Boston En Vogue Break Down

Posted by Alexandra Legend Siegel on Oct 20, 2011 in Fashion | 2 comments

There was a palpable buzz in the air at the En Vogue fashion show as audience members pawed through their thick, glossy copies of the 100-year anniversary edition of Women’s Wear Daily left on their chairs. The name of this esteemed magazine and the presence of the distinguished BeBe designer name created anxious anticipation and high-level expectation which, for the most part, was satisfied.

The night started as you walked into the gorgeous lobby of the luxurious Fairmount Battery Wharf Hotel located directly next to the water with a beautiful view of the Boston Harbor. Making your way down the spiral staircase, guests were greeted by music and the team of Baku Sunset. Lead by Zaur Mamedov and his wife Olessia, the charming couple along with their team coordinated the set up for the entire night. As guests strolled around the spacious area of the Sky light Room, they were treated with a walk in art showcase presenting some of Boston’s local artists as well as sponsor tables scattered throughout the main lounge area. Guests enjoyed the night mingling in ear shot of the two in house bars with media sponsors, designers, models and the coordinators while they waited in anticipation for the show to come.

The production, hosted by designer Conrad Lamour and Baku Sunset, began at a steady pace by introducing the audience to the collections of upcoming designers such as Sharon Cole, Isabel Lopez and Julie Kontos. The “Shaco Fashion Designs” by Sharon Cox-Cole stood out with bold colored formal-wear dresses in jade green and canary yellow. Isabel Lopez’s signature was accentuating the natural curves of a woman and creating a sexy shape with elegance. Julie Kontos left a lasting impression with creative and unforgettable designs. Amongst these memorable pieces were a black and white patterned dress with sleeves that elongated into dainty gloves, and a black and white stripped hooded dress which model, Abby Patricia Brady, wore with a daring confidence as her ghostly blue eyes pierced through the audience.

Then came the swimsuit portion, with designs by Karla Medina’s KMSwimwear, which delighted the eyes with bright, neon colors. Many of the swimsuits seemed to out-wear some of the models who appeared slightly awkward and self-conscience while being exposed despite the flattering nature of the swim-suits which created an illusion of curves when needed and accentuated others.

The show came to a close with the long-awaited display of BeBe’s fall collection followed by Conrad Lamour’s new collection, created just in time for the En Vogue fashion show. BeBe’s signature sensual styles were both familiar and refreshing. The audience leaned forward in their seats, eager to snatch the sleek dresses off the models’ bodies. BeBe’s designs could be worn off the runway with an effortless transition, a quality that makes BeBe such a wearable and respected brand.

Following BeBe was Conrad Lamour’s debut of his collection and it was certainly a feast for fashion-goers hungry eyes. Each piece was like a delicious morsel of sequins, feathers or animal-print which can often be misused in a tacky, glittery, classless mess but Lamour crafted each piece into a tasteful yet courageous design. Many designs—such as the leotard with the sequined sleeve which seemed to be a playful nod that Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” costume—made the audience smile.

The Boston En Vogue show became a reminder that with new and upcoming designers comes a refreshing and playful creative-energy. Established names such as BeBe will draw the crowd in but the revitalizing talent of rising designers will delight the audience throughout the entire night. This production deserves applause for taking a chance on new designers, as well as models, and giving them a chance to shine through.