Boston Fashion Week 2018 Opens with Feminine Power
Boston Fashion Week officially opened with a highly attended runway event in the newest space to the Financial District, Exchange. The evening began with cocktails, light bites, mingling with the cities elite as every table and seat was taken by someone that a newcomer to the industry was waiting in line to meet.
The evening was themed, “The Power of Women, The Future of Boston Fashion.” As Founder of Boston Fashion Week Jay Calderin took stage to thank all that had a hand in the production of the evening gave praise to the grandest of ladies in his life, an example of a powerful women, mom.
Calderin then brought attention to a beautiful slide show gracing the walls with still images flooding feet high yet still couldn’t fully express the enormous impact she brought to all. Linda Cole Petrosin; was a tribute to the power of women, a local legend on the catwalk and the 2018 season was dedicated to her memory as she recently lost her battle with cancer.
As Jay began to share fond memories there was only one that could get up there and exude the energy Linda did, her mother Yolanda Cellucci. Yolanda took center stage was a commanding grace, strength of our girl lost and a warming remembrance. Cellucci shared she lived a life of love, laughter and dancing, a fantastic woman. A wife, a mother of two and sister to designer Sandra and daughter. She made her thanks known to all the friends, flowers and cards over the past three years that gave Linda the spirit to survive. Cellucci smiled and said, “God above had decided he needed another angel and someone like Linda to get the dancing going.” She then transitioned into that her family will be holding an honorary dance party for Linda, being Linda is still alive within us. When she passed she raised over $35,000 dollars that went to Saint Jude’s Hospital. Yolanda closed with a thanks to all and a reminder, “don’t count Linda out, she’s still here, she’s alive and well within every one of us.”
After the Queen had spoken and demanded the evening have a high volume of life the introduction to the future of fashion, the ones to continue on the power of women began in a flawless video production giving insight to each designer. Gina deWolfe of deWolfe Leather Goods; Strives to buy pieces within the food industry so that no part of the animal is wasted. With that makes her designs unique as the will have scars, brands of marks which brings a level of respect for the animal.
Cecile Thieulin of Simone Simon Collection; Inspires to incorporate elegance, technology, comfort stability as an architect she uses her background to create and connect the human body between the cloths and structure of the fabric. Meghan Doyle of Tallulah and Poppy; Doyle dished that in high school she would take apart designs, reconstruct them and receive a rave response. With that she began sewing lessons, playing with patterns, got herself a business degree then was off to the Boston School of Fashion Design. From there she chose the name Tallulah as it means to live a fulfilled life and Poppy because it means funky and fun. Her brand is bold, bright and full of patterns.
Joelle Fontaine of I Am Kréyol; Finds her textures and fabrics first and from there works on the designs with her mother who creates the stitching. Her main goal is to be able to make an impact with recently raising money to work with artists in Hatti. Joelle makes every effort to be a good example for her son, to make sure he knows he can be whatever he wants. “If you have a goal and see that goal in the end you know you can win. Whatever failure you deal with along the way is just part of your process, this too shall pass.”
Graciela Rivas Leslin of Graciela Rivas Collection; Graciela will start with the sketch of the idea and from there the pattern and production. Texture or shape is generally the focus and creates the drama of her collection. She has a high respect for women designers and those who have made their way to be globally recognized it doesn’t happen overnight the passion for their craft inspires her.
Melina Cortes-Nmili of lalla bee; As a fluent Spanish speaker is thankful for her cousin who runs the production end of the business in the Dominican Republic. Bee expressed its amazing to put her art out there yet if she didn’t have the network she does it would be impossible to make happen all that has. “It’s not just about a collection, it’s not about a business it’s a lifestyle.” Lalla leaves the audience with this, “Fashion shows are awesome, creating is awesome but it costs money. We as women must be able to create a balance, be assertive in our negotiations, as much as we are designers if we expect to make money we must also be entrepreneurs.”
With that being said it was time for the fashion! Bold statements and playful patterns opened the runway from Iam Kréyol. Always brining a fierceness to her designs, autumns tones of orange and soft browns were a highlight. Shown in dresses for a modern woman whose style speaks in a quiet room, everyday denim skirts and loud lace were fished with breathtaking decorative teal jackets.
Following was Simone who made a play on pastels and solid stripes. With the audience feeling like they had spent an afternoon in Paris from the feel of the collection. Simone’s style is fit for the office or making an appearance at an after-work event.
Next was deWolfe showing well stitched wallets and handbags in simplistic denim outfits to keep the focus on the product. Trendy backpacks in a cherry red shade, even a little something for the men in a casual leather envelope look for those on the go meetings. Even an everyday over the shoulder multipurpose carrying case in a cool deep grey for the gents.
Brightening the runway was Tallulah & Poppy with turquoise tones paired with hard fall colors. A use of native patterns kept the eye on the details. Simple beiges with bold furs, silk skirts, metallic dresses kept coming down the runway with one in wonder where does the girl find the time?
Lalla Bee came with a cohesive collection in the colors and pattern that seemed to find their way into each piece. Sharp shapes and commanding greens brought a bold expression. Peek a boo patterns in the underlining, flowing floral dresses, even a sexy lace the lady brought it all including a neon tail to a red-carpet style.
Closing was Graciela Rivas expressing a European standard with her own details. Satin dresses with beaded trims. Pretty pink ruffles with deep cuts and high hems, a red cocktail dress that catches the eye yet fit for an evening at the opera. Cute all black club numbers, pure white pieces all made an impact as the final collection to show at the opening of Boston Fashion Week 2018.
With a sense of a major city fashion show the evening was a hit and Boston making it known, fashion lives here. Downtown Boston BID/Platform Downtown hand a hand in the entertainment of; photographer Tracy Aiguier, and video production team Nicole O’Connor of Shanachie Studios and Eric Leone of Paul Horton Visuals together creating in-depth designer profiles and editorial imagery. Also featuring Ryan Edwards of Masary Studios and a special Sound Sculpture + DJ set. For more on how to become involved for 2019 or other programs visit www.bostonfashionweek.com
