By Caitlin Collins
Amid jokes and clichés about Seattle’s fashion ineptitude, a number of talented individuals have emerged from the plaid and sandals of our city to create unique and quality apparel, and many of these individuals are women. Gifted designers such as Heili Aun Nalla of Heilyke, Cameron Levin, and Niveen Heaton of Adicora Swimwear are doing their best to change our city’s unfashionable image and advance our local industry.
Founders of FGI, image courtesy of seattle.fgi.com
FGI, or Fashion Group International, was founded in 1928 by a group of fashionable and influential women who were also looking to improve the fashion industry, specifically to “express and enhance a widening awareness of the American fashion business and of women’s roles in that business.” Much like the talented lady leaders of our city, women such as Edith Head, Eleanor Roosevelt, and then-Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Edna Woolman Chase gathered together to move the American fashion scene forward. Now, several decades later, FGI is still helping to strengthen America’s fashion industry, including hosting a semi-annual review of runway trends presented for the upcoming season.
On Wednesday, May 16th, the Seattle Chapter of FGI will be hosting one such review of the predominant trends from Fall/Winter 12/13 shows from Paris, New York, London, and Milan at the Art Institute of Seattle. The trends have been compiled and narrated by FGI NY’s Creative Director, Marylou Luther, and will be discussed by a panel to understand which trends will hit big, as well as which will benefit and appeal specifically to Seattleites.
As a member of the FGI Seattle board, Cynarah Ellawala is pleased to announce that she will be moderating the panel’s discussion for the evening. The panel is comprised of:
- Patricia Wolfkill, owner of the Seattle boutique Merge
- Sarah Caples, owner of Impeccable Image and Style and editor of SubterfugeSeattle.com
- Melissa Middleton, Editor in Chief of online and ipad style magazine JNSQ
- Cece Gehrig, Fashion Director of Endless.com
The event is sure to be of interest to anyone interested in fashion, whether they are an educated consumer, have an appreciation for fashion, or are looking to strengthen their fashion design business for the season.
Wednesday May 16th
5:30-7:30pm
Art Institute of Seattle
2601 Elliott Ave
TICKETS (http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/245786)
$20 FGI Members
$35 Non-members
