CHARLESTON, South Carolina — Six talented local designers were given the exciting news that their original fashions will be showcased on the CFW ‘08 runway. Selected from 16 submissions, the winners are Foster Fox, Rachel Gordon, Krista Beth Huff, Ashley Reid, Megan Waldrep, and Carol Hannah Whitfield.
Each of these artists provided the Emerging Local Designer Competition judges with four sketches and two finished pieces as well as a description of the collection concept. The panel of fashion experts—including Laura Bennett of Project Runway; Bob Siegel, CEO of Lacoste; Squire Fox, renowned fashion photographer; Leigh Magar, local milliner; and Ayoka Lucas, style editor of Charleston magazine—paid special attention to criteria such as design knowledge, an eye for trends, and the quality of the garments.
Lucas sums up the process thus far by saying, “The Emerging Local Designer Competition has so far been the most exciting new addition to Charleston Fashion Week. We never anticipated that we would receive 16 submissions from designers in the tri-county area. I really love the stories behind the designers and learning about their various design philosophies. The Emerging Local Designer night at CFW will surely validate that Charleston does posses a cutting-edge fashion community with plenty of up-and-coming talent to be discovered!â€
These winning designers and their collections will bask in the spotlight in March 2008 during a special night of runway shows dedicated solely to them. Charleston is proud to support local talent and encourages everyone to do the same by attending this landmark event.
Charleston Fashion Week will be held under the tents in Marion Square March 25-29, 2008. Please visit www.charlestonfashionweek.com for more information regarding the designers, schedule of events, tickets, and more.