Last night was another whirlwind of fashion as emerging and established designers and local boutiques took to the stage. Particularly impressive last night were the creations from the Emerging Design competition (featuring under and post-graduate designers) and the Rising Star Design Challenge (featuring junior high and high school designers). Sharp tailoring and attention to detail were hallmarks from Elizabeth Singleton’s romantic peplum-waist cocktail looks and fitted evening dress. We also appreciated the strong perspective shown by Chanelle Clark’s hippie-chic homage to the 1970s.
The innovative up-and-comers in the Rising Star Design Challenge crafted clothing from items including sheet music, moss, twigs, stretch banadges, and tissue paper. Hayden High School had several entries from its art department, including a pine needle and pine cone creation by Annie Strong, featuring a fringed skirt and corset top. Annie was one of the students who moved on tonight’s finals. Amy Cutcliffe, Hayden High’s art teacher, was extremely proud of her students’ efforts and was excited to participate in BFW 2012.
“It’s definitely working as a way to get people interested [in design]. All of the teachers have gotten really involved too,” she said, pointing out Hayden’s vice principal, an English teacher and school librarian.
Judges from last night’s competition included Joe O’Donnell (B-Metro), current Miss Alabama USA Katharine Webb, and public relations maven Krista Conlin (KC Projects). Winners from both contests will be announced this evening. The 2012 Emerging Designer will receive a $1000 prize sponsored by 90/10. Three winners will be selected from the Rising Star Design Challenge, with prizes sponsored by Mercedes Benz.
Images courtesy Lynsey Weatherspoon Photography
Same Chic Different Day 