From the Ground Fashion Show: A Recap

If you follow me on Facebook, you'll know last weekend was quite a busy one.  I did some local boutique shopping, hit up Greentopia, Artists' Row at the Public Market, the Brainery Bazaar, had dinner at TRATA, and lunch at Magnolia's on Park Ave.  I do have to say that the highlight of my weekend was, without a doubt, the From the Ground Fashion Show.

What.  A.  Night.

Let's take a moment to think about how freaking awesome High Falls is.  Come on Rochester, we have a waterfall, and wooded gorge in the middle of our city.  Who else can say that?  

And when was the last time you went to a runway show in the middle of a city street?  Where the runway was crushed cars?  Sponsor logos were spray painted on the backdrop, skateboarders performed at intermission, your program was texted to you, and the fashions were fierce, local and sustainable?  PROBABLY NEVER.

Check out this set up on Commercial Street:

The energy was palpable.  Guest mingled at the VIP party sipping wines, craft beer, and housing vegan truffles.

Me and the lovely Sarah Griffith of Simply Sarah Fashion Blog (coming soon!)

A few minutes before showtime, everyone got to their seats and waited in eager anticipation.

Rick Pavia and Sarah Griffith

Yours Truly with hair stylist Holly DelGaudio

Crowds gathered.

And the show began.

Co-Producers Shawn Dunwoody and Agathi Georgiou

Er'body got up as "Blurred Lines" started pumping from the DJ booth and the first model hit the runway.  People were dancing, snapping shots for instagram, and shooting videos for vine.  The energy was electric.

  

Sadly this fashionista can't take a decent action shot to save her life.  So, my apologies for the quality of these photos, but I just wanted to give you a taste of what you missed.

I was, however, by some miracle (a gift from God if you will), able to capture this image:

Women of Rochester (and gentlemen who are so inclined) THIS is why you attend events.

And this.

Ok, her too.  I mean, seriously, who DOESN't like looking at beautiful people!?

I digress.

Here are some more {grainy iphone} shots from the show:

Though my photos do not do it justice, From the Ground was ah-mazing!  It exceeded my expectations (and they were pretty high).  I love seeing people put aside differences to come together for a common cause.  I loved how art and fashion made the concept of sustainability so tangible.  I loved seeing tattooed hipsters side-by-side with suburban soccer moms.  THIS is what urban innovation is all about:   community and people.   Good, diverse, socially-responsible people sharing their passions with the city that they love.  THAT, my friends, is a thing of beauty.  That is why I loved this show, and why I love Rochester.

Good stuff is happening all around you.  Open your eyes.

And let your light shine.

xoxo

Jenny
The Flower City Fashionista

Fashion Week of Rochester 2013

Another New York Fashion Week has come and gone, and now it's time to get excited for a fashion week that actually matters to us locally:  Fashion Week of Rochester.  This year is set to be bigger and better than ever and I am thrilled to be styling looks and models in all of this year's shows.  I can't wait!

Grab a pen, mark your calendars, and get to Wegmans for your tickets!

Here is the agenda:

DAY 1:  Wednesday October 16th

FASHION WEEK OF ROCHESTER

SWITCH & SWAP

The Memorial Art Gallery

500 University Avenue

General Admission: $20

DAY 2 :  Thursday October 17th

FASHION WEEKOF ROCHESTER

FASHION ATTHE FACTORY

The Factory

33 Russell Street

Doors open: 6:30PM

Fashion Show:  8:00PM

Featuring 3 Food Trucks & 1 Clothing Truck

DAY 3:  Friday October 18th

FASHION WEEK OF ROCHESTER

THE SPIRIT OF FASHION

Third Presbyterian Church

4 Meigs Street

Pre-Party from 6:30-7:30PM at The Strathallan

Show Starts at 8PM

DAY 4:  Saturday October 19th:

FASHION WEEK OF ROCHESTER

FASHION ON FRANKLIN

Temple Building

50 Liberty Pole Way

Doors open:  7PM

Fashion Show:  8PM

DAY 5:  Sunday October 20th:

FASHION WEEK OF ROCHESTER

BOUTIQUE CRAWL

Self Drive: $10

See you there!

xoxo

Jenny

The Flower City Fashionista

From the Ground Fashion Show

Looking for something a little different to do this Saturday night?

Photo:  GHP Photography

Why not venture out to Greentopia Festival for the From the Ground Fashion Show for a night of eco-minded entertainment, fun, and fashion?  It is sure to be a fashion show like no other.  I mean, when is the last time you saw a runway made out of crushed cars?  This celebration of urban innovation is sure to have a hipster, block party vibe, with its skateboarders and eco-friendly paperless program (you can receive it via text.)  The show will highlight designers using sustainable and innovative approaches to design, showcase creators of up-cycled and vintage garments, and feature extreme materials taken to the next level with one of kind pieces from burlap to paper.

If you believe in cultivating new ideas, in growth, in art, in bringing people and communities together to celebrate fashion, forward-thinking, sustainability, the creative class, and Rochester, then this is the event for you.

Here is the nitty gritty:

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2013

Pre-Party Festivities for

Sponsors and VIP guests: $25

6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

General Admission: $10

Doors Open at 7:00 pm

Fashion Show Begins:

7:30 pm on Commercial Street

View Facebook event details here.

Get tickets here.

Want to know why I'm going?  Well yeah, I write The Flower City Fashionista.  I like clothes...and shoes...and a great statement necklace.  Sure, I believe in sustainability and shopping local, but honestly it's deeper than that.

I am passionate about the underlying message of this event; by the idea that we can create a shift in our urban climate by supporting each other.  That its the artists, the dreamers, the hopers and believers who take leaps of faith and make things happen.  That positive outcomes are the result of blood, sweat, tears, and good people coming together. 

Sometimes I feel like my head could explode thinking about all this little city of ours has to offer.  There is so much talent and creative spirit here.  I whole-heartedly believe that through making the right connections: by bringing together the creatives, the big thinkers, the Lennon-esque dreamers that anything is possible - that the sky alone will be the limit and no one will be able to hold us down. Changing our situations, our economy, our society starts with each one of us and with the idea and the desire to make it happen.  We can be the change.

That is why I support events like this fashion show.  That is why I'll be there.

Hope to see you there too!

xoxo

Jenny
The Flower City Fashionista

PS- FROM THE GROUND has also created a community based fashion show free to the public on Sunday, September 15, 2013.