New talent debuts at Bellevue Fashion Week
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Models strut the runway during Fashion Week at The Bellevue Collection. Photo: Courtesy of Vivian Hsu Photography
As fashion month rolls out across New York, Paris and Milan, a new wave of talent is preparing to debut away from those storied runways, right here in Puget Sound.
Why it matters: The region may not be a global fashion capital, but The Bellevue Collection is unveiling its first-ever New & Next Student Designer Showcase during the district's upcoming Bellevue Fashion Week.
- It's the 20th anniversary of the event, which kicks off next week, nurturing a scene that defies the Seattle-in-fleece stereotype.
- The debut of student-designed collections shows how the PNW is carving out a style of its own, said organizers.
- "By giving student designers mentorship and visibility, we're strengthening the regional fashion community and building a sustainable future for fashion here," said Jennifer Leavitt, senior VP of marketing at The Bellevue Collection.
Catch up quick: Eight student designers, selected from scores of applicants across Washington to work alongside local fashion leaders, each created two original looks for the runway.
- These budding designers received mentorship from "Project Runway" alum Deyonté Weather and Seattle designer Olayinka Ola.
- The young people's collections highlight environmental, cultural and traditional influences, and explorations of identity and gender — themes rippling across global runways as well, organizers said.
What they're saying: "Ever since working with Tim Gunn on 'Project Runway,' I've felt a deep responsibility to mentor the next generation," Weather told Axios.
- "It felt like seeing a younger version of myself, which was truly priceless."
- One student fashionista, Washington State University student Jennifer Erendira-Gallardo, said trying things she initially didn't feel ready for added "fascinating new dimensions to my work."
By the numbers: Since its launch, the two-night fashion week event has raised more than $1.4 million to local nonprofits.
- Last year's shows alone raised $96,000.
- This year, 100% of ticket sales will benefit Sports in Schools and Washington Women in Need.
The vibe: The Posh Party Trend Takeover show opens Friday with fall looks from Bellevue Collection retailers, the kind attendees can shop right off the runway.
- Saturday's Collective Runway Show features the new student showcase alongside independent designers.
If you go:
📍 Where: Hyatt Regency Bellevue
🗓️ When: Sept. 26-27.