Inspire: to fill or affect with a specified feeling; to influence or impel. Nine Emerging Designers kick of the week drawing on inspirations from goddesses to sustainability, awareness of mental health issues to overcoming obstacles.
Hit the Borsheims Red Carpet Experience, get celebrity treatment in the VIP Lounge*, and enjoy live entertainment and shopping during the Pretty in Patina Pre-Party. Doors open at 6 p.m. Show at 8 p.m. Debut of new collections by the following designers:
AFIELDA- designer Elda Doamekpo currently pursuing a degree in Business Management and Fashion, Elda decribers her design aesthetic as timeless, edgy, and classy. Her new collection is inspired by her West African heritage and the Yoruba Goddess.
Augusta Overy- recent graduate of Fashion Design at Central Michigan University, this Missouri native designer is inspired by ocean sustainability and incorporates handmade elements such as yarn collages and wire pieces into her evening wear collection.
Noelle Designs- 17-year-old high school student, Ciara Fortun, will portray the inner struggle of the creative process while highlighting the lack of societal address to mental health issues
Makenzie Lesiak- current student at University of Nebraska-Lincoln studying Textiles, Merchandising, and Fashion Design who specializes in evening wear. Her collection “Self Destruction” will highlight the realities of global warming.
Single Handedly Liz- 23-year-old designer, Liz Scarpino has use of only one arm due to a Brachial Plexus birth injury. Liz has never let her limited mobility stop her, finding innovative ways to approach the typical design process to create clothing that empowers women.
Tirzah Beam- ready-to-wear designer who began sewing at the age of seven. Her creations are thoughtful and feminine with a focus on detail, shape and structure of the garment.
Tú- Vietnamese-American designer, Austin Do, mixes urban streetwear with luxury and high fashion elements inspired by his Vietnamese name Tú, meaning luxuriant and beautiful.
Victoria Raile- Des Moines based, her streetwear collection, “Burn”, is inspired by the image of a rose on a burnt wooden board.
Zaftig Kitty- student designer, Korinne Zimmerman has always loved fashion, but struggled to find trendy clothing with a good fit. Korinne is passionate about designing quality clothing for the plus size market.
*VIP Lounge only available to those with ticket types: VIP I, VIP II, Ultra VIP Cabana