Fashion Week San Diego at the Lux Art Institute
Gina Coons (left) and Stylishly Aubree Lynn are seen at the 2018 fall FWSD. Photo is courtesy of Annalise Johnson @azara.j.
Shoes, furs, coats, dresses, swimwear even hats, Fall Fashion Week San Diego (FWSD) was a standout on the runway. This year there were 15 designers all showing during one night, which made for a nice compilation so this writer could really zone in on a few standouts that truly impressed the audience.
I couldn’t help but gasp at the collection by Irina Madan. Her artwork, on matching sets of coats and dresses, reminded me of my love for vibrant colors and designs. Hand- painted decorations on crisp and bright fabrics were exceptionally unique and a crowd pleaser. The decorative elements boldly stood out, causing me to want to steal them off the models as they walked out from behind the curtain. It is no wonder Irina Madan earned the position of one of the top three contenders for the evening.
This year foot and headwear graced the runway and Agnes Bethel Shoes and UQSHA Panama Hats had something unique to offer FWSD 2018.
There were some very cute and sophisticated heels and even a few knee high boots all with adorning details by Agnes Bethel Shoes, a husband and wife team. This luxury brand, which is designed in California, is meticulously crafted in Italy. They have lots of shoe options on their website to literally fit your fun, flirty, or classy wardrobe needs. To watch shoes walk down the runway was a pretty neat treat.
In terms of headwear, founded in Ecuador by the design firm of UQSHA, the show included genuine, hand woven straw Panama hats. These hats, which take from 96 to 5,800 hours to craft, have beautiful colors and the attention to detail is so precise that you can literally see every woven component as the models walked down the runway. These hats are stunning as well as a commitment to a traditional art form.
I recalled the spring showcase and two designers that did not disappoint at this Fashion Week, LyCass, and my continued favorite, Vaughnberry. LyCass, a firm run by a talented individual who is a nurse by day and clothes designer by night, has clothing for adults and kids too. During the spring showcase I was pregnant with my daughter and was tempted to buy an amazingly fashionable toddler dress. However, I regretfully refrained from purchasing this one-of-a-kind dress because sizing might be an issue.
LyCass has some very distinguished statement pieces in the collection, including an emerald green pants suit with slits up the side to reveal some leg, which is paired with a high collared sleeveless top. This combination definitely appeals to me.
LyCass also offers some elaborate ball gown dresses, including a mermaid style design. Some of her signature details are buttons and big bows. I am truly impressed that the designer has the time to make these ensembles while juggling with her professional career as a nurse. That’s devotion and commitment.
VaughnBerry is another design firm that never disappoints. Bryan Vaughn, who is the brainchild beyond the firm, came with his posse to watch the collections of other designers walk down the runway. There are reasons I am truly partial to his work. His designs include furs and double-breasted coats in deep blues, crisp whites, soft roses and greys.
One of his more notable designs included a dress full of fur that looked like it would have weighed a ton. However, the material offered softness and an element of weightlessness as it floated down the runway. VaughnBerry provided some truly amazing pieces that earned the firm this year’s first place award. Congrats to Bryan Vaughn and his team.
An added benefit of the show was the gift bags for guests that contained some wonderful items, including the pre-event, VIP beauty offering with celebrity lash artist Ja’maal Buster. Appetizers, manicures and make up were all gifts given during the evening. Though I wasn’t able to partake in these activities, the lady who sat next to me during the show raved. She displayed her eyelashes and a new manicure set. No doubt, it was an impressive event.
As you might expect, this couldn’t have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the producer, Allison Andrews, and her associate, Samantha. This first class production is due to them. Congratulations to both of them for another outstanding event.
Congrats also to the top winners of the show: first place went to VaughnBerry, second place to HulaBelle, and third place to Irina Madan.
Please check them out on social media @vaughnberry @hulabelleresortwear @irina.madan. For live footage of all the 15 designers, visit Stylishly Aubree Lynn on YouTube and click on Fashion Week SD 2018.
Category: Business, Events, feature, Local News
