On Saturday, October 23, 2010,  Motor City Casino Hotel & Soundboard hosted day two of Fashion in Detroit where some of the best designers in town and beyond came together to turn the Motor City into Fashion city.  If the designers weren’t backstage dressing their models for the show, they were in the audience getting their pictures taken and doing interviews with the press. Certainly a scene you would expect during New York fashion week but this time, the city getting all the attention was Detroit.

 Members of the press and spectators from across the nation came to the Motor City Casino Hotel to witness a fun filled fashion event that originally started October 2009.  Day one was a successful day but come day 2, the vibe was stronger and excitement filled the air as even more media members attended than the day before and the audience quickly filled up with buyers, supporters and sponsors. The energy was quite electric and it certainly was easy to get sucked in to the elation of it all.

Photo by Tatijana Kunik

With designers like Jeff Garner and Heike Jarick attending, it was no question the day was going to bring some fabulous surprises.  But that’s not to say the rest of the designers in the designer line up didn’t bring to the runway what they promised.  The show started with Femilia Couture.  Created by Fotoula Lambrose and Emily Thornhill out of Ferndale, Michigan, Femilia Couture started Fashion in Detroit much like Adriana Pavon did the day before, with dashing, whimsical designs  that simply took your breath away.  Femilia’s collection was in all white made with rich cottons and silk blends.  Displaying a wide variety of pieces, Femilia showed versatility with their creative side.   This is where Femilia Couture becomes a little more “genius” making their clothes more versatile for the buyers and fashionistas by having host, Karen Buscemi announce that the entire collection can be ordered in any color, not just white.  Femilia’s models wore short shorts, off the shoulder mini’s, leggings paired with a white trench, deep v-neck tunics, rompers and party dresses all in white. Femilia Couture’s collection can be purchased at their new boutique located at 420 Hilton St, Ferndale, Michigan.

Photo by Tatijana Kunik

Christian LaRue by Bonnie Foley followed Femilia Couture with a colorful resort collection.  Her looks started with bright colorful floor length dresses with spaghetti straps and off the shoulder v-necks.  Plunging necklines and backlines were certainly eye catching and when her evening dresses came out the crowd was definitey in tune.  The first dress of her evening apparel  made the crowd gasp.  In awe, the audience enjoyed watching the models dressed in black lace and black bobbed wigs.  The wigs, paired with the gowns, were pure genius.

Photo by Tatijana Kunik

Moosejaw being a light hearted and relaxed clothing line sure did pick up the pace after Christian LaRue.  The models wore puffer jackets, fleece vests, headbands and wristbands with cozy leggins and jeans.  The best part about the show was each model came out break dancing.  A sure way to bring the audience members in, both the models and the spectators were having a great time during this show.  As the DJ spun a few beats, both the male and female models turned into dancers doing the worm, the lawn mower and the pony all while wearing clothes from Moosejaw.

Photo by Tatijana Kunik

Heike Jarick, a German born designer known for her luxurious fabric choices, brought a classic vibe back to the runway.  After Moosejaw’s live entertainment, Jarick calmed the vibe down with class.  Jarick presented exquisite day and evening wear for the modern woman with a wide variety of sequins and feminine cuts including draped fabrics for a more sensual look. Jarick has dressed some of the most beautiful Hollywood actresses of our time including, Brittney Murphey, Halle Berry, Mena Suvari and Daryl Hannah and her clothes can be purchased at SHE located in Bloomfield Hills.

Photo by Tatijana Kunik

We have seen the next designer’s clothing on stage in Metro Detroit before.  Jeff Garner of Prophetik brought his sustainable men’s and womenswear  label to the Royal Oak Music Theater back in July, 2010.  He is known for dressing America’s most prized talents including Sheryl Crow and Kings of Leon.  Garner’s designs are not only green but his label is also made with a romantic renaissance flair, which makes a beautiful show along with the grass runway and a banjo player.  On Day two of FID, his collection consisted of tailored jackets, floor length evening gowns and long hemmed bloomers matched with tunics all made with natural dyes and recycled materials.

Photo by Tatijana Kunik

Last but certainly not least, Metro Detroiter and finalist from the hit television show Project Runway, Joe Faris rocked the house with his Motor City Denim collection which was revealed for the first time on stage.  Faris, also an FID executive committee member, describes his line as “industrial couture”.  As the last show of the day and of the entire Fashion in Detroit event, Motor City Denim had quite a following in the audience.  The DJ spun tracks by Eminem and Kid Rock while  models and local Detroit celebrities wore denim shorts, jeans, denim corsets, t-shirts, outerwear and even a denim evening gown all within the Motor City Denim label.  The Detroit crowd cheered for their favorite designs and Faris’ collection was enjoyed so much, the audience members gave Faris a standing ovation.  For those of you who support Michigan made products,  Motor City Denim is made at the TDIC, Inc. automotive plant in Sterling Heights, Michigan and will begin arriving in stores in the early months of 2011.

                    

New York, London, Milan & Paris R-T-W collections for  Spring/Summer 2010 will be shown on a big screen while guests enjoy commentary by FGI’s creative director, Marylou Luther.

Detroit’s own Femilia Couture, will show their very sophisticated and organic 2010 Spring Collection on the runway, Styleline Magazine’s Editor, Karen Buscemi and Project Runway’s, Joe Faris will announce the Spring Fashion in Detroit show dates and Asia Willis of Detroit Fashion Pages will be discussing top trends!  A wonderful beauty basket raffle will also be available to benefit Higher Ground.

The Trend Presentation will takes place Wednesday, November 18, at the Detroit Historical Museum from 6pm – 9pm. 

Tickets are now on sale and guests must RSVP to Susan Howes at 248-739-1284 or via email at wisehowes@gmail.com.

Student price is $15, Members $25 and Nonmembers $35.

Detroit Historical Museum is located at 5041 Woodward Ave, Detroit.

                    

Photo by Tatijana Kunik

The show started with Joe Faris and the illustrious North Beach leather.  Many of you may remember North Beach Leather back when Cindy Crawford modeled for their ad campaigns.  Another successful line for Faris, as the models wore sexy leather mini dresses and leather bustiers.  The line brought a new updated version of leather clothes that sizzled the runway.

Photo by Beba Drakulovic

Next was Project Runway’s, Kevin Christiana’s turn to show off his designs.  Bringing the sailor look back with a touch of sexiness, Christiana received rave reviews from the crowd.  Known as MYNT 1792, the line consisted of short shorts and boyfriend blazers, followed by liquid leggings and fitted jackets and vests.  Sexy and young, this line showed very well on the runway and was filled with plausible pieces.

Photo by Beba Drakulovic

Carhartt brought a cool vibe to the show by displaying jeans and cargo pants pieced with t-shirts and Carhartt jackets.  The line was young and tough.  Each wardrobe piece was believable and perfect for the Detroit crowd.   When the three Carhartt designers walked the runway at the end of their show, some members of the audience gave them a standing ovation, proving there is a whole lot of love and support for the Michigan based company.

Photo by Tatijana Kunik

Femilia Couture, gave an outstanding show.  The designers Emily Thornhill and Fotoula Lambros, created vibrant,  colorful designs with an avante-garde vibe.  The organic line was both refreshing and elegant.  The ladies in the crowd gasped with delight as they viewed dresses and one piece jumpsuits.  “  I couldn’t pick my favorite”, said Tatijana Kunik of Glamorous Moms.  “So I had to take a picture of each one”.  Even the photographers enjoyed Femilia Couture.  These designers had such an amazing show and were loved by everyone, there is no doubt these Detroiters will go far in the fashion industry.

Photo by Tatijana Kunik

Even though the famous Betsey Johnson failed to appear to the big event, her line was more than fun and sexy.  The first model entered the runway wearing a form fitted black dress reading “SEX POT” on the front in red. If that wasn’t hot enough to set the mood, the rest of her show was. Rumor has it, Betsey could not make it this time around due to other obligations but will be attending FID in the Spring.

Photo by Beba Drakulovic

Another big name that was unable to attend was Kid Rock.  He did have a member of his design team show up and we couldn’t have asked for a better job.   The finale of Fashion in Detroit, was Made in Detroit.  “Known as the “kick-ass” finale, the Detroit label started the show with two models dressed in boy briefs, tanks and thigh high bobby socks pushing each other around to Kid Rock’s tunes!  A fun and youthful scene and a fabulous way to end the show!

Photo by Lians

The Fashion in Detroit Executive Team did an amazing job for their first show.  We here at Glamorous Moms wish them the best of luck for the next show in the Spring.  They already started planning and have their work cut out for them.  How do they plan to top this first time around fashion spectacular they have created?  We shall see what’s up their sleeves, something tells us it’s going to be big.