Middle Tennessee Fashions: Sartorial Splendor

Middle Tennessee Fashions: Sartorial Splendor: "Fashion an endless popularity contest? High fashion is the style of a small group of men and women with a certain taste and authority in the..."

Sartorial Splendor

Fashion an endless popularity contest?

High fashion is the style of a small group of men and women with a certain taste and authority in the fashion world. People of wealth and position, buyers for major department stores, editors and writers for fashion magazines are all part of Haute Couture ("High Fashion" in French). Some of these expensive and often artistic fashions may triumph and become the fashion for the larger majority. Most stay on the runway.

What Does Your Fashion Sense Say About You?

Fashion is revealing. Clothes reveal what groups people are in. In high school, groups have names: "goths, skaters, preps, herbs." Styles show who you are, but they also create stereotypes and distance between groups. For instance, a businessman might look at a boy with green hair and multiple piercings as a freak and outsider. But to another person, the boy is a strict conformist. He dresses a certain way to deliver the message of rebellion and separation, but within that group, the look is uniform. Acceptance or rejection of a style is a reaction to the society we live in.

GOD'S PRINCESS CLOTHING

Photography: David Smith

Photography: David Smith

Photography: David Smith

“I will praise You; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139: 14). God’s Princess Clothing, showcased Tee Shirts and dresses with a twist. The designer commenced her presentation with a video that led the audience into a solemn moment, reminding all that they are loved by God regardless of race color or creed; This she followed up with a production of signature Tee Shirts of a sportswear brand and a princess perception for girls, teens and women. The dresses, which included an upbeat selection for everyday and semiformal attire, gave a hint of the orient with the vibrant colors of Chinese prints. The models strutted along the runway with a poise and confidence that brought unchecked applause from the audience.

Article by: Meg. A

http://www.godsprincessclothing.com/

Bess Talent

Bess Talent presented children from her agency. Bess was also a sponsor for MTFW. She sponsored MTFW by providing clothing, for tiny tots and pre-teens, in three categories; evening, casual and sportswear.  The outfits featured appliqués, and prints in high quality fabrics. Girls and boys displayed designs of a bright and whimsical style with a joy and spunk that only children can demonstrate. They thrilled the audience with their dizzy turns and coyness, peculiar only, to their age group, yet walked with an air of dignified poise. Bess,  kept a motherly eye on the children as they walked the runway and showcased clothing provided by various vendors, that were not only creative, but also attractive and affordable.                                         http://besstalent.com/index.html

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 Article by: Meg A.

Middle Tennessee Fashion Week Takes The Cake

Article by: Jessica Hyslop

The bud has blossomed into a beautiful flower with vibrant hues. This phrase describes Middle Tennessee Fashion Week.

 When the concept of Middle Tennessee was introduced, eyebrows arched, and an expression, of frank skepticism, smeared faces. A few people believed that Murfreesboro, a small city could not, possibly, pull off such an event.

Fashionistas who, initially, had showed interest in MTFW, quickly back -tracked and headed off to greener fields where they knew money and publicity would abound for their treasured interests. They determined that their designs would not find a market in Murfreesboro and were reluctant to put money into this event. It made no difference, to them, that proceeds would be going to Generation for Creation, a place where kids in the community have a special place to create. 

Deserted by these turn- tails, the committe pulled their resources together and decided they would not give up, They threw caution to the wind and with God as their throttle, forged ahead. The show must go on, became their motto.

The city mayor, Tommy Bragg, issued a proclamation acknowledging MTFW as an annual event. Bravo Mayor Bragg!

MTFW commenced with a preview/press conference at JoZoara’s Coffee Shop, trunk show at Anastasia’s Boutique, and a finale fashion show at ON THE ROCKS Night Club.

Designers, ErosBlaine by Dylan Stevens and Nicole Cooley, together with Max McCormack designs, displayed an array of cutting edge and exquisite designs. Discrete Jewelry showcased jewelry of unique and attractive designs fit for Cleopatra.

The fashion Show, which was the, highlight of the week, ended to the tune of a grand finale. People came from all walks of life and cities other than TN., to enjoy the two shows offered; a morning Fashion Show for children, and an evening show for adults.

Designers and professional models put on a show with such grandeur and style that they propelled Murfreesboro onto the Fashion Map. Two thirteen year old designer “Cat Freeze” and “Brandon Carruth” deserve singular honor. Their designs were inspired and resourceful, with rich color and style.

Thanks to the staff at “On the Rocks,’ whose attitude was both friendly and inviting. They exceeded in their efforts to be helpful and resourceful.

Thanks to the team of photographers and freelance journalists whose cameras picked up every morsel of the show. They missed nothing.

Our appreciation to all the wonderful and community- oriented people who volunteered their time and resources to support MTFW. I applaud them.

To Sharon Cumberbatch, organizer and coordinator, and Max Mc Cormack designer and photographer, I take my hat off to you both. You pulled it off single, or rather double handedly. Well done!

 I can hear the rumblings of 2012 Middle Tennessee Fashion Week.

DEISGNERS

Eros Blaine by Nicole Cooley & Dylan Stevens

Exotic Escapades by M. Nichole

Carruth Couture by Brandon Carruth

Brejil Designs by Brenda Marlow

Cat-Land Forever Couture by Cat Freeze

Designs by Max by Max Mc Cormack

Margaret May Designs

God’s Princess by Cameo Bobo

Middle Tennessee Fashion Week - EROSBLAINE

Photography by: David Smith

Middle Tennessee Fashion Week (MTFW) opened the show with Designer’s Nicole Cooley and Dylan Stevens, a power house team! “We bring raw emotion and a story into each garment.” ErosBlaine works with opposites to harmonize: hard and soft, masculine and feminine, light and dark, etc. Mixing beautiful draping with sharp edges and contrasting with bare skin and covered areas are just a couple of examples. ErosBlaine also offers numerous garments that can be worn in different ways. A cape can become a skirt. A skirt could become a dress, etc. 

During the opening of MTFW, a fan was asked to describe  ErosBlaine!  “ErosBlaine stole the hearts of the audience, with lots of reds, blues, and blacks that included dresses, slacks, and skirts. They are more Couture than Ready to Wear, she smiles. I Definitely think ErosBlaine is something you would see on the runways of New York Fashion Week, lol.”

MTFW was an exciting event and we look forward to seeing more in the coming years.

Meg. Ottley blogs!

Photography by: David Smith

Meg. Ottley blogs!

Photography by: David Smith

http://erosblaine.com/

Middle Tennessee Press Conference

Middle Tennessee Fashion Week Preview

By: Margaret Okubo

The evening of April 12th 2011 commenced at 6pm with a simmering of excitement, as fashion designers and models prepared to wow the audience with fashion and style.

Brejil Designs by Brenda Marlow were seductive, casual, and yet very professional.

Eros Blaine by Dylan Stevens & Nicole Cooley displayed designs that were high fashion and cutting edge, while Designs by Max presented colorful, cocktail and ready to wear fashion.

Discrete jewelry displayed rich and vibrant colored jewelry suitable for daytime or evening wear.

The coordinator of MTFW, Sharon Cumberbatch cordially invited guests and supported designers.

 

JoZoara’s Coffee Shop a place for the shopper, or those who wanted to relax, presented a lovely venue. At the conclusion of the evening, JoZoara’s Coffee Shop served mouth watering hor d’oeuvres, hot teas, as well as cool beverages.

MTFW Press Conference was certainly an evening to remember!

http://erosblaine.com/

http://www.facebook.com/carruthcouture

http://www.jozoaracoffeeshop.com/

www.middletennesseefashionweek.com

http://www.pix-by-max.com/

Discrete Jewelry

Middle Tennessee Fashion Week

Fashion Week debuts in Murfreesboro

BY MELINDA HUDGINS

When it comes to up-and-coming fashion, most people think New York City, Paris or Milan.

But what about Middle Tennessee? Not so much – until now.

An ex-model, Sharon Cumberbatch, had to trek to the Big Apple during Fashion Week to get her fill of the next hottest trend. After eight years of making the trip twice a year, she knew there had to be better way.

“I got tired of traveling to New York to see the fashion shows and decided to bring it here instead of me having to travel,” Cumberbatch says. “Why not bring it to town where everyone else can enjoy it as well.”

Middle Tennessee Fashion Week will be held beginning April 12 with a grand finale fashion show at Embassy Suites on April 16.

More important than saving herself a trip to NYC twice a year is the opportunity to highlight local designers and models.

“Our focus is to get the local designers known and to get their name out there rather than bringing in big-name designers (to the show),” she said. “They work hard and deserve to be recognized for their work. It’s a very fierce industry, and competition is thick. They might be the next big designer out there, and it would be nice to know they started out in Middle Tennessee.”

As for aspiring models, Cumberbatch partnered with John Casablanca in Franklin to seek models trying to get into bigger agencies. In the end, they will have a chance to fly to New York and interview with two agencies.

“This an opportunity for the designer and for the model,” she said. “It is also for (attendees) to have a chance to buy the designs right there if they would like or make new contacts and network with the designers. It’s a chance for everyone to meet and connect and network, but my focus is the designers, and then the models.”

Cumberbatch reached out to MTSU’s fashion design department and recruited one student to design. The students will have their own spring fashion show on April 15, during Middle Tennessee Fashion Week; one MTSU graduate and several student volunteers will be helping out with the show. There is even a 13-year-old boy whose women’s clothing designs will be showcased.

Also on hand to help are student volunteers from Paul Mitchell: The School Murfreesboro. According to Kelly Sweeton, admissions leader, the student-run program allows Paul Mitchell students to go off-site and do hair and makeup for different events.

In the past, they have helped with high school plays and fashion shows and even MTSU’s fashion shows, where they will once again offer their talents on April 15.

“We stay pretty busy,” Sweeton said.

While Middle Tennessee Fashion Week may not be a larger project for the group, it is more professional, she added.

“It gives them the ability to see what they can achieve and what they may want to make their profession geared towards once they graduate from here,” Sweeton said. “It’s different from working in a salon (by being) more fashion-industry geared.”

You might have heard about Nashville having its inaugural fashion week, as well, but this event is completely separate.

Both, however, are indicators that Tennessee isn’t far behind when it comes to new trends.

“I think they are catching on,” Cumberbatch said. “When I was here seven or eight years ago, I was kind of down. Anything I looked for fashion-wise, I just couldn’t find. We were about four years behind (then). People are now moving into Middle Tennessee, it’s growing fast, and we’re catching onto the trends now. I don’t think we’re four years behind any more.”

Proceeds from the event will benefit Generations for Creations, a non-profit visual performing arts program held weekly at the Boys and Girls Club.

Tickets for the fashion finale at Embassy Suites are $20 for the children’s show and $40 for the adult show. All other events throughout the week are free.

Schedule:
April 12
JoZoara Coffee Shop
6 p.m. to 9 p.m. – Kick-off press conference and sneak-peak fashion show

April 13
The Bird’s Nest Salon
Free hair consultation

April 14
Anastasia’s Boutique
Trunk Shows

April 15
MTSU
Spring Fashion Show

April 16
On The Rocks. 211 West Main Street, Murfreesboro, TN 37130
9 a.m. to 10 a.m. – Children’s Fashion Show featuring models from Bess Talents
1 p.m. to 5 p.m. – Adult Fashion Show