STLFW Day 1: Runway & Rooftop Fun

Saint Louis Fashion Week's 2015 installment came and went so quickly I feel like I'm still reeling from all the fabulous fashion and blogger fun. The first event saw over 1,200 guests (including special VIPs like Iris Apfel herself!), and awarded a designer $25,000. The Caleres Emerging Designer Competition seeks each year to showcase new designers just tip-toeing around the edge of stardom, creating a platform to introduce them to greater national press and potential buyers. The evening showcased the work of Julie Haus and Jason Alkire of Haus Alkire, Mike Eckhaus and Zoe Latta of Eckhaus Latta, Azede Jean-Pierre of Azede Jean-Pierre, Katharine Polk of Houghton and Jordana Warmflash of NOVIS. Katharine Polk's collection as Houghton took home the cash prize, and I definitely have to say that it was my favorite! Peep a few of my favorite looks from each presenting designer below (runway photos by Mark Schwigen):

Novis sent geometric colorblocking and funky landscape prints down the runway. I am always a fan of cool-vs-warm colors, so the icy blues butted against burnt oranges really caught my eye. The floor-length, sheer gown on the right above was one of my favorites of the evening.

"Swanky island casual" is how I might best describe Azede Jean-Pierre's runway. The breathable fabrics and billowy pieces really made me want to be sipping a cool cocktail on an upscale hotel deck in Haiti, where Jean-Pierre was born.

Y'all probably know by now I love me some big hats. When models strutted down Haus Alkire's runway with bouncing big hats, I had to smile. I'm all about that middle look, too - It's like fancy pajamas I could get away with at work!

The winner of the night sent elegant and feminine looks down the catwalk. I do believe that the general consesus was that the dark navy dress with the cut-outs was the show-stopper. The fabric just moved so beautifully! I am pleased that Houghton took home the prize.

Eckhaus Latta was the last collection, and I liked the soft palette and funky piecing. I'm a sucker for anything with personality as I tend to veer away from simply items.

After the Competition, a number of local blogger were invited to a late-night happy hour with Socially Jen at Three Sixty in downtown Saint Louis. We were greeted by candies, friends, and of course, Jen! Three Sixty delivered tasty bites to eat, helpfully accommodated our vegan blogger babes, and crafted some super tasty cocktails for us.

Photo dynamo Ashley Kuenstler was on hand at Three Sixty and she was kind enough to take some mysterious glamour shots for me! After the great service and a reminder of how gorgeous the views are, I think I'll be popping by Three Sixty again sometime soon.

Many thanks go to ALIVE Magazine and Midwest Influencer Network for inviting me to be a part of the awesome experience that is STLFW. Shout out to Union Station, Caleres, and the Saint Louis Fashion Fund for also bringing the Emerging Designer Competition to life for all of us!