The second annual Cleveland Women's Show was held at the I-X Center last weekend, and a large part of the event was devoted to fashion. Here are some highlights of the designs that were tearing up the runway:
Dressing to the Nines:
Jerry Talamantes, director of public relations and special events for Dillard's, narrated a fashion show of fall items from Nygardand Dillard's. He pointed out some key fall trends throughout the show, including animal print, knitwear, leggings and "swackets" - sweater jackets.
Tying the Knot? Your Aisle, Our Runway:
Henri's Cloud Nine had a strong formal wear show, highlighted by Johnathan Kayne designs found at Henri's. Most of the show focused on bridal gowns, although other formal gowns were featured as well. Henri's tips for brides-to-be? Find a classic bird cage veil or trendy-yet-classy one-shoulder dress.
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun:
Sure, the show by Westfield Great Northern and SouthPark malls featured some great clothes that can be found in local stores. But the thing that made the show really special was the models, who were all everyday women (and girls) - not trained models - who volunteered to walk the runway. As for the trends, think argyle designs and purple hues.
Project Prom and Pageant:
Project Runway's Johnathan Kayne (from season three) presented his spring 2010 collection for the first time ever here in Cleveland. His gowns absolutely sparkled - literally, as most of them were decadently embellished with Swarovski crystals. The finale of the show featured a daring, cut-in-all-the-right-places, one-shoulder, black full-length dress. You might recognize it from his new television show, Gown Crazy.
Kayne's fashion show also featured some local celebrities, with 2009 Mrs. Ohio United States, Sharon Witmer-Bloxdorf, and Miss Teen Ohio, Rebecca Andre, modeling his gowns.
Kayne, looking pretty fabulous himself in a sparkling, crystal-detailed violet tie, gave us some tips for everyday fall wear this year: look for wraps, shawls and ponchos. He says wool cotton blends, knits and cashmere are good fabric choices. Plus, "there are a lot of fun treatments, like beading and other fun details" he's seeing in the wrap style.
