NOLA Fashion Week and Fashion Week New Orleans
There are certain things in life that are okay in surplus amounts, such as money in the bank, crabmeat, bacon, chocolate and shoes. I am enthusiastic to announce that this month New Orleans will have an overabundance of fashion affairs. In fact, there are so many fashion events, it will be impossible to experience them all without a body double.
This month, the city will host two full weeks of runway presentations, educational seminars, trunk shows and pop-up marketplaces put on by two fantastic groups of individuals. There is NOLA Fashion Week (NOLAFW), organized by the NOLA Fashion Council (NOLA FC), and, later in the month, Fashion Week New Orleans will host their events as well. These two fashion weeks, though similar in theory and audience, are not associated. On paper it is challenging to distinguish between the two—the Plessey vs. Ferguson of fashion weeks—but they are separate and equally significant. NOLA Fashion Week and Fashion Week New Orleans have contrasting creative and artistic philosophies on how fashion in New Orleans should be perceived.
When this phenomenon occurred in March 2011, I was dazed and confused as to what was what and who was who. I was intrigued that we have individuals eager to produce two full-scale fashion weeks, yet skeptical that we would have enough people to fill the venues and pay for tickets. Over the past year, I have conversed with the organizers of both fashion weeksevents to clear any confusion that fashion followers may have. To aid in answering your inquiries about NOLA Fashion Week and Fashion Week New Orleans, consult the information below. I am confident that by the end of March we will pass out in a blissful fashion overdose.
| Who | NOLA Fashion Week
Nola-fashionweek.com |
Fashion Week New Orleans
Fashionweeknola.com |
| When | March 3–10 | March 21–25 |
| What | An industry-focused week of runway presentations, educational workshops and markets open to fashion professionals and the public | A series of runway shows, fashion events, a bridal expo and a career day which is open to the general public |
| Where | Various venues across downtown New Orleans | The Sugar Mill |
| Why | To create opportunity and exposure for established and up-and-coming designers in the south, and to make an economic and artistic impact on New Orleans’ fashion industry | To showcase the talent and collections of established and promising fashion designers, brand houses, boutiques and retailers in a series of runway shows, fashion events and exhibitions |
Accolades
Fashion is more than a sexy runway show; it is a huge global industry encompassing manufacturing and logistics and is often not pretty. It takes years of hard work and perseverance to build a brand and credibility. The intention of the NOLA FC is to assist in furthering the careers of those interested in this industry. The cost of tickets to events for NOLA Fashion Week will support the growth of a New Orleans-centered, southern-based fashion industry. These emerging designers find inspiration in our city’s rich culture and prefer to continue to live, work and produce their wares in New Orleans. NOLA FC produces these events for fashion lovers, industry insiders and local businesses to demonstrate that New Orleans has the potential to have a viable economic impact our city and state’s economies. I believe, do you?
To donate and purchase tickets: www.nola-fashionweek.com/support
Fashion for Fun
Music, cocktails and fire fighters as models, oh my! The shows at Fashion Week New Orleans are a balanced mix of designers competing for the title of “Top Designer,” as well as ready-to-wear spring fashions from local boutiques and large-scale retailers. This year’s events include a Fashion Career Day at Saks Fifth Avenue on March 23 and a bridal expo at the Westin hosted in partnership with Wedding Style Magazine on March 25. Proceeds from ticket sales will go to the Fashion Institute of New Orleans, NO/AIDS Task Force, Dress for Success and the Fire Fighters Foundation.
To purchase tickets: www.fashionweeknola.com
Wait, there’s more!
Fashion for Fido – Alegria
On Sunday, March 4, the LA/SPCA will host its fourth annual fashion show and auction at the W Hotel. The show will feature the designs of John Delgadillo, the winner of the 2011 competition, Alicia Zenobia and other up-and-coming designers. It is plausible that you will find wearable furry creations on the runway; however, Alegria is fashion intended for those with two legs, not four. Proceeds from the event benefit the LA/SPCA. Ticket prices start at $25.
All details can be found at: www.la-spca.org/alegria
Now, on with the show. Happy Fashion Weeks!
-AIMEE GOWLAND