Thursday, June 17, 2010

In Review: I Feel Love

by Beth Hammarlund

The multi-media fashion extravaganza I FEEL LOVE lived up to its buzz on Saturday night. Assembled by local stylist and producer Angie Hanson, Anthem Heart's Ken Hannigan and SCENEaSOTA's Maritza Ramirez, the show combined elements of fashion, video art and music.

Ramirez opened the show with a fall collection of feminine dresses and separates in a fresh modern palette. The collection successfully evoked the je ne sais quoi of an effortlessly chic Parisian girl.

Models flounced down the runway in cheeky mini-skirts and sophisticated blouses, and a beautifully proportioned coat suited for Audrey Hepburn served as one of the finale pieces. Stylist Jane Belfry added to the effect, focusing on the collection's grown-up sweetness with over-sized bowties by local line Freedom From Doubt and sheer thigh-highs and garters. And though the presentation was certainly whimsical, it never veered into girlish cutesiness. While the collection at times lacked in cohesion and a clearly unifying theme, it contained plenty of individual items that are extremely sellable.

Labine's collection of playful pieces took her signature over-the-top Japanese streetwear and anime-inspired shapes and turned them into something wearable. Though the longtime designer's bright colors and prints (designed in collaboration with show producer Angie Hanson) are still not for the fashion faint of heart, it was exciting to see the designer convert her inspirations and source material into such a fun and retail-ready collection.


Models posed and pouted in sheer black gartered thigh-highs, towering, candy-colored heels and striking pink makeup. The striped matching bows each model donned were a great unifying element to the styling, as were gorgeous steampunk-inspired gems by local designer Bionic Unicorn. Exaggerated shoulder details and exposed zippers punctuated the collection of mini-dresses, structured skirts and printed tees. Overall, it was a strong return to the runway for the long-missed designer.

The production team elevated the event from just another runway show into a feast for the senses. In addition to gorgeous video art from The Lovemelts, Jesse Draxler and Anthem Heart, chanteuses Camille Bourgergie and Alina Lindquist opened and closed the runway. The Night provided an interlude performance perfectly suited to the atmosphere created by the production team.

Designs from the show are available at Cliché.

View more photos from the event by Digital Crush.

Check out a video recap of the event:

I Feel Love Fashion Show from Anthem Heart A/V on Vimeo.

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