Runway Recap: Indie Designer Runway Show

Indie Designers Kick off Bellevue Fashion Week

The turnout for Wednesday night's Independent Designer Runway Show to kick off Bellevue Fashion Week was amazing! An overall feeling of excitement filled the air and guests were buzzing about the indie fashion movement happening in our city. The talent of the designers was evident in the cohesiveness of their collections and also by the refinement that clearly went into every garment over the past six months. Back in March a total of 38 designers went through the interview process to participate in the showcase and last night the top 10 finalists had the opportunity to send their collections down the runway. The sold-out crowd consisted of Seattle fashion enthusiasts including members of Fashion Group International, buyers from local stores, fashion editors for Pacific Northwest magazines, wardrobe stylists, fashion fans and even fellow fashion designers in the community coming together to show their support of the fresh talent the city has to offer. The caliber of this year's designers blew me away and their sheer level of talent and creativity cannot be ignored.

Winning the top prize of $5,000 cash and the chance to showcase his line in Bellevue Square during the month of October was Aykut Ozen. His line of handmade leather goods inspired by classic workwear and rock-n-roll are both functional and original.

Designers Erin Roby and Paychi Guh tied for runners-up and each received a prize of $1,000 cash, courtesy of The Bellevue Collection. Erin Roby's collection featured structured silhouettes to create a modern "Northwest" look, while Paychi Guh focused on beautifully draped, architecturally-inspired sweaters, tunics and scarves in pure cashmere.

Crowd-favorites from the evening included the mixed materials and contrasting textures shown in the Wyatt Orr set, the oversized, chunky cashmere scarves shown by Benu Cashmere and the white-on-white looks sent down the runway by Trina Pierre, shown below.

Other designers showcasing their collections at the Independent Designer Runway Show included Corban Harper, Lia Pal, Michael Cepress, and Heather Ellrod. Take the time to get to know these amazing indie designers and buy one of their pieces while you can- soon you'll be telling your friends you "knew them way back when"...