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Top 6 Evening Wear Trends from the 2020 Oscars
21 Feb

Top 6 Evening Wear Trends from the 2020 Oscars

by Ronda Bowen
Blog, Uncategorized
While many are still talking about the best and worst dressed stars gracing the 2020 Oscars red carpet, there’s room for a tangential discussion: trends in eveningwear. While few of us in the Midwest will wear a gown like Sandra Oh’s to galas and other black-tie events, we can still take inspiration from the event to use when selecting – or commissioning – our own gowns.   Sequins and Beading Bring the Bling     From Scarlett Johansson’s Oscar de la Renta gown to Brie Larson in Celine, the Oscars red carpet was filled with shimmer and shine. When it comes to sequins and beaded details, it’s most successful when the dress shape is more traditional – the more beads or sequins on the dress,...
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31 Jan

Shop Midwest: Lola Blu

by Kacie Clark
Blog, Uncategorized
The Midwest may not be known for fashion, but it is chock full of amazing designers, stylists, fashion influencers and small business owners–and when it comes to small businesses in fashion, boutiques are a fashion maven’s BFF. Their unique selections and affordable prices provide great style options for every budget, and offer easy access to fashion in even the smallest town. In the Shop Midwest series, we will uncover some of the Midwest’s hottest boutiques, so you’ll know where to find the latest styles, while also supporting local businesses–the best of both worlds! First up: Lola Blu Boutique, located just north of downtown Indianapolis in Broad Ripple Village.   Off the beaten path of Broad Ripple Avenue lies this hidden gem, in...
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14 Jan

New Year, New Style: Winter 2020 Trends for Men

by Kacie Clark
Blog, Uncategorized
Last week we took a look at the trends women need in their life this Winter, but today we’re switching gears and chronicling styles for the gentlemen. No surprise here, suits and outerwear reigned on the runway this past Spring, so we’re breaking down each trend in more detail so you can easily pull it off in your everyday style. Let’s dive in!   Military Coats     While not particularly new to the scene this season, this trend is quickly becoming a Winter staple. From camo pieces to peacoats and bomber jackets, the military coat offers a piece for every individual style with an air of sophistication and touches of individuality in each pairing. We’re loving an all-black look featuring a longline peacoat, or...
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9 Jan

New Year, New Style: Winter 2020 Trends for Women

by Kacie Clark
Blog, Uncategorized
While we all begin dreaming of Spring just after the holidays, the truth is, it’s only been Winter for a few weeks and there are so many trends to be taken advantage of while it lasts! Forget everything you think you know about cold weather style, ladies (hello, oversized sweaters and leggings–we’re looking at you!), because we are reviewing some of the hottest trends, direct from the runway that can easily be translated in the Midwest. Let’s dig in!   Fuzzy, Furry Outerwear   Photo Source: Denim & Street When temperatures drop, there’s nothing better than cozy outerwear that makes you feel warm and toasty like a polar bear, and that’s what this trend is all about! Sherpa, shearling, wubby, teddy...
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17 Dec

Spotted: Discovery on the Runway

by Admin
Blog, Uncategorized
*This article was authored by Freelance Writer, Kate Mazzarella-Minshall, and was originally posted on No Strings Attached News. “Clothes mean nothing until someone lives in them." — Marc Jacobs Photo Source: Esscence Taylor Instagram The dream of every model is to get discovered but have you ever wondered how some models actually get discovered? Becoming a model can be daunting. Even when you have the right looks, getting discovered is often challenging; it takes perseverance, discipline and an unwavering commitment but most importantly, the right contacts. It’s not always about being the most beautiful, it takes someone who sees the uniqueness in you and is willing to invest their time and energy in you to unlock your potential. Typically, each model's...
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9 Dec

Indy Highlights: Fashion for a Cause 2019

by Kacie Clark
Blog, Uncategorized
A few weeks ago, the Circle City’s best dressed and most influential assembled at the Indianapolis Artsgarden for Fashion for a Cause–a runway show featuring designers with ties to the Hoosier State–all in the support of this season’s charitable partner, the Fashion Community Foundation. Upon entering the beautiful, all-glass structure which sits over the busy streets of downtown Indianapolis, music was bumping and energy was high. Due to the later-than-usual date (mid-November), the Artsgarden was decked in gorgeous holiday garland and sparkling lights, adding an extra touch of excitement to the venue. Ticket lines were long, due to high demand, and there was standing room only, well before the start of the show. It was a full house and a...
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20 Nov

On-stage with Allyson Pruitt

by Kacie Clark
Blog, Uncategorized
Over the last thirteen years, we have had the opportunity to collaborate with hundreds of talented individuals in the fashion industry. Some global, some national–and some local, who are from right here in the Midwest. For this season’s Fall show in Indianapolis, Fashion for a Cause, we will work with one such individual. Allyson Pruitt is a personal stylist, entertainer, blogger, and self-proclaimed “hype woman”, and we are lucky enough to once again have her as our emcee for this event. Born and raised in Indianapolis, Allyson attributes her love for entertaining to her charismatic and talented family who always supported her interest in singing and dancing as a child. As she grew older, Allyson began to uncover a love for...
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18 Nov

Designer Spotlight: Mau et Cie, LLC

by Kacie Clark
Blog, Uncategorized
The last feature in our Fall 2019 Designer Spotlight series is the uniquely talented, Maria Mauro of Mau et Cie, LLC. Getting an early start in fashion design at the age of eight when she first learned to sew, Maria later taught herself to crochet and fell deeply in love with the craft. Following her passion into adulthood, she began making garments for her children and decided to start her own label, Mau et Cie, LLC. With an incredible energy and love for the art of crochet, Maria crafts haute couture pieces that are truly one-of-a-kind. From gowns to tops and pant suits, her collection incorporates a strong design with intricate details that make her collection a must-see on the runway....
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15 Nov

Designer Spotlight: Elan Furs

by Admin
Uncategorized
The next label to be highlighted in our Designer Spotlight series, as well as to grace the runway at Midwest Fashion Week (MWFW) Indianapolis’ Fashion for a Cause event, is a staple in the midwest fashion industry, and a long-time partner of MWFW. With two locations in the region– one in Indianapolis and one in Morton Grove, Illinois–Elan Furs is a family owned business of more than four generations, dedicating it’s stores to luxury fur, leather and shearling designs that can’t be found anywhere else. With sizes ranging from petite to plus, there is truly something for everyone.   Aside from stocking their showrooms with pieces from esteemed designers such as Michael Kors, Zandra Rhodes, Pisani, Zuki and Louis Feraud, they also...
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14 Nov

Designer Spotlight: Catou

by Kacie Clark
Uncategorized
If you don’t know the next talent in our Designer Spotlight series, do you really even like fashion? We’re talking about Designer, Founder/Director of Midwest Fashion Week, and family man, Berny Martin of Catou. Dedicating his line to men and women’s professional wear, this fashion design icon has grown from Indiana-based designer to internationally known in just over a decade. Take a moment to learn a little more about Berny and his amazing accomplishments, and don’t forget to snag your tickets to Fashion for a Cause, taking place in Indianapolis on November 22, 2019.   Like many in the fashion industry, Berny’s love for design started early. He recalls crafting his first design as a child with the help of his grandmother:...
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7 Nov

Designer Spotlight: Shawna M Designs

by Kacie Clark
Blog, Uncategorized
As sweaters and leather leggings grace the streets this Fall, the runways have hit fast forward and jumped ahead to Spring/Summer 2020 collections, and this is especially true for Midwest Fashion Week as it returns to Indianapolis later this month. With a focus on custom, limited quantity bridal and formal wear, Indiana native and designer behind Shawna M Designs is just one creative set to show her new collection at Indy’s upcoming Fashion for a Cause event. It all began with a custom flower girl dress designed for her in her childhood and grew to become her very own private fashion label – take a moment to learn a little more about Shawna Marino!   After earning a double major from Ball...
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13 Oct

On Set with Carissa Lancaster

by Kacie Clark
Uncategorized
Since its inception in 2006, Midwest Fashion Week has provided an abundance of opportunities to individuals looking to get involved in the fashion industry in a region where it is otherwise hard to find. Indiana native, Carissa Lancaster, is one such individual. A small-town girl, now living out her dreams in New York, is just one example of the positive impact Midwest Fashion Week has had on not only those involved but the fashion industry at large. Let’s get to know her a little better and find out what she’s up to now! MDFW: Thanks for coming back to your roots and chatting with us today, Carissa! Can you tell our readers a little more about yourself? Carissa: Originally, I'm from a...
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22 Sep

Trend Spotter: What to wear for Fall 2019?

by Kacie Clark
Blog, Uncategorized
Days ahead of the official start of the fall season, pumpkin spice lattes are passing through drive-thru windows, and chunky cable knits and heeled booties are flying off the shelves. For the fashion-forward, these pieces may seem #basic and merely touch the surface of the season’s trend potential, but the hottest designers always have a new trick up their perfectly tailored sleeve. Want to set yourself apart this autumn? Take a look at these trends that are sure to take your style from lackluster to leading lady. Animal Print It’s safe to say that animal print is here to stay–and for good reason. While leopard and cheetah print are the safer choices of last year, zebra, snakeskin and tiger stripes take this...
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10 Apr

Beautiful Difference | Diversity in Midwestern Industry

by Kacie Clark
Blog, Home 2018, Uncategorized
When you think of the Midwest, wholesome images of sprawling farms and quaint towns with small, family-owned businesses likely come to mind. But the truth is, there are a number of thriving cities with booming businesses, exciting nightlife, luxury lifestyle and niche industries–and fashion and beauty are no exception. And as diverse as these niches are, so are the people who dominate them. Far from the coasts which are typically known for diversity, the Midwest has also become a melting pot of race, ethnicity and heritage, creating a culture that is solely Middle America. So, what better way to showcase that than through self-expression–hair, makeup and personal style? From fashion bloggers and beauty vloggers to stylists, designers and models, diversity is...
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18 May

Meet the Designers & Sponsors from Chicago’s Spring Fashion Series

by Lisa Gunderson
Blog
Chicago-MFW Wraps Spring 2017 Season & Plans for Upcoming Events     Above: Modum Magazine interviews the MFW team, designers & sponsors   Just weeks after hosting its Spring 2017 season, Midwest Fashion Week is making plans for October events and taking time out of it busy production schedule to thank the designers and sponsors who helped make the latest season a success. Events took place March 29th-April 1st and combined exclusive fashion presentations with networking, food and female empowerment. Contributors include: Designers Antoinette Stone Ahava Zarembski Daryl Sneed Rong Zhang Shaly Guo Sponsors Holiday Heroes, La Mez, Nelson Westerberg, Mints Medical, ChikAfrik, NookiMooki, Hubbard Inn, The Whitehall Hotel, Chicagonista, LMG Chicago, United in America, Godfrey Hotel Chicago, Modum Magazine, CBS Chicago, Candid Candace, Tricoci University, Ford Model, Rock Agency, The Frock...
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Our community is dedicated to empowering creativity and the expression of individuality and confidence through fashion. We strive to provide a strong and supportive community in which new designers can learn and grow their careers.