“The best fashion show is definitely on the street. Always has been, and always will be.”
~ Bill Cunningham
Mesmerizing, original, energizing, refreshing, and completely unique– these are only a few of the words used to describe The Pin Show 2013, held on Saturday, February 23rd. From its industrial and unconventional setting to the two live bands to the fire engines serving cocktails and food trucks with street-style food, this event embodied a new, fresh vision.What exactly sparked this desire for change? Julie McCullough Kim(founder and executive producer of the Pin Show) said, “This year we really challenged ourselves to put on a more creative show.” Julie, along with her team, decided to trade in a predictable luxury hotel or art galleryfor something out of the ordinary. That something was the Green Warehouse in West Dallas, located at the base of the Margret Hunt Hill Bridge.
“It’s always invigorating watching the last minute details fall into place, after months of work. This year, we really took a gamble on location, and it paid off. The audience loved the event, and the work of the designers.”
~Julie McCullough Kim
The Pin Show serves as a platform for local independent designers,by giving them the opportunity to present their work to regional buyers and boutiques. Candidates were personally interviewed, and their lines evaluated for both fit and quality. With over 1,400 in attendance, models strutted down the concrete runway filled with colorful graphics, all to the tune of the soulful Danny Church Band. 22 designers produced over 130looks, representing everything from ready-to-wear clothing (for both men and women) to bridal and swimwear to jewelry and hats. They were even given the opportunity to sale their looks in a mini-market located throughout the venue. When asked about this year’s designers, Kim noted that they all presented their best and most creative work, highlighting the impeccable quality of an outerwear collection produced by Christine Porter (Brand: RaggDahl).
One of the local designers featured in this show was CarmenRosales, a Wade College alumna and Pin Show veteran. Carmen created her brand, CarmenIris, shortly after graduating in 2009. Her designs are tailored for plus-size women, giving them fashion-forward options to“rock their curves”! Expressing her gratitude towards Wade, Carmen stated, “…not only did I learn how to sew, I was able to expand my knowledge through the internships set in place with designers and companies working close with the college to ensure our success. One of those internships was with The Pin Show. So when applying for the show I knew that my collection had to stand out because I had a high expectation level already set in place for myself.”
To say that The Pin Show 2013 was a success is an obvious understatement. Julie, her team, Carmen and the other designers, and everyone else involved exceeded expectations across the board. By trading in luxury for the street, this event was transformed from merely a fashion show to an all-out extravaganza! I am already looking forward to next year’s Pin Show. Who knows what they will come up with next?!
~Alexis Cochran, Fashion Design Student
