Fashion Week San Diego 2015 Brings Wall Street to La Jolla
By Aubree Lynn, stylist/producer/writer
In the heart of La Jolla, from La Valencia to Girard Street, the air was filled with wonder as Fashion Week 2015 was underway. At La Valencia Hotel the first night kicked into high gear with “The Art and Beauty” behind fashion, hosted by Bella’s Academy. Special guest celebrity stylist, Ted Gibson of “What Not to Wear,” performed live hair demonstrations on the runway. Emcee Eden Sassoon, daughter of Vidal Sassoon, took the stage and spoke on The Thirst Project and how the beauty industry can help change the water crises. It was a picturesque evening with palm trees swaying high above the main event, the runway sat over the pool and in the distance the Pacific waves gave the essence of a San Diego scene that would live on as the annual FWSD setting.
The next few days the runway moved to a reserved area called Wall Street. It was obvious to locals and tourists that a big deal was about to take place. Passerby’s gazed as they could only hear music and lights illuminating from the enclosed area. While inside, the crowd was eagerly anticipating to see the newest collections from 24 designers over the next two days.
The collections included swimsuits, couture, knits, ready to wear and menswear, all ranges of designs to be added to the vote for best in their category. Third year hosts, producer and personality, Jeff Krapf and Jodi Kodesh of NBC’s news team, started off the night with introductions of what our eyes were about to embark upon.
Allison Andrews, FWSD producer, was adorned with a dress made by last year’s winner A’doreus. Bearing a slight baby bump, she spoke right before Friday night’s show was about to start.
The night began with a variety of swim suits, followed by cute pairings by Alexandra Marie, and ended with beautiful and unique gowns crafted by Nolan Dean. Though they were all mastered so beautifully and so much work went into each collection, my personal favs of the night were Bearly Proper, a men’s line.
Lady Lane had so many beautifully laced, antique inspired dresses and adorable children’s clothing. TaSanni’s designs had African inspired detailing with very accessible and wearable pieces. Graciela Llorente’s designs had classic looks, defiantly ready for the Del Mar races with your favorite over-sized hat on opening day.
Nolan Dean’s gowns were very bold statement pieces with silhouettes of hands grasping the dresses chests. While other dresses had impeccable form and hugged the model’s figures in all the right spots. Detail was perfection and definitely pleasing to the eye.
Saturday seemed to have drawn more of a crowd or maybe the atmosphere was more energized and La Jolla was more vibrant. The fashion show began with swimsuits from Candy Bee Swimwear and ended with NaPostal. My favorites of the night were by Nikki Marie. She presented adorable, ready-to-wear outfits with pinstriped bows throughout her collection. Black Filigree Couture stood out with all hand-wired designs and some of her pieces resembled that of a Rihanna music video. Responsive Textiles, another unique collection, had intricately hand sewn elements, yet looked comfortable and great for the transition into fall.
Sunday’s trunk show had all the 24 designers displaying their work, and all of the runway items were for sale. The big announcement that all FWSD participants were eagerly waiting, who won the 2015 Designer of the Year? It was B.JASH.I. The dresses were truly beautiful and had whimsical flare that had not been seen on the runway prior to this year.
Model is wearing a beautiful yellow and black feathered dress by B.JASH.I, winner of Designer of the Year at FWSD 2015.
Fashion Week San Diego was a great success! Special thanks to Allison Andrews for putting on this showcase of an event even with a little one on the way. Thanks to all the designers who put their sweat, blood, and tears into their amazing collections. And a big appreciation to the community of La Jolla for allowing Wall Street to be blocked off for Fashion Week San Diego 2015.
Category: Events, Featured Articles
