TGI (Fashion) Friday: An insider’s look

Thanks to the folks at Moe Publicity, Madison’s fashion community is beaming loud and proud these days, and their latest winter installment of Fashion Fridays was no exception.

On February 20th, surrounded by fashionistas and stylish socialites, I attended the seasonal Fashion Fridays runway show at the Cardinal Bar in downtown Madison. I must say, after watching creatively constructed recycled garments make their way down the runway accompanied by bright flashy makeup and styling ideas galore, I left feeling wow’ed and inspired for the spring season.

A five-part runway show — the brainchild of Moe Publicity’s founder, Kristi Moe — was created to appeal to the stylish, yet budget-minded “recessionista” — a mindset that’s becoming more mainstream in today’s economic climate.

First up down the catwalk was a collection by Rosalee Eichstedt of Paperdolls Consulting. She put together a remarkable series of dresses, accessories and clothing elements all made from recycled materials titled, “Paper or Plastic.” And, if the construction of the collection wasn’t amazing enough, Eichstedt’s plethora of flower accents were spot on with the floral trend projected for the spring season

Wondering how this collection can inspire your spring wardrobe? Be on the lookout for inexpensive flower-laden headbands or flower pins (a la “Sex and the City”) that can be added to a structured jacket or spice up a dress.

Side note: I applaud Eichstedt’s choice to pretty up her models’ pouts with a bright pink lipstick (which she custom-made especially for the show!). It was such an chic addition to the total package — I’d wear this shade of pink in a heartbeat!

Next up was Tiffany Miller’s collection, “Runway to Reality.” Featuring selections from all over Madison, including Jessica Catherine Designs, Tiger Lily, the Pink Poodle, Goodwill and more, Miller’s idea was to take runway trends and make them more accessible to the masses. With makeup artistry from Kristin Lindemann of Fringe and hair styling from Tia Marshall of Headlines, Miller’s chic selections were a hit. One trend in particular that’s easy to try? Belting! Invest in one funky belt for the season and try it with everything from jackets, blazers, dresses, tunics and more.

For the next collection, worldwide makeup artist Gerald went all-out with color and creativity. And, while this look might not appeal to you for everyday wear, it’s definitely possible to work the elements of color into your daily routine . Go ahead, try some brights this spring … you can find a wide selection of brightly hued eyeliners at Walgreens that won’t break the bank. At $5? It’s worth a try.

After Gerald’s work was finished, stylist Sarah Allen polished off the models with clothing and accessories for a collection channeling the CW network’s “Gossip Girl” on edge. Allen took inspiration from old and new party dresses alike, showing off how to get more wear out of those one-time garments. You know you can relate … think about those frocks in the back of your closet gathering dust — wouldn’t it be great to wear them again? With a few key accessories and pieces that create a decidedly dressed down glamour, Allen showed that you truly can teach and old dress new tricks!

At a mere 16-years of age, Chelsea Stotts’s show, “Saving in the City,” drew inspiration from “Sex and the City,” but made the looks accessible to curvier women on a budget. As one of Moe’s goals was to promote a healthy body image via events like Fashion Fridays, a partnership with plus size X’Change Modeling Group was the perfect fit. X’Change, based out of Chicago has divisions in multiple states and focuses on promoting a healthy body image. Stotts put together chic outfits from various sales racks, Goodwill and pieces from the models’ own closets. Models sauntered down the runway exuding an unmatched confidence and stylish sensibility worthy of raucous applause.

The next collection, “Project Runway: Witte Style,” from stylists (and UW-Madison students) Jonathan Briceno, Callie Paur and Renee McDonald was another take on recycled fashion. The ingenious collection featured clothing made from recycled newspapers, magazines and even pages from the fashion bible “Vogue,” as seen on the minidress below. It goes without saying that even as college students, these three masterminds have, without a doubt, been blessed with a gift of stylish innovation. Makeup by Pauline Chavez of Golden n Glow Sunless Tanning Day Spa.

Also worthy of mention is the night’s emcee, Danielle Brittany (below). Fashionable in her own right, clad in a bright blue mini dress and cream pumps courtesy of Sukara Sterling, the charismatic diva exercised her impressive vocal talent to the popular Katy Perry song, “I Kissed A Girl” as a pre-runway performance and went on throughout the night to introduce each collection. She was an upbeat addition to the show, weaving each collection together seamlessly.

Next up on the fashion agenda? Get ready to rock at Madison Fashion Week this May 20-24 … You won’t believe what Kristi Moe has up her sleeve!

Photos courtesy of Abby Schoofs.