A Runway and a Few Models
do not a Fashion Show Make!(Rant)

As a fashion designer in Cleveland (the fashion capitol of the world), there is one thing I am always will occur during this time of the year. As sure as the spring flowers begin to bloom and the snow will melt, 'tis the season for the emergence of fashion shows. It never seems to amaze me of the amount of calls I receive from the newest producer throwing their hat into the fashion show ring. The novice who thinks they can produce this grand fashion show and they and they alone have this secret to getting Clevelanders to release their tight grip of the dollars and come to their fashion show.

This is how it all happens, a rock hits them in the head one day and tells them, 'Hey, you can have a fashion show', they book some venue, call a few well endowed girls to 'model', call some boutiques, sprinkle in a few designers (that is where I come in) and V O I L A ! Then the reality sets in that the rock did not tell them - is that a fashion show, on any scale is HARD WORK! Then I get the call (I don't know why they think I am so empathetic) from America's Next Fashion Show producer as they exclaim, "boy, this is hard work, how do you do so many shows?" I simply confirm their concerns and say, "Yes it is HARD work" and think to myself, "Cry me a river, I do this at least twice a year WHILE making the clothes." I then sit back and watch the train wreck occurs that I willingly agreed to be a part of. Although they always say they need help and want your advice, most people seem to do what the hell they want to do for either lack of resources, knowledge and the principle factor - lack of money.

As someone who considers themselves dedicated to the art of fashion and design, my motivations for presenting a fashion show are on a completely different accord. As corny and cliché as it sounds, I have a strong desire for my art to be enjoyed by the masses. Yeah, sure if I sell a few pieces here and there, I am happy. If I make a couple of extras dollars to take my models and crew to dinner, I am happy. I don't know where the idea came from that having a fashion show can solve any financial burdens, 'cause if it did, I would be the Donald Trump of fashion shows.

As a public service to you, my fellow Clevelanders (and beyond), those of you starving to get your fashion fix, mingle with the beautiful people and divert your fashion attention to something more intimate than the Style Network, here are a few tips.....................

1. MICROSOFT OR POWERPOINT? In 2006, we are truly in a high tech era. I know for a fact that flyers design and production does not cost much! The flyer for an event is like an invitation to a party, it set the mood, grabs your interest, causes curiosity, etc, etc. If the flyer you get from Hot Sauce Williams looks like lil' Tee Tee made it at her job at the library, LEAVE IT ALONE! I am always a little perturbed at the person who expects me to spend $15 on a flyer and you can't even invest in cardstock! Can I at least get a glossy? What about an e-flyer?

Speaking of email, you can even get your information out by emailing a few friends. But please! Don't send a PowerPoint presentation or a flyer that takes about 5 minutes (yes, I have DSL) to open. Most people are way too impatient for that and then to have to scroll down, left to right to read the mess... guess what? D E L E T E!

2. MULTITASKING - Is it me or am I the only one who doesn't like to attend a fashion show, cabaret, comedy explosion and garage sale at one event? Trendy parties with a little fashion presentation are okay but these multiple events always make me feel confused. I don't know, maybe people like getting 3 or 4 events for the cost of their $25 ticket.

3. NOT ALL FASHION SHOWS ARE CREATED EQUAL - In all the many years of producing my own bi-annual showcases, I have had the pleasure of working with people who can successfully produce a fashion show from the marketing, to the qualities of designers and models, to the music, and so on.... Just in case you are worried about ending up at LaTatiana's Fashion Show, Cabaret and Baby Shower, here are a few that you can look forward to in Cleveland again and again.......

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's Rock Style - always a great production, the last show they produced was held at the Hotel Inter-Contential featuring St. John (no, not Sean John) . Never speechless, I cannot express how great that show was! The music, the venue, the models, the lunch (hey, I was 9 months pregnant). The entire vibe made us fashionistas feel like for one brief moment we lived in Chicago or New York!

Image Factor's Fashion for the Cure - given every July, Virgil seems to get it right - a mix of true designer talent and a few small but mighty local boutiques. Worth the price of admission is the chance to see Virgil without his camera and of course some visually stimulating sites for the men and women. HIGH POINT: always a surprise is the choice of music for the event; expect local bands, singers and poets to serenade this event.

Waki Wear's 'Fashion Knockout' - The original is still the best. Presented in June, Vaughn Glover features the newest designers in the nation 'fighting it out' for over $15,000 in prizes. In its 11th year, expect a packed house of dedicated audience members. HIGH POINT: With the combination of the hottest runway in town (no amateurs please) and the verbal styling of Patrick Robinson, you have definitely been entertained!

Other fashion notables worth mentioning; Leroy Crayton (Cleo Promotions), Bobby Williams, and..well, okay, yours truly!)

Final Note: Think you know someone who is doing the fashion thing in Cleveland; I would love to hear about it!

Fashionably yours,
Drue