By Abby and Elle
Ten designers participated in FWC’s runway show and black-tie gala on Saturday, May 12. You’ll see some of each designer’s work below, so you won’t feel like you missed too much by not attending.
We love that Cleveland is emerging as a fashion hot spot; we don’t love that FWC appears to be poorly organized. Doors opened 45 minutes late because no one thought to buy black plastic plates for the food. Huh? After eight years of running this event, plates haven’t landed on the checklist? And why wasn’t that the caterer’s job anyway? FWC volunteers had to scramble through downtown looking for 3,000 plates. Not that they needed that many. There wasn’t that much food, and what there was didn’t last long.
In reading through the “official program” for FWC, we couldn’t help but notice a complete disregard of graphic design standards. Who runs black text right over color photos? Yep, right over them, like a runaway train. The copy couldn’t have looked right or been legible on a computer screen, let alone a printer’s proof. Seriously?
Our final big complaint is with the runway. Why was it not elevated? We sat only a few rows back and had to keep standing to see the bottom half of the models. Again, this was the ninth year of the event, so we’re not compelled to be overly forgiving.
A lack of regard for important details will not help Cleveland make a name for itself in the world of fashion, unless of course the name is Wanna Be.
The Goodwill fashion event, which we blogged about, was expertly run. And 2012 was its second year. Kudos to them.
We’re confident next year’s FWC runway event will be better. Darn near perfect even.
Long v-neck top with ribbon tie and four-square cardigan by Barbara Rubright Wearables. Photo: Stephen Travarca
See Barbara Rubright Wearables up close this fall at two Cleveland fashion events; check her website for details. Photo: Stephen Travarca
Hot, red and perfect for summer, by Andrea Howell, Tidal Cool Creations. Photo: Stephen Travarca
The red waistband makes this simple dress pop, by Andrea Howell, Tidal Cool Creations. Photo: Stephen Travarca
The ruffled neck is a showstopper! By Erica Woodmore, Contained Expression. Photo: Stephen Travarca
By Erica Woodmore, Contained Expression. Photo: Stephen Travarca
We’re unsure about the fabric streaming from the back though…. By Erica Woodmore, Contained Expression. Photo: Stephen Travarca
The lovely mix of soft colors and fabric makes this a super-feminine dress. Lotty by Lotty Lewis. Photo: Stephen Travarca
This gold corset ensemble gives a nod to the Wild West. Lotty by Lotty Lewis. Photo: Stephen Travarca
The rich pattern and color give this daring ensemble cred. Lotty by Lotty Lewis. Photo: Stephen Travarca
She’s the belle of the ball in this red chiffon dress. Lotty by Lotty Lewis. Photo: Stephen Travarca
Ruffles, lace and flowers adorn this beauty. Lotty by Lotty Lewis. Photo: Stephen Travarca
The asymmetrical hemline adds to the feminine flair of this dress. Lotty by Lotty Lewis. Photo: Stephen Travarca
Lotty by Lotty Lewis. Photo: Stephen Travarca
Tufts of tulle accent the bottom of this mermaid gown. Lotty by Lotty Lewis. Photo: Stephen Travarca
This one made us crave rainbow sherbet. Lotty by Lotty Lewis. Photo: Stephen Travarca
Love the lacing on the back. Lotty by Lotty Lewis. Photo: Stephen Travarca
Seriously, those shoes match perfectly! Becca Nation, Knotty Girl Designs. Photo: Stephen Travarca
Sweet and sexy. Becca Nation, Knotty Girl Designs. Photo: Stephen Travarca
Not the dress — the shoes! Even the audience is in awe. Becca Nation, Knotty Girl Designs. Photo: Stephen Travarca
This Knotty Girl design sports a religious emblem. Becca Nation, Knotty Girl Designs. Photo: Stephen Travarca
Paying homage to her hometown of Pittsburgh. Becca Nation, Knotty Girl Designs. Photo: Stephen Travarca
The entire ensemble — lace-up boots, fishnet hose, knit and feather dress and feather headpiece — just works. Becca Nation, Knotty Girl Designs. Photo: Stephen Travarca
Love the lines in this, and the red in the cut-out shoulder blouse is repeated in the zipper of the geometric skirt and the shoe heel. F. Christine Mapondera, Sireka Couture. Photo: Stephen Travarca
Satin gown, by Angie Williams, Annie Ruth 8. Photo: Stephen Travarca
The patch of ruffles adds character to this dress, perfect for a day of sailing. Jamie Powell, out of the Motor City. Photo: Stephen Travarca
Feathers, leather, netting and more. Love the bold look! Melanya Hovsepyan Tovmasyan. Photo: Stephen Travarca
Made ever more captivating with its slightly-off-the-shoulder style. Trista L. Grieder, Profig Designs. Photo: Stephen Travarca
We want this dress. Trista L. Grieder, Profig Designs. Photo: Stephen Travarca
The deep red roses and headpiece emphasize the bold statement this dress makes. Trista L. Grieder, Profig Designs. Photo: Stephen Travarca
Lacing up the back — sold! Trista L. Grieder, Profig Designs. Photo: Stephen Travarca
Not a model, but she could be! We met the nicest people, like Megan Nicholls, at the event. Photo: Stephen Travarca
More stunning event guests: Love the hats! Photo: Stephen Travarca
Sunny and Abby. Photo: Stephen Travarca
Abby & Elle Upstairs Fashion & Design 