SEATTLE FASHION SHOW: A Humble, New Beginning
July is usually a busy month for the Seattle fashion community, and kicking us off this year is a young man who goes by Vicente, the Director of Seattle Fashion Show, a new series of fashion events that made its official debut at the illustrious new restaurant, House of Eve.
By Christy Kioko
If you didn’t know, fashion in Seattle has become a trending topic in the past couple of years—shoutout to the gals that started it ;) but it’s evident that the community has grown tremendously since the first major fashion event held at Lisa Marie Couture in Capitol Hill last February.
Since then, a series of fashion events, from simple to extravagant have taken place and one might say that things are looking up for the future of fashion in Seattle. One member of the community, who says he’s been inspired by the possibilities of more for our city, has decided to add another element of fashion and events in what he calls the Seattle Fashion Show. After a compelling debut held at House of Eve, Vicente, the designer and founder of the new event series sat down with us to share some reflections:
“I love that Seattle fashion is growing. I would hate to be in a city with a fully established fashion scene already with no room to grow. It feels like everyone knows the potential we have here in the city and what it could be, but the potential feels scattered. One of my goals is to help focus it. Getting people together, giving them a good time, people meeting people, collaborating… something great inevitably comes from it.”
SO, WHAT IS THE SEATTLE FASHION SHOW?
From what we know, it’s a fashion show concept, with the potential to be more. According to Vicente, although it’s in the name, he doesn’t want the Seattle Fashion Show to be limited to, well, just fashion shows. “I want to have all kinds of events, from dinners, cocktail parties, charity events, smaller scale showcases, anything anyone can think of, to be honest,” he told us.
The first event last Sunday was a great start. A fashion show held within a restaurant—it’s the first we have seen over here, and maybe in the greater fashion world, but it’s also not completely left-field. The design and vibe are already there, and post-COVID, we are constantly looking for ways to step out of our casual norm to something more swanky, intending to show off our style. Restaurants provide a runway for us all, where everyone is hungry—for both food and to be noticed.
We were curious to know more about the three featured collections, one designed by Vicente, the second by Jea-Leigh of Steel Lining, and the third by Seattle designer Fabricio Melo. The array of looks between the three displayed crocheted two-pieces, leather dresses and skirts, asymmetrical cutouts, platform heels, furry legwarmers, and touches of lingerie. See the photos below, captured by Rou Leonard:
“I’ve been designing for maybe two to three years, with various mediums of design from patchwork to tailoring and constructing pieces. The collection was just built from pieces I’ve put together over maybe a year or so. There’s not an overarching theme. I just picked pieces from the archive and redesigned them to fit the venue (House of Eve) the best I could. Some were made for the show, but most are things I’ve made previously and thought could work.”
ANY INSPIRATIONS WORTH NOTING?
“For inspiration, I would say everyone who has been part of my fashion journey for the past two to three years. You guys for example. I’ve followed TSS for a while now, and many of the people who I’ve met and have received great perspective and direction from, like Lisa Marie Couture, and Dan who mentors me in design—I’ve met all of them after watching their Style Series interview and reaching out. It’s a crazy full circle moment having watched you all to now having you as guests at my event. It’s safe to say the Seattle Fashion Show wouldn’t have happened if not for all of you. Very honored, blessed, and grateful.”
Needless to say, we are in tears…from his kind words to the incredible hospitality we experienced from the staff at House of Eve that evening, we must submit our public thanks to the team involved and Vicente for providing an exceptional VIP experience.
WHAT’S THE GOAL?
Traditionally, when we ask this question, we are met with big dreams rolling off the tongue of our guests, but, with Vicente, it was simple. “To be honest, I don’t want to be known as a designer. I only designed in the show to get the ball rolling for SFS. My goal with it is to build it into a platform that up-and-coming designers and creatives can use to get their work in front of people and network. Ideally, I won’t be designing at all in future shows and I’ll just be there helping guide the show process for those hoping to use the platform. And, if I’m being honest, I don’t want to be known as the director of @seattlefashionshow. I want everyone involved to feel like it’s theirs. I just want to be there making sure everything goes smoothly and everyone is having a good time.”
And that, we did. As we get ready for what’s next in fashion in the Emerald City, we look to the pioneers who have begun to lay the foundation for future generations to come. And, anyone who knocks anyone for simply trying is, as ASAP Rocky says, a loser.
