David Lawrence, and of course, The Art Institute of Seattle fashion design students. All of the looks had a rock and roll theme from structured all-black ensembles to flowy festival-perfect looks. My favorites were all the looks by Sharply (since I love some men’s fashion), but the ladies brought it as well.
I’d like to congratulate Joan Kelly and her fantastic Fashion First Seattle team for putting on an amazing show last night! I can’t wait to see what they come up with for next year!
Fashion First Seattle
The 13th year of the FASHION FIRST runway show brings Seattle together for the most exciting night of fashion in the Northwest. Seattle-area fashion retailers, designers, stylists, educators, students, style influencers, and members of the media attend each year to preview the fall trends for the upcoming season in an edited presentation. As Seattle’s longest-running and best-attended independent fashion show, FASHION FIRST was founded to provide an affordable, but powerful, cutting-edge social media and marketing platform for Seattle-area fashion retailers and designers. Now, the show includes a live auction dedicated to supporting the students of the Crescent Moon Foundation. The FASHION FIRST core mission: Present an on-trend fashion show to promote and support Seattle retailers and designers while raising money and providing Seattle students with scholarship money for higher education. Visit fashionfirstseattle.com for more info.
Crescent Moon Foundation (Beneficiary)
The Crescent Moon Foundation is a 501©(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing support for educational pursuits that will benefit children most in need who have displayed a commitment to their community, as well as other charitable causes. As part of the Crescent Moon Foundation’s mission, the Rising Moon Scholarship Program awards ten scholarships of up to $5,000 annually to students who demonstrate commitment to their community, excel in leadership and academics, and are in need. The Foundation was established by NFL Hall of Fame Quarterback Warren Moon. Visit facebook.com/crescentmoonfoundation for more info.