By Elizabeth McLaughlin & Kaleigh Guay
W E D N E S D A Y . D A Y 4
Eight / United Republic Affair by Artiss Akarra
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Artiss creates a summer beach lifestyle full of sunwear, swimwear and accessories for Spring 2015. All the swimsuits were a variety of solid colors and transitional printed coverups. My favorite silhouette of swimsuit was a yellow two piece with a bandeau triangle cutout underneath the breast. The bottoms contained four cinched seams. My favorite coverup was a white ruffled V-neck tunic shirt with black polka dots. The coverup was able to transfer from a fun day at the beach to an evening out paired with jeans. Each pair of Sunglasses was also designed by Artiss himself. Each model also sported a flower hairpiece from PearlnPetalsRI. I personally own one myself and it became a part of my look on Wednesday night.
Battle Designs by Earl Battle
Throughout the collection there were a variety of styles and visions. The use of heavy and lightweight fabrics gave the audience the impression that not only was the collection Spring 2015, but all year around. From a fur accent to a swimsuit, this year’s long winter and short summer weather inspired metallics, wools, suiting fabrics, denim, and lightweight cotton/polyester. My favorite look from the collection was the lime green flared skirt with the snakeskin mashup, printed jacket.
Carissa Lynne Frazier
This 1960s mod collection was not only beautiful but unexpected. A majority of the garments were mid thigh t-shirt printed dresses and high waisted A line skirted dresses. Each pastel look was paired with sixtys inspired eyewear. Each model was sophisticated with a red lip and tamed wavy hair. The combination of showcasing an item of necessity with classic hair and makeup makes the collection realistic. Being someone who enjoys wearing my glasses I could visualize myself wearing Carissa’s designs.
Photography by: Pa Kou Lee
T H U R S D A Y . D A Y 5
Shalyn Webber
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Shalyn develops a strong, warrior-princess themed collection, perfect for the bold woman. I appreciated the leather body molded bodice pieces. The pieces include dramatic cuts, selective draping and intense colors. My favorite piece from the collection is the plunging neckline navy strappy top with the gray high slit ombre skirt. Hair and makeup reflected the bold look by adding oriental accents such as chopsticks and a red thread with medallion hanging from a hair bun.
Alistair Archer by Robert Merton
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Thunder, Lightning, Fashion! Rain is definitely a decision when considering fashion. As a designer, I appreciate Allister’s consistency in color, print, and a story being told. He created raincoats, umbrellas, rainboots, and tulle tutus. Blue cool tones and red hot tones prints were showcased accompanied by plaids. All the exterior fabrics for the trench coat style raincoats were water resistant. The plaid underlining and back yoke brought the overall theme together. The slightly damp hair with a cherry red lip look was perfection for this collection.
Restored by Design by Martha Jackson
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This bohemian vintage inspired collection showcases “back-to-the-earth” apparel and accessories, making a positive influence in the fashion world. My favorite detail was one circular medallion hand sewn to the back of one of Martha’s lovely white dresses. I love the idea of having your clothing wearing jewelry so that you do not have to. Also the concept that jewelry on clothing does not only have to be on the front bodice of a garment, it can be anywhere 360 on the body.
Photography by: Brenna Guay
