Fête Set Pick
Saturday, March 31
Cooper River Bridge Run
Just do it! Runners and walkers can register as late as Friday evening. Dust off your running shoes and head to the race expo at the Gaillard Auditorium on Calhoun Street for last minute registrations.
On Tuesday, Mayor Riley opened Charleston magazine’s first-ever Charleston Fashion Week (CFW) with his trademark extemporaneous comments during which he compared CFW to Spoleto Festival USA and predicted it would become the sort of wildly popular event that inspires people to claim “they were there” at the event’s origination. Television anchor Carolyn Murray, in a sleek white pantsuit courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue, took over the role of emcee for the night, and DJ Moo Moo started spinning a stellar line-up of stylized musical selections. With eager anticipation, the shows were off and running.
As the first string of professional models sinuously strutted down the runway in Saks’ jet set attire, I marveled at how quickly CFW sprang to life. With little more than three months planning by various Charleston magazine staff members and a volunteer committee, the grand vision of style editor Ayoka Lucas had arrived. And it was fierce! The milieu inside the tents was one of excitement and high energy, while the panoply of personal expression exhibited by attendees mirrored the diversity of the local merchants who participated in the week’s festivities. There was something for everyone.
In total, 19 stores participated in this inaugural event, which took place beneath a series of giant tents in Marion Square over the course of five nights. For a complete listing of the stores, please visit www.charlestonfashionweek.com.
On Thursday, I took a break from the fashion frenzy in order to attend the Water For Life gala. Hosted by Water Missions International, a faith-based nonprofit that works to alleviate the water and sanitation needs of people in developing countries and disaster areas, the gala was one of several events throughout the week that raised awareness of the global water crisis. Held at Charleston Place, where the stifling heat in the corridor ironically sent me searching for water several times during the silent auction, the event featured a very exciting pre-dinner announcement: Project SafeWater-Colon, a three-year initiative, will provide sustainable, safe water access and sanitation to the entire state of Colon, Honduras, the most destitute state in their country. On hand to herald the announcement were Governor Mark Sanford, Mayor Joseph Riley, First Lady of Honduras Xiomara Castro de Zelaya, and Water Missions International founders George and Molly Greene, among other dignitaries.
By Friday, I was back on the fashion beat. A ripple of nervous energy coursed through the crowd as whispers of a special guest whipped guests into a frenzy. People angled to see the entrance of then tent, and shortly after 6 p.m., Laura Bennett, runner-up of last season’s Project Runway competition, appeared in all of her flame hair glory. By the time she and husband Peter Shelton took their seats in the front row, the last remaining standing-room-only tickets had been sold. Part of the proceeds from CFW benefit the local chapter of Dress for Success, for which Laura is a spokesperson. Dress for Success supplies women in need with business attire to assist in their transition to the working world. Locally, Margaret Johnson Jefferson has been leading the “suits to sustainability” effort, and she introduced me to the organization’s rather radiant CEO, Joi Gordon, who also made the trip to Charleston for the festivities. I hear both Laura and Joi had a wonderful time in our fair city and have pledged to return again next year.
On Saturday morning, Bev Seinsheimer, Julie Medich, and six-year-old Emily Medich, three of my favorite walking buddies, joined me at the Hazel Parker Playground for the Water for Life Walk. The 3.5 mile course lead hundreds of participants around High Battery, down Murray Boulevard, and over to Colonial Lake where walkers received a bucket filled with one gallon of water that was to be carried back to the starting line— 1.75 miles away. We quickly learned that one gallon weighs slightly more than eight pounds, and I suspect that the flower boxes lining Broad Street appreciated their early morning drink courtesy of the folks with fatigued biceps. Signs touting the terrible statistics associated with deaths linked to contaminated water were positioned periodically along the route, and it was truly an eye-opening experience.
Saturday night found me back at the tents for the CWF finale. This time, Julie and I were joined by her husband Bill Medich, who gave the event’s lush decor a thumbs up. Designed by Heather Barrie of Gathering, the party was a cool oasis in the midst of dry, dusty Marion Square. Crystal chandeliers hung from the tent’s ceiling; intimate sitting areas were tucked into quiet corners of the tent, and verdant flower stalks in tall vases filled the room. The bars were plentiful, and the passed food from Granville’s included seared tuna, foie gras, and other sundry hors d’oeuvres. Tables with towers of fruit and artisanal cheeses were scattered around the room, while other tables were laden with meat tarts and dips. One corner of the tent opened to the park, and guests spilled into the outdoor area, which was illuminated by lanterns that hung from the trees. The blooming dogwoods and the crisp night sky contributed to the enchanted garden feel of the party. The affair was still going strong by the time my coach reverted to a pumpkin and I bid CFW adieu.
What were your memorable moments from Charleston magazine’s Charleston Fashion Week? Please share your stories in the comments
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Caritas.
Ida
Only two more nights of Charleston Fashion Week remain! The looks on the runway have been fierce, and the fashionistas in the audience have dazzled in their own right. Laura Bennett from Project Runway arrives today and will be the special guest at the Saturday night finale party. Get your tickets now! Proceeds benefit Dress for Success. Read more at charlestonfashionweek.com.