Strong Women Strong World Fashion Show Fundraiser

Join the city's best boutiques as they help raise money in support of World Vision's Strong Women, Strong World campaign, dedicated to empowering, protecting, nurturing and educating women around the globe. The event will take place at Fred Wildlife Refuge on Thursday, September 12th, 2013 and will include a runway fashion show featuring The Finerie, Kris & Kate, Vian Hunter House of Fashion, Hub and Bespoke, Velouria and The Clothing Company with additional designers and retailers to be announced soon. A fundraising goal of $10,000 has been set by event organizer Clarissa Holmes and donations can be made directly to the show's Go Fund Me page. This powerful event aims to support sustainable change for women around the world. Help make this event a success! Spread the word, do your part to increase awareness in your social circles of the Strong Women, Strong World campaign and take part in this inspirational community event by purchasing your ticket today! Event sponsors include Cafe Vita, The Stranger, Gossip & Glamour, and Business Among Moms. The event will also feature donation bins to support the YWCA's Dress for Success program.

What: Strong Women, Strong World Fashion Show Fundraiser

When: Thursday, September 12, 2013

Where: Fred Wildlife Refuge 127 Boylston Ave. E. Seattle, WA 98102

Time: Doors open at 6pm for VIP's/Media and 7pm for general admission

Tickets: $30-50 Available via EventBrite

Tickets going fast to 3rd Annual Wine, Women & Shoes Event

VIP tickets are going fast for this year's Wine, Women & Shoes event taking place at the Four Seasons Hotel on Thursday, May 2nd, 2013. The Seattle Children’s Home invites women to slip into their stilettos and kick up their heels with their “sole sisters” for an evening of fashion and compassion. The evening will feature a multi-designer marketplace featuring local designers like Lina Zeineddine, local boutiques including Sway & Cake and The Finerie, plus apparel and accessories from Neiman Marcus. Guests will enjoy wine tasting from the region’s top winemakers including De Lille Cellars, O Wines and Woodhouse Wine Estates. . 

As an exciting new addition to this year’s event, the team at Neiman Marcus will wow VIP guests with a runway fashion show during an exclusive preview hour from 4:30 to 6 p.m. VIP guests will get early access to marketplace must-haves, sip sparkling wine as they mix and mingle, plus, they'll walk away with a swag bag valued at over $400. Event Emcee Duell Fisher of Team Photogenic will serve as the official “shoe judge” awarding special gifts to guests for the “Best in Shoe” contest, for which, guests are encouraged to impress by wearing their sassiest shoes. Speaking of shoes, one lucky VIP guest will win a pair of Manolo Blahnik stilettos courtesy of Neiman Marcus. Get your tickets now! 

What: 3rd Annual Wine, Women & Shoes Event

When: Thursday, May 2nd, 2013

Where: The Four Seasons Hotel 99 Union St. Seattle, WA 98101

Tickets: Range from $125-$2500 

Tickets are on Sale now for the 3rd Annual Wine, Women & Shoes Event

Stylish Seattleites are gearing up for this year's Wine, Women & Shoes event taking place at The Four Seasons on May 2nd. In recognition of “National Mental Health Month” and “Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week” taking place May 5th through the 11th, the Seattle Children’s Home invites women to slip into their stilettos and kick up their heels with their “sole sisters” for an evening of fashion and compassion. The evening will include a multi-designer fashion marketplace featuring Lina Zeineddine, Neiman Marcus, Sway & Cake, The Finerie and more, wine tasting from the region’s top winemakers including De Lille Cellars, O Wines and Woodhouse Wine Estates, charming “Shoe Guys” that will tempt guests with styles ranging from platforms to peep-toes on their silver platters, and delectable nibbles from local chef Kerry Sear and his culinary team at ART Restaurant. 

As an exciting new addition to this year’s event, the team at Neiman Marcus will wow VIP guests with a runway fashion show during an exclusive preview hour from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Those who purchase one of these limited tickets will sip sparkling wine while indulging early in marketplace must-haves before taking home a swag bag filled with items valued at over $400. Event Emcee Duell Fisher of Team Photogenic will serve as the official “shoe judge” awarding special gifts to guests for the “Best in Shoe” contest, for which, guests are encouraged to impress by wearing their sassiest shoes.

The event will also feature a limited silent auction with one of-a-kind items as well as fantastic bottles of wine and wine trips. Guests may participate in a prize drawing for the key to the “Ultimate Closet” valued at over $10,000 in goods and services. All event guests will want to dress to impress as Team Photogenic captures their fashion in action “paparazzi” style. All proceeds from the event will support Seattle Children’s Home and their mission to help children and families by providing comprehensive mental health & developmental services. Event tickets start at $125 and group packages are available. 

Seattle Guide: Fashion's Night Out

Fashion's Night Out is finally here! Taking place on Thursday, September 6th, the same day as New York Fashion Week begins, the annual event is designed to boost revenue for retailers and get consumers excited about shopping for fall. Here's a rundown of FNO events taking place around the city. 

The Bellevue Collection will celebrate Fashion's Night Out with over 50+ retailers offering special in-store offers and exclusives. The first 200 guests to RSVP (using code FNO) will gain exclusive access to the ‘Fashion’s Night Out Lounge,’ located in Center Court featuring a live DJ, sweet treats and a stylish swag bag. Local fashion fans will also want to check out the special fashion exhibit showcasing looks from designers that will be participating in the Independent Designer Runway Show taking place Sept. 26th and sponsored by Fashion Group International. FNO at the Bellevue Collection will take place from 7-9pm.

Pacific Place and Seattle Met magazine are partnering to present “Downtown Seattle Rocks the Runway” featuring an exclusive fashion show that will give 250 seated ticket holders a close-up view of fall apparel and accessories from Nordstrom, Macy's, Mario's, Barneys New York, Alhambra, Baby & Co, The Finerie, Karan Dannenberg Clothier and more. The festivities will begin at 5:30pm with red carpet photos and a cocktail reception for ticket holders. Seattle Met’s Style Editor, Laura Cassidy, will be on hand to entertain and emcee the runway show. Admission is $75 for general admission and $125 for VIP packages. Net proceeds from ticket sales will fund college scholarships for young women through the O Wines Opportunity for Success Scholarship Program.

The Bravern will be celebrating Fashion's Night Out in Style from 6-10pm with a red carpet arrival (and photo op), live music, fashion shows, outdoor DJ's and plenty of champagne. Nieman Marcus will be holding runway shows at 6:30 and 8:30pm highlighting Fall 2012 trends, Anthropologie will be hosting a special fashion show at 7:15pm, David Lawrence will be spotlighting local designers including Lila Getty, Mandy Moon and Anne Sylvain and offer guests a special gift with purchase. Check out the Full line-up of FNO events at The Bravern.

Seattle Fashion Directory

Last update: August 2013

Navigating the style scene is easy when you know where to shop. Here's the inside scoop on Seattle's best designers, boutiques and e-commerce sites. Whether you're a tourist, a local or newbie to the Emerald City we hope you'll discover a hidden gem in our Seattle fashion directory. Happy Shopping!

Queen Anne Dispatch
This one-stop-shop located at the top of Queen Anne hill has everything that a girl in the city could possibly want including apparel, accessories, shoes, handbags, cards, stationary, gifts, nail polish and even lingerie! Featured brands include Toms, French Connection, Hanky Panky, butter LONDON, Mavi, Bleulab Denim and more. The staff is friendly and they even offer complimentary gift wrapping to make special occasions completely stress-free.  Take advantage of in-store shipping to send gifts anywhere in the world.
Website: www.queenannedispatch.com
Address: 2212 Queen Anne Ave. N. Seattle, WA
Twitter: @QADispatch

The Finerie

Since opening in 2006, The Finerie has been outfitting sophisticated Seattleites in brands like Abi Ferrin, Desigual, Yoana Baraschi and more. Owners Tanya and Michael host regular trunk show and in-store events so be sure to visit the store blog for details. 

Website: www.thefinerie.com

Address: 1215 First Ave. Seattle, WA

Twitter: @TheFinerie

Sway & Cake

Shop this friendly downtown boutique to find trendy apparel, accessories, shoes and handbags. Seattle fashion mavens hang out at Sway to shop, dish about their love lives, swap the latest gossip, or simply hang out in what feels like their best friends fabulous closet. Featured brands include Current Elliot, Goddis, Rory Becca, Janessa Leone and more.
Website: www.swayandcake.com
Address: 1631 Sixth Ave. Seattle, WA
Twitter: @SwayandCake

La Ree

Bellevue's La Ree boutique brings high fashion to the Seattle's "eastside". Owner Rachael Nov regularly stocks labels like Alexander Wang, Isabel Marant, Helmut Lang, Rag & Bone, Jamie Joseph and more. Find outfit inspiration on La Ree's Facebook Fan page.  You can also sign up for the mailing list on their wesbite for invites to special events and trunk shows.
Website: www.lareeboutique.com
Address: 11 103rd Ave. N.E. Bellevue, WA Twitter: @LaReeBoutique

Horseshoe

Located in Ballard, Horseshoe boutique prides itself on providing clients with "down home" customer service. Owner Jill Andersen regularly stocks women’s apparel and accessories from a variety of contemporary brands including Kensie, Prairie Underground, TART Collections, Grayling Jewelry, Suzabelle, TOMS, and more. Check out the Horseshoe Facebook Fan page for pics of new arrivals.
Website: www.shophorseshoe.com
Address: 5344 Ballard Ave. NW Seattle, WA
Twitter: @ShopHorseshoe

Canopy Blue

With powder blue walls and St. Bart's decor, Madison Valley's Canopy Blue boutique is a whimsical fashion getaway in the city. The stock list includes Diane von Furstenberg, French Fifty, Generation Love, Linea Pelle, Theory, Rebecca Taylor, Trina Turk and more. Check the website for seasonal featured items.
Website: www.canopyblue.com
Address: 3121 E. Madison St. Suite #103 Seattle Twitter: @Canopy_Blue

Opal
With 3 locations in the Greater Seattle area there's bound to be an Opal boutique near you. Owner Shannen Wyman, a former Seattle Seahawks cheerleader, chose the name of her store based on her birthstone. Brands carried include Michael Stars, Hale Bob, True Religion and Kazia Digo. Website: www.opalboutiques.com
Address: Various locations
Twitter: @OpalBoutiques

Alhambra
Alhambra has been serving the Seattle market for over two decades providing clients with women's apparel and accessories from brands like Gary Graham, Ulla Johnson, Nicole Miller, New Scotland, Burning Torch and SW3. Located downtown within walking distance of the Pike Place Market Alhambra is easy to visit in person but with the recent addition of their e-commerce boutique you can now shop online too.
Website: alhambrastyle.com
Address: 101 Pine Street, Seattle, WA
Twitter: @AlhambraStyle

Totokaelo

Totokaelo derives from toto caelo, a Latin phrase that means "reaching to the edge of the stars." It's a fitting theme for the store and online community that began in 2003. Rather than paying attention to what others say is "in" owner Jill Wenger believe in building a tightly curated wardrobe that is reflective of personality and lifestyle. Totokaelo stocks designer labels including  Jil Sander, R13, Isabel Marant, Rachel Comey and more.
Website: totokaelo.com
Address: 1523 10th Ave. Seattle, WA
Twitter: @Totokaelo

Sell your Sole

If you dig designer consignment don't miss Belltown's Sell your Sole boutique. Owner Natalia perfectly curates an edited selection of apparel and accessories from designer brands including YSL, Gucci, Marc Jacobs, Elie Tahari and more. Sell your Sole proves that you don't have to spend a million to look like one.
Website: www.sellyoursoleconsignment.com
Address: 2121 First Ave. Ste #101 Seattle Twitter: @SellyourSoleWA

David Lawrence

Located in Bellevue at The Bravern, designer boutique David Lawrence carries apparel and accessories for men and women from brands like Versace, Hugo Boss, Herve Leger, DSquared2, Just Cavalli and Diesel Black Gold. Check the stores Facebook fan page for new arrivals, trunk shows and special events.
Website: www.david-lawrence.com
Address: The Bravern/Level 3/Bellevue
Twitter: @DavidLawrenceCo            

Butch Blum

Located in downtown Seattle, Butch Blum has been wardrobing stylish Seattleites since 1974. Inside the store you'll find sleek visual merchandising to highlight designer brands like Giorgio Armani, Allude, Fabiana Filippi, John Varvatos, Maison Martin Margiela and Moschino. For Spring '14 Butch Blum will launch a capsule collection with Seattle designer Cameron Levin.
Get live updates on the Butch Blum blog.
Website: www.butchblum.com
Address: 1408 Fifth Ave. Seattle, WA
Twitter: @ButchBlum

Marios
The story of Mario's dates back to 1960 when Mario Sr. opened his first menswear store in Portland's Lloyd Center. This is when Mario Jr. began working for his father doing everything from sweeping the floors to selling. Fast forward to 1982 when Mario Jr. opened a Seattle Mario's store on sixth avenue stocking apparel and accessories for men and women. The rest is history and Mario's has been outfitting the stylish residents and local celebs of the Pacific Northwest ever since.
Website: Marios.com
Address: 1513 Sixth Avenue, Seattle, WA
Twitter: @StyleMarios

Karan Dannenberg Clothier

Often referred to as Belltown's hidden gem, Karan Danneberg's namesake boutique has been wardrobing women with apparel and accessories to fit their lifestyle since 1997. Featured brands include Creenstone, Nicole Miller, Sympli, Rock Star Jewelry, Yoana Baraschi and SW3. Check the Facebook fan page for new arrivals and trunk shows.
Website: KaranDannenberg.com
Address: 2232 First Ave. Seattle, WA
Twitter: @KaranDannenberg

Luly Yang Couture
Award winning designer Luly Yang has been creating gorgeous couture gowns for over a decade. In addition to her store on Fourth Avenue, Luly opened a second store in Beijing in 2008. Her client list includes entertainers, politicians and fashion elite from all over the globe. Check Luly's Facebook fan page for events and updates.
Website: Lulyyang.com
Address: 1218 Fourth Ave. Seattle, WA
Twitter: @LulyYangCouture

Mercer

Founded by Karen Bonomo in 2003, Mercer offers contemporary apparel and accessories for women from brands like Paige Premium Denim, Cynthia Vincent, J Brand, Monroe, Tart and Citizens of Humanity. With locations in University Village and Sammamish, there's a Mercer store near you and sales girls ready to help you shop for everything you need. Join the VIP loyalty program for special perks and discounts!
Website: Mercerstore.com
Address: Various locations
Twitter: N/A

Show Pony
Fremont-based boutique Show Pony is both chic and eclectic offering women a wide range of apparel, accessories, jewelry, shoes and gifts. Featured brands include Revival Ink, Prairie Underground, Eric Michael, Daly Bird and Aubrey Summers.  In addition to regular merchandise Show Pony also has an in-house consignment boutique for shoppers to pursue the "thrill of the chase".
Website: www.showponyboutique.com
Address: 702 N. 35th St. Seattle, WA
Twitter: @ShowPonySeattle

Madina Vadache

Originally from Russia, couture designer Madina Vadache moved to America and opened her own store in Bellevue in the 1990’s. Madina Vadache is devoted to celebrating the art of fashion and offers sophisticated women’s apparel in a variety of categories including evening and bridal wear. Website: www.madinavadache.com
Twitter: @MadinaVadache

Vian Hunter House of Fashion 
NBC Fashion Star and Seattle designer Lisa Hunter uses luxurious fabrics to make beautiful, vintage-inspired clothing for women. Her entire line is made in the U.S.A. and is sold through her boutique, Vian Hunter House of Fashion located in Madison Valley. Stop by to see the collection and meet the designer in person.
Website: http://www.vianhunter.com
Address: 2814 E. Madison St. Seattle, WA Twitter: @LisaVianHunter

Olivine Atelier

Seattle-based online perfume bar Olivine Atelier lets women shop from a series of scents that are hand-crafted right here in the U.S. Can't decide? Olivine Atelier offers a special package of 2ml fragrance samples to make it easier to pick! Get free shipping on orders of $50 or more and get good karma points too! 5% of every sale goes to Every Mother Counts, a campaign founded by Christy Turlington to end preventable deaths caused by pregnancy and childbirth around the world.
Website: www.shopolivine.com
Twitter: @_Olivine

Blue Luna

Located in Kirkland, Blue Luna offers women contemporary apparel straight off the runways of Paris, Milan and Barcelona. Featured designers include Cop.Copine, Axara, Save the Queen and Isabel de Pedro. Check the website for Blue Luna Fashion videos and special events.
Website: www.bluelunafashion.com
Address: 127 Lake St. S. Kirkland, WA
Twitter: @BlueLunaFashion 

Bag, Borrow or Steal
When Jennifer Hudson wowed Sarah Jessica Parker with her patchwork Louis Vuitton rental in the first Sex & The City movie, Bag Borrow or Steal became a household name. Located in Seattle, the designer handbag, accessory and jewelry rental site brings luxury fashion to the masses. 100% of the items on the site are verified for authenticity and the site regularly stocks on-trend pieces from designers like Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton and more.
Website: www.bagborroworsteal.com
Twitter: @BagBorrowSteal      

Blue Nile

Founded in 1999, Seattle-based Blue Nile has grown to become one of the largest online retailers of certified diamonds and fine jewelry. Blue Nile offers high quality diamonds that are certified by the most respected independent diamond grading labs in the world. On their site you'll find engagement and wedding rings, jewelry, gifts and even the ability to design your own custom jewelry. Every order is shipped free, guaranteed and returnable within 30 days. Website: www.bluenile.com
Twitter: @BlueNileDiamond

Baby & Co. 

Baby & Co. opened it's doors in 1978 as the brainchild of Baby and Uri Burstyn. Known for carrying fashion forward brands before they hit the mainstream, Baby & Co. stocks brands like Frank and Lu, Yoshi Kondo, Malene Birger, Faliero Sarti, Elemente Clemente, and more. Current owners Jill & Wayne Donnelly use the streets of Paris, Copenhagen and other fashion capitals around the globe to search for trailblazing designers whose commitment to quality and creativity match their own. 

Website: www.babyandco.us

Address: 1936 First Ave. Seattle, WA

Twitter: @ShopBabyandCo 

Rock Star Jewelry 

Rock Star Jewelry is a Seattle-based company that creates handmade one-of-a-kind precious and semi-precious jewelry. The line, designed by local artisan Martha Driver, has been featured on the cover of Seattle magazine and graced the runway of shows like Project Red Dress, Fashion First, LA Fashion Week, Vancouver Fashion Week and more. The entire line of necklaces, earrings and bracelets are colorful and stunning making them great to give- or receive.
Website: www.rockstarjewelry.com
Address: Check the website for current stockists
Twitter: @RockStarJewelry

This Week's Seattle Fashion Events

So many fashion events- so little time! In order to help plan your week, here's a list of Seattle's best events coming up this week. From beauty to fashion- there's something for everyone. Pencil these great events into your calendar now!

November 10th- Fall Fashion FGI Event at Ummelina Day Spa. Event highlights include a mini trunk show, complimentary hand massages and foot soaks from Ummelina and a special presentation by FGI member Margaret Spencer who is a Seattle-based wardrobe stylist. 

November 12th- The Finerie’s Fall Fashion Event at BoConcept. Come for fashion, furnishings, and of course, to preview The Finerie’s Fall and Winter collections styled by Leigh Dawson and Team Artistic from Gene Juarez. 

November 12th- Y.E.S. Seattle's 2nd Anniversary event from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Banana Republic in downtown Seattle. Enjoy 25% off all of your purchases, light appetizers, refreshments and networking with some of Seattle's best & brightest young professional women!

November 13th- Join Little Black Dress Events and Productions for Blush II, a fashion trend show that will showcase local designer Vantha Ry's second collection in addition to highlighting Spring 2010 beauty and fashion trends. 

November 14th- H&M releases the Jimmy Choo collaboration collection at select stores. The collection will feature shoes, handbags and a capsule eveningwear collection. 

November 14th-  Avoid the mall mayhem while stocking up for the season of celebration at Elaia spa – downtown Seattle’s newest eco-friendly retreat. Located within LEED certified Hyatt at Olive 8, Elaia is offering the ultimate shopping experience with 20% off all spa services booked and an exclusive holiday trunk show hosted by popular local jeweler Zavida Gemstones. The event is free and will be held at the Elaia Spa located within the Hyatt at Olive 8 from 12pm-7pm. 

November 14th & 15th- Join the festivities for the 26th annual Goodwill Glitter Sale. Find treasures including antique jewelry, vintage fashion and designer apparel and accessories at phenomenal prices. 

The Finerie Holiday Fashion Event

The Finerie is hosting a holiday fashion event at BoConcept on Thursday November 12th. Come for an evening of fashion, conversation, delicious cuisine from Gourmondo Catering, and stylish furnishings by BoConcept. Preview The Finerie's Fall and Winter collections with styling by Leigh Dawson and Team Artistic of Gene Juarez.

What: The Finerie Fashion & Holiday Event

When: Thursday, Nov. 12th

Time: 7–10 pm

Where: BoConcept, 901 Western Ave.

Contact: RSVP to rsvp@thefinerie.com

Event sponsors include The Finerie, Pearl Vodka, Gene Juarez, Gourmondo Catering, and BoConcept.

Designer Warehouse Sale

You may have heard the buzz- but if not, stop what you’re doing and block out your calendar immediately for next Sunday, May 3rd when some of Seattle’s best boutiques will gather together for a huge warehouse sale! We’re talking about savings of 50-90% on apparel and accessories for men and women from stores like Blackbird, Clutch, Dolce Vita, The Finerie, Impulse, Marqsmen, Magnotti Antiques and Horseshoe. Event organizers have even added a “Buy Green” section to the sale which featuring vintage and recycled designer goods. Plus, there will be dressing rooms available and free parking!

Date: Sunday, May 3rd, 2009
Location: Bellevue’s Meydenbauer Center
Hours: 10am to 5pm
Admission: $10 at the door (kids under 12 are free)
Payments: Cash is preferred. Some vendors will take checks or credit cards.
Dressing rooms: Yes
Parking: On-site lot (free) or street parking

Style 09 Fashion Show

Look Good, Feel Good and Do Good at this year’s Style 09 Fashion Show on Thursday, April 30th, featuring Carmilia's, Coastal, Canopy Blue, Lululemon, Nuvo Moda, The Finerie, Clutch, Oslo's, Asher Anson and Kick it Boots. "We are so happy to be part of the runway show for the first time this year,"says Kimberly Arrington, owner of Clutch, "In previous years we have been part of the audience." The 7th annual event to benefit Northwest Hope & Healing is designed to provide financial assistance to patients in need, for non-medical support services such as child care, meal service, transportation, and emergency rent. Tickets start at $40 for General Admission and range up to $1000 for VIP. 

Seattle's Spring 2009 Style & Fashion Events

Seattle may not get the credit it deserves when it comes to its fashion scene but you wouldn’t know it based on the sheer number of beauty and fashion events scheduled for Spring 2009.

Here are a few of my top recommendations.

February 22, 2009

Join Sassy Fit and Sydneylovesfashion.com for an Oscar Party like you’ve never seen before. Experience targeted red-carpet workouts by Sassy Fit’s Personal Trainers while fashion experts track the Oscar trends. Click here for more info.


February 27, 2009

Beauty Revolution Magazine made it’s debut in January and after a successful launch they’re finally ready to celebrate. Come out and meet the writers, editors and publishers for cocktails, appetizers and an insider look at the magazine. 6-9PM. For more information visit the Beauty Revolution website.


March 12, 2009

In the spirit of supporting student fashion, save the date for the Art Institute of Seattle’s student fashion show “Peace, Love & Fashion”, March 12th at the Showbox Sodo. Tickets are $20 in advance. For more information, visit the AIS website.


March 28, 2009

Bring your friends, get a makeover, and enjoy the fashion and entertainment – a great night out at The Blush Trend and Beauty Event featuring upcoming designer Vantha Ry and freelance makeup artists from Laura Mercier, Dior, Smashbox, and Yves Saint Laurent. The event includes a cocktail reception and fashion show. For more info please visit the Little Black Dress blog.


April 18, 2009

Fashion photographer Gabriel Choi is at it again with the next installation of Seattle Fashion Week Events. Join Seattle fashionistas on April 18th for the Couture fashion show. Check out the SFW website for more information.


April 30, 2009
This year’s Northwest Hope & Healing Fashion Show featuring Carmilia’s, Costal, Lululemon, Canopy Blue, Nuvo Moda, The Finerie, Oslo’s, Asher Anson and Bellefleur Lingerie will be held on Thursday, April 30th at the Showbox Sodo. Tickets range from $40-$1,000. Visit the Northwest Hope and Healing website for full event details.


Know about a great event I might have missed? Email me the details and I'll add it!

Fashion First- Seattle's Best Runway Show

In order to understand boutique fashion, you have to know a little bit about why I’m so into Seattle’s independent boutiques. For the past five year’s I’ve worked as a producer for Fashion First and that is precisely when I fell madly in love with boutiques.

Fashion First started in 2004 by Jared Seegmiller and Joan Kelly. The original goal was to provide much needed exposure to the small, independent boutiques in the Belltown neighborhood of Seattle and give them the opportunity to participate in a fabulous runway fashion show. Many of them had great apparel and accessories but just like many small businesses they had very little money to do marketing or promotions. Fashion First helped to fill that void and five years later continues to showcase the best designers and boutiques in the Seattle area.

The first show was held in 2004 at the Bada Lounge on First Avenue. The slogan was "There is only one style that suits you- your own". The lineup consisted of Sway & Cake, Ian, Baby & Co., Endless Knot, Moda Express, Ottica Seattle, Kuhlman, Karan Dannanberg Clothier, Alhambra, Carol McClellan, Maxwelton Aerie Apaca, Nuvo Moda, Mercer & Co., David Lawrence and J.Gilbert Footwear. The show was a huge success and even before the evening concluded guests were inquiring about next year’s showcase and how they could buy tickets in advance.

Tragically, eight months after the first show co-producer Jared Seegmiller passed away from cancer. It was then that Joan Kelly and I made the decision to continue doing the show in his memory as a tribute and also as a benefit event for The Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. The 2005 show was bittersweet but it was beautiful. We upgraded the venue from a bar into the Palace Ballroom on Fifth Avenue. We even got to work with a larger lineup of boutiques including Ian, Encanto Barcelona, Alhambra, Nuvo Moda, Betty Blue, Cinti Jewelry, Lizzie Parker, Ottica Seattle, Moda Express, Great Jones home, Endless Knot, Mercer, Planet Lulu, Carol McLellan, Sway & Cake and Butch Blum.

The 2006 show was sold out just like the first two and our scope of boutiques changed from Belltown Businesses and expanded to all over the city including West Seattle and Downtown. Our line up that year included Karan Dannenberg Clothier, Ericce, Blackbird, Canopy Blue, Nuvo Moda, Lizzie Parker, Furla, Carmilia’s, Renee Bassetti, Ottica, Manhattan Boutique, Cintli Jewelry, Moda Express, Alhambra, Derek Andrew, Encanto Barcelona, Promesse, Sway & Cake, Riveted Jeans and a finale set by Mario’s.

By the fourth annual show (Fashion First 2007) it was clear that we were the biggest and best runway show in Seattle and the best part was, we were still having a fabulous time doing it! This was the year we upgraded the venue to Fremont Studios and gave VIP guests a lounge of their very own. The lineup included La Ree, Polite Society, Illi, Posh on Main, The Finerie, Carmilia’s, Ragamoffyn’s, Marqsmen, Lizzie Parker, Tatters, Renee Bassetti, Pine IV Denim, Alhambra, Riveted Jeans, and Sway and Cake. The event also featured a finale with a special final dress by students at The Art Institute of Seattle worn by former first lady of Washington, Mona Locke.

This past year was our fifth annual show (Fashion First 2008) and we’re proud to say it was a completely sold out as expected. We moved the venue to Lake Union and prayed our plan to naturally air condition the building by keeping the windows open all day would work. We had a solid line up including Sway & Cake, Marqsmen, La Ree, Tatters, Opal, Illi, Canopy Blue, Ragamoffyn’s, Rock Star Jewelry, Marilyn Berg, Petaline.net, WCM Belts, Rocco E Dante, Shoefly, Clutch, The Finerie and a final dress by students at The Art Institute of Seattle worn by celebrity model and former Melrose Place Star, Josie Bissett.

Working with the best and brightest boutiques in the city has given me an immense amount of respect for all of their hard work bringing the hottest apparel and accessories to Seattle. It’s truly a labor of love and I’m honored to have been able to spend the past five years working amongst them in order to produce Fashion First.

Since then I've moved on from Fashion First and have been focusing on working in the industry as the Mens Private Label Sourcing & Production Manager for a local apparel company and of course, doing freelance writing for fashion publications in addition to writing for my blog. But with all that being said, Fashion First will always have a special place in my heart!