September 22nd, 2011 
In the midst of New York Fashion Week, Seattle fashion lovers were previewing fall looks from boutiques and designers at the 8th Annual Fashion First. The show was at the Showbox SODO on September 15. The evening began with a live auction, hosted by John Curley to benefit Rise n’ Shine, a non-profit providing advocacy for youth with HIV/AIDS. The auction ended up raising over $80,000.
Models on the runway during the Lizzie Parker set. (Photo Credit: Fashion First Seattle)
The first set was by La Ree Boutique, whose show included jackets, sweater and furs in neutrals, blacks and grays, but also showed a number of pieces in bright colors, including a red Vena Cava pleated dress with a calf length leopard print coat, a blue shift dress from Yigal Azrouel and the standout finale dress: an emerald green wrap dress from Yigal Azrouel with a vintage fur coat. La Ree Boutique also showed my favorite color combination of the season, red and camel. Crimson Rag & Bone skinny cords were matched with an Alexander Wang nude, sleeveless sweater.
Mercer also featured this smart look in two looks: Red J Brand pencil cords were paired with a camel Gemma blouse and a Vince camel hooded drape coat was paired with a red Autumn cashmere wrap.
The Finerie’s looks also featured a lot of color: a purple dress from MS Wood with a floor-length charcoal jacket and my favorite look: a multicolored, jewel-toned shift dress by Smith paired with a mustard Sonia Rykiel wool swing coat. The Finerie also showed another set which exclusively featured two local designers: Heilyke and Madina Vadach, whose designs are sold at The Finerie.
Ragamoffyn’s, a designer consignment boutique in downtown Kirkland, presented jewel tones and fur in their show as well, with a mustard-colored Prada silk shift dress and a vintage fox fur vest with a nude Dolce & Gabbana sweater. Sway and Cake’s set focused on the feminine looks popular this season with a floor length printed gown, a tie-front blouse from Tucker and a number of lace pieces, including a body suit, long lace skirt and wide leg lace pants from Georgie. And Baby & Co. showed looks inspired by the Scottish Highlands featuring tweed, plaid and lots of hats.
Lizzie Parker designs use easy to wear and layer knit fabrics in modern and detailed shapes. Her pieces included cropped tops, asymmetrical dresses and sparkle. I’m currently coveting her black, sparkly Enter Sandman pants. Chez Chic focused on showing attention-grabbing pieces. From a rose gold 3/4 length sleeve dress to a more subtle black calf length dress and and even a swimsuit, fall requires infusing a little sparkle into your wardrobe.
The evening concluded with celebrity model, Mandy Moon, wearing a black halter, floor length gown with inserts of pages of Seattle Magazine designed by Rosalyn Librande, a recent graduate from the Art Institute of Seattle’s Fashion Design program. The dress was paired with a statement necklace designed by Moon.
