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Wednesday photographs by Reese Moore

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Backstage Pass

Featured designer Mychael Knight debuts his signature line at Charleston Fashion Week, and Charleston's retail community showcases this spring's hottest looks.

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Sprinting through the rain to the CFW tents at Marion Square, I couldn’t help but appreciate the irony that both CFW 2009 and 2010’s Wednesday night shows began with torrential downpours. I clomped backstage in my waterlogged heels, where the vibrantly made up models for Monkee’s of Daniel Island were doing last minute wardrobe adjustments.

Further back into the waiting area, models rushed around in various states of dress. Ashley Brook Perryman was doing a few last makeup touch ups, while runway coach Michelle Woods offered pointers and words of encouragement, and the shoes for Mychael Knight’s collection were being spray painted.

“Reese, you should have blow dried your hair before coming to fashion week,” a fellow photographer teased me. Thanks curse of Wet Wednesday, I was hardly alone in the soaking wet hair department. The guests on the other side of the curtain were taking the rain in stride however, flocking to the tents to witness some of Charleston’s chicest retail looks and the official debut of Mychael Knight’s signature collection.

Suddenly the Monkee’s of Daniel Island models were lining up along the yellow tape, and the shows had officially begun. Travis O’Dell and the hardworking runway team ushered models out of the way as they stepped off the catwalk, and all of backstage was a whirlwind of activity. The Banana Republic models lined up to the side while Mychael Knight steamed his finale look, House of Sage did last minute wardrobe edits, and the Stella Nova hair and makeup team worked at a frenetic pace.

Show after show lined up along the yellow tape and finished to thunderous applause, but backstage was all business. Everything about this year’s Charleston Fashion Week is so much more developed and sophisticated, and the professional attitude of each person backstage was palpable.

Suddenly there was a chaotic burst of energy, and the models were being dressed and restyled for Mychael Knight’s show. Several of the models had walked in the House of Sage show, but the Stella Nova team handled the tight time constraints with exceptional cool. “The Stella Nova team is so dedicated, they just make it work. And a special kudos to Laran, their general manager,” said Ashley Brook Perryman.

Mychael Knight’s collection garnered an enthusiastic round of applause from the audience, and backstage the engaging, personable designer untiringly posed for an endless number of photos with the CFW models. Charleston magazine editor in chief Darcy Shankland gave Mychael a hug and extended her congratulations before stealing him away so I snag a quick interview. Mychael was stoked to have finally debuted the fruits of his labor, a collection which he’s been working on since September.

“Why did you choose to debut your collection in Charleston?” I asked. “It’s so professional here, it’s about the designer, it’s comparable to New York... I asked to be here!!” he gushed. I was instantly taken with Mychael’s upbeat attitude, enthusiasm, and humility, it’s no wonder this man is a CFW favorite on and off the runway.
After tonight’s gorgeous, glamorous show I had to ask what’s next on Mychael’s agenda. “I have a show in Atlanta... and then SLEEP,” he laughed. The designer then went on to compliment the caliber of all of the talent showcased in the Emerging Design Competition. “The talent here is so untainted, it’s so inspiring to me to see that raw hunger.” His advice for Charleston’s local designers? “Follow your dreams, no matter your circumstances. Work hard, put good love and energy into your designs and your talent will be recognized.”