It's probably the most dangerous runway show of Fashion Week at the Bellevue Collection -- as in, dangerous to your wallet, but friendly to a closet needing something new and fabulous. The annual Nordstrom Fall 2012 Fashion Runway Show is the most interactive runway event for the now 5 day-long fashion event that takes over downtown Bellevue every autumn. The runway showcases curated looks and pieces from various designers, but you also have the chance to "shop the show" with an ad hoc accessories and makeup boutique that's set up before and after the show. That's always the marvelous danger of attending this event, I've had more than enough moments of temptation where that McQueen scarf wouldn't seem as indulgent as getting a whole outfit, or just that one beautiful clutch from Marc Jacobs wouldn't hurt -- I don't need to heat my house when I have something stylish to keep me warm! I think the overly generous pours of wine and cocktails probably add to that mentality, but I'm all about mixing business with pleasure. Hey, it's serious business when you want to upgrade a wardrobe!

But it's not all glitz and glam, those sky-high platform heels are supporting a purpose behind this show, namely the Detlef Schrempf Foundation. They do impressive work to provide assistance and support for organizations who provide care and assistance to families throughout the Northwest. They've been with the Nordstrom runway show every year, and they highlight a different group who will be the beneficiary of the evening's proceeds. It brings more awareness to smaller organizations that may not have the resources to become a household name -- yet. This year's show supported the Bellevue Youth Theatre, a fantastic group of volunteers who mentor children of all ages towards getting involved in the performing arts, and they put on regular shows. Every child is involved, they have a part to play and I know from personal experience how wonderful this group is because I have a friends whose children have been involved for many years and the kids LOVE IT. It's absolutely changing lives and introducing the arts to those at a young age, which is about as Jaunty as it gets. Even more exciting, the proceeds from the Nordstrom show will only further along the BYT's major project of getting a new, larger theater over in the Crossroasds neighborhood. If you get a chance to see a BYT performance, please do, and it's something to definitely get your kids involved in, if they want to be a part of the arts. 

Of course you're saying: what about the runway show?! Consistently a beautiful show of clothes every year, Nordstrom choose pieces that are mindful of trends, but definitely suited to fit the audience. These are wearable combinations of pieces, for both men and women, ranging from special occasion to office attire. It's a way of seeing clothing that you would normally find hanging on a rack and instead putting them on full display to reiterate that age-old saying: Just Try It On! 

These certainly aren't all the outfits, but they're some of my favorites. I've got more shows to photograph and share, so keep coming back for more photos from this year's Bellevue Fashion Week!

Milly: smart, quirky and with a nod to retro styles. Very feminine, but not girly. There were gorgeous pieces with prints and intense color. 


Vince: beautiful warm fall hues in simple styles. Sweater knits with leather make for a nice contrast, and even the all-leather look can be feminine. 


Kelly Werstler: artful combinations of textures and patterns to build an outfit. Love the layering of contrasting prints, and colored tights peeking through a leather cut-out skirt. 


Marc by Marc Jacobs: geek graduated to hipster. The pieces are darling and can be worn separately -- and no, skinny jeans and artsy glasses are not required.


Rachel Zoe: ladylike and classic with a bit of disco glam. Nicely polished looks that go from power lunch to cocktail hour. 


Billy Reid: relaxed style doesn't have to just mean jeans and a t-shirt. Mixing materials and jackets galore for a nicely finished, put-together look. 


Elizabeth and James: add a little rock n' roll to your wardrobe. Small details like leather gloves or studded shoulder patches on a sweater balance out a soft look. 


Haute Hippie: unleash your inner rockstar goddess. Bold prints and patterns, their pieces aren't for the style-shy. Sky-high boots and heels are a must.  


Haute Hippie: clearly a Magpie favorite, the evening looks range from sweet to full-on golden goddess.  


Theyskens' Theory: simple, but bold. Mixing materials and textures to create contrast and wearable pieces ranging from day to night. 


Tory Burch: it's fun to be a girl. Not totally stuck in a MadMen episode, but with a nod to vintage, the pieces modernize classic looks by mixing materials and a streamlined fit.  


Rag and Bone: casual with a touch of quirkiness. Taking everyday outfits and having one special item, like a bold color, unique pattern, or mixing patterns on classic separates.


Diane Von Furstenberg: a stylish lady who will never be out of fashion. Feminine and fun-to-wear pieces, these are outfits that celebrate what it means to be a woman.


Diane Von Furstenberg: cocktail dresses that are never boring, and wave the Jaunty banner that sparkly, shiny things will never, ever go out of style!


Jaunty Fine Print: photography by Denise Sakaki, designers listed above

It's that time of year again! Downtown Bellevue puts on a fancy dress and gets runway-ready for this year's Fashion Week at the Bellevue Collection. This year's lineup added a whole new event to the runway schedule, the Independent Designer Runway Show, featuring several local designers, including a new collection by Lisa Vian Hunter, who competed on NBC's Fashion Star series. This was more than an opportunity to showcase independent designers' works -- the collections were chosen by a panel of fashion experts from Seattle Met, Les  Egoistes, Pstyle Image Consulting, Fashion Group International and The Bellevue Collection. They paired down the list of many talented local designers to a small handful, and from those who presented their collections at the Independent show, a single designer was chosen as the recipient of a grant to help support them and get them closer towards their design dream. The winner is noted below, but give all the designers their due by admiring at their work!

I thought it was a great opportunity to show something beyond what you can buy in a store. Beyond clothing, it was ideas and concepts that were being shown on a runway, where these designers' creativity would like to take fashion towards the next level. The thing that struck me was the use of different materials and a lot of hand-done detailing, something that you don't get from mass-market items, and a reminder to appreciate and support one-of-a-kind fashion, as it truly is art you can wear. 

These are some favorite shots from each of the designers' collection - it was a mix of clothing as well as accessories. Stay tuned for more posts -- I'm taking photos at every evening show for Fashion Week and editing/posting as fast as I can!

Lizzie Parker: nicely-draped, simple pieces. Asymmetrical collars and surprising details like the open back on the turtleneck. Great for showcasing statement jewelry and easily mixing/matching pieces in an existing wardrobe.


Ampersand As Apostrophe by Jessica Park: handbags and accessories designer; simple pieces that have complex details, like the open zipper shoulder strap seen on the first photo. Different mix of materials and hardware, it gives the pieces a modern, urban feel.


Built for Man by Francisco Hernandez: familiar and popular local designer; the pieces are very tailored and for the style-forward urban dweller. The mix of patterned sweaters and leather pants - very edgy combination.


Masha Osoianu Design by Masha Osoianu: embrace the stretch-fringe! Very textural and unique, the pieces have a mix of tribal and flapper. The detail gives pieces a delicate quality that really adds movement to the wearer as they walk.


Carole McClellan by Carole McClellan: this designer was the panelists' choice for the "best in show" prize. She exhibited designs for both men and women, and she integrates reclaimed materials, like vintage furs, for new pieces. Her collection was luxe with a touch of the theatrical, with designs named as characters and personalities - a reminder that a runway show is truly performance art.


KateS Mensah by Kate Mensah: feminine with an edge; this was probably my personal favorite collection, mostly for details like the high, asymmetrical collar and the cut-open front in the jumpsuit. The color palate was nicely unified, you could picture the designs translated in other hues, but for a collection to make a statement, this one stood out to me with a lot of beautiful, wearable pieces. 


Anne Sylvain by Patricia Raskin: handbags, clutches, totes that embrace a "wild" side, using a mix of different materials like ostrich and alligator, mixed with camel. Very textural, with several pattern-dyed pieces. The way of showcasing the handbags was very unique -- tricky for a runway show, but they made sure you focused on the accessories.  


Bd Homme by Banchong Douangprachanh: classic menswear, ranging from suits to business/casual. Subtle knit patterns that are interesting and elegant, but not distracting if you're not trying to make a loud style statement. These were pieces I could see my Mister and many other male friends wearing with comfort and ease.


La Belle Reve by Olga Szwed: the most formal gowns of the show, this was the only designer to have a bridal collection. The bright lights doesn't do the detailing justice, but there's a lot of hand-done detailing, layering material and adding unusual elements like feathers. She had a pink feathered gown on display in the lobby that was truly a showcase piece. 


Lisa Vian Hunter: the finale collection, it was a great first look at her spring collection. Bright neons paired with retro shapes, there was a refreshing look to all the pieces that made you even more sad to see the summer leave us! But oh, those neon heels -- I would happily wear those even in the chill of winter! 


Jaunty Fine Print: photography by Denise Sakaki, designers listed above