Showing posts with label Art Institute of Seattle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Art Institute of Seattle. Show all posts

17 September 2011

Mandy Moon Closes the Show - FASHION FIRST 2011

Rosalyn Librande, a recent graduate from the Art Institute of Seattle’s Fashion Design program designed tonight’s one-of-a-kind SEATTLE Magazine finale dress for our multi-talented and gorgeous celebrity model, Mandy Moon.



Finale Looks:
LA REE: Black ATHE VANESSA BRUNO Silk Crepe de Chine Pleat Dress, Blue VENA CAVA Ten Over Six Eileen Suede Low Pump, PROVA Black Dahlia Knit and Silk Infinity Scarf

SWAY & CAKE: Black PORCELAIN “Greta” Lace Flutter Dress, Black LOEFFLER RANDALL “Noemi” Bootie

RAGAMOFFYN’S: Black ESCADA Beaded Dress with Feather Skirt, Black YVES SAINT LAURENT Shoes

THE FINERIE: Black YOANA BARASCHI Club Prive Corset Jacket and Matching Skirt, MARILYN BERG Druzy Pearl and Swarovski Crystal Necklace

LIZZIE PARKER: Black Sequin LP by LIZZIE PARKER “Kiss Me Deadly” Dress, Black M. RENA Tank, Black M. RENA Legging

MERCER: Black RACHEL ZOE “Diane” Blouson Maxi Dress, Silver DOGEARED Oval Hoop Earring

CHEZ CHIC: Sequin BEATRICE Dress with Gold Chain Hardware and Exposed Zipper

BABY & CO.: HIGH Black Fur Collar Coat, Black PEACHOO+KREJBERG Satin Dress, RUNDHOLZ Tulle Skirt

Models' feather hair extensions by PLUME

13 September 2011

MEET the MODEL: Mandy Moon

This year's celebrity model in the FASHION FIRST Finale set is none other than long-time supporter Mandy Moon. Mandy is a wife and mother, a manager, a philanthropist, and a talented jewelry designer with her own label, Mandy Moon Vintage.

She'll be walking the runway in the one-of-a-kind SEATTLE Magazine dress, designed by Art Institute of Seattle graduate, Rosalyn Librande. Get a sneak peek behind the scenes in this video...and learn more about Mandy in our interview, below.


FF: What Are Some of Your Favorite Local Boutiques?
MM: My favorite local boutiques are Chez Chic with their great variety of easy affordable day and night pieces. The Finerie for their great collection of jewelry, and David Lawrence for their upscale dresses. (all stores also carry Mandy Moon Vintage :)

FF:  What Fall Trends Are You Looking Forward to Wearing?
MM: Fall trends that I look forward to wearing are chunky knits with leather leggings/pants and I may have to invest in a cape this fall. I love all the jewel tones as well that come back in the fall/winter.

FF: How Would You Describe Your Style?
MM: My style is pretty casual with the focus on jewelry, shoes, and bags. Overall I am a big accessory person. It's a major reason why I started my own jewelry line - I love to take a basic black dress or white tee with a blazer and jazz it up with a statement necklace
Mandy with Husband Warren Moon


FF: How Is the Dress Design Process Going for You?
MM: I am loving watching the process from start to finish. I am a creative person and enjoy watching others' creative images/ideas come to life.

FF: Tell Us More About Your Philanthropic Efforts.
MM: Besides Rise N Shine, other organizations that I support are: Hope for Horses (a local non profit that help abused and neglected horses), Seattle Children's Hospital, ASPCA, Seattle Humane Society, Second Harvest, and two of my husband's charities, Sports Dream Foundation (which provides urban youth scholarship funds) and Crescent Moon Foundation.

FF: You Do So Much! Why Was Starting a Jewelry Line Important to You?
MM: I have a 4 year old son who is my first priority. As he is starting to get older and soon will be in school, I wanted to create a business that didn't feel like work. I have always loved vintage costume jewelry and the idea of making a business out of it just kind of fell into my lap after getting complements about the pieces I was making for myself. I started Mandy Moon Vintage a year ago and I am really enjoying building the business. I take special care into creating unique one of a kind pieces that I am proud of and make a woman feel special.

Mandy, center, with friends at Fashion First 2010

FF: What Are You Looking Forward to at FASHION FIRST on September 15?
MM: I am looking forward to the entire evening! I am excited to walk the runway (and a little nervous as I am not big on being the center of attention :) I always enjoy seeing my pieces from my jewelry line coming down the runway as well! I think FASHION FIRST is a great event where everyone has a wonderful time all while supporting an amazing organization, Rise n Shine.

23 June 2011

Joan Takes it to The Edge

Team FASHION FIRST is so excited for our fearless leader, Joan Kelly. Congratulations go out as we hear that Joan is this year's recipient of the Art Institute of Seattle's THE EDGE Award for Excellence in Teaching! This award honors an Art Institute of Seattle faculty member who has made exceptional contributions in his/her field of expertise, which we can attest to for Joan. The school says:
"Joan heads one of the most recognized and talked about fashion events production companies in the Seattle area.  She creates opportunities for fashion designers and marketers to showcase their work to Seattle’s biggest retailers. In addition to that, over the past 8 years, Fashion First’s charity auction event has raised over $100,000 for non-profit organizations such as the Rise & Shine Foundation which support programs for children/teens affected by HIV/Aids.
Joan is known throughout the industry not only as a local fashion icon, but also the woman “who knows everybody.”  When NBC casting producers were in town looking for talent for their upcoming show, they looked to Joan for direction and she in turn, brought them to the Art Institute. Many of our students have landed jobs in the industry through Joan’s contacts. Her community and industry involvement continues to benefit Seattle’s fashion industry and the Art Institute’s fashion program."
We love the way AIS Dean of Academic Affairs {and loyal FASHION FIRSTER}, Scott Carnz presented the award to Joan while she was out of town...with this clever snapshot :)

A well-deserved Congratulations from Team FASHION FIRST, Joanie! XOXOXO

25 August 2010

20 August 2010

Meet Finale Celeb-Model, Leigh Canlis

Each year, FASHION FIRST asks a local celeb to walk in the finale, wearing the Seattle Magazine one-of-a-kind dress, designed by students from the Art Institute of Seattle.  This year, that lucky lady is Leigh Canlis, Seattle Magazine contributor, partner at Canlis Glass, dedicated philanthropist, and brand-new mom.  Here's the low down on what Leigh is all about, and why she loves FASHION FIRST:

What is your favorite local boutique?
La Rousse.  It was a great spot and now is a very cool pop up and virtual space.  Amanda, the owner, is a forward-thinking woman who pushes the boundaries and always has interesting pieces.

How would you describe your style?
I love being a little outside of the norm - I like to throw in the unexpected and I try not to follow trends.  I love vintage styles and am known for throwing in the vintage piece - makes me happy from a green standpoint and I know that no one else will have it!


You'll be walking in the FASHION FIRST Finale set, wearing the Seattle Magazine dress, designed by students from the Art Institute of Seattle.  How is the dress design process going?
Very fun.  The designer, Brenda, nailed my style when I walked in the door.  Her sketches were dreamy for me and I cannot wait for the next fitting. {photo: Leigh w/AIS design students Isaiah and Brenda}

What is your favorite thing about Seattle fashion?
Hmmm, I like that we draw in inspiration from the damp and the grey (rain boots and great scarves), but I feel that Seattle is too casual and boring in general when it comes to fashion.  I wish more people took risks and would leave their fleece at home.

What are you most looking forward to at FASHION FIRST?
I can't wait to see all of the runway looks and to be behind the scenes again at a fashion show.  Plus, my husband and I are big supporters of the arts and kids.  FASHION FIRST supports both!

Come see Leigh in the FASHION FIRST finale set at Showbox SODO September 16, 2010.  Get your tickets before VIP prices go up September 1 at FashionFirstSeattle.com.

02 August 2010

FASHION FIRST: The Line Up

FASHION FIRST is dedicated to supporting and promoting independent, locally-owned retail shops and local designers. We are proud to yet again showcase some of the Seattle area's most cutting-edge retailers and designers - all of whom understand the true meaning of community, by coming together to create a great show and raise money for Rise N' Shine. Over 80 looks will grace the runway, showcasing each participant's unique view on Fall 2010 trends - including pieces that haven't even hit the floor yet.

While you have to wait 'til September 16th to see their favorite Fall looks, you don't have to wait to meet these great shops! Head in today to shop pre-fall and summer clearance looks, and support local business!

La Ree Boutique
11-103rd Avenue NE, Bellevue

La Ree is a dream come true for the modern girl-who-wants-everything. The shop is located in Bellevue's "Old Main" neighborhood and features expertly edited and diverse apparel, jewelry, handbags and gift items for the designer girl on the go.




Lizzie Parker Eco Atelier 
 317 NW Gilman Blvd, Suite 22, Issaquah

Featured in LA fashion week, Daily Candy, WWD, Lucky Magazine, In Style, Seattle Metropolitan, and the CW's Project Green, Lizzie Parker combines European trending with casual fabrications for everyday wear. Her atelier, located in Issaquah's Gilman Village, is a modern dressmaker's shop where Lizzie designs and fabricates each item in store, often providing custom cuts for customers.



The Finerie
1215 First Avenue, Seattle

The Finerie is where distinctive style meets timeless appeal. Located on First Avenue near the Seattle Art Museum, The Finerie carries a sophisticated collection of international designers and exquisite "finery" to round out your wardrobe. From men's and women's attire, to day and evening wear, to casual and to formal to bridal, what you'll find at The Finerie never fails to impress and inspire.




Sway and Cake
1631 Sixth Avenue, Seattle

Located in the heart of downtown Seattle shopping, Sway and Cake offers a delicious mix of up-and-coming indie designers with of-the-moment trends. Check out their online extension www.SwayAndCake.com and their style blog for more looks and even sneak peaks at items arriving soon.








Ragamoffyn's Consignment
132 Park Lane, Kirkland

Ragamoffyn's features a global collection of contemporary and fine designer apparel and accessories at remarkably affordable prices. Some of the designer labels include names like, Prada, Gucci, Moschino, St. John, and many others. Located in the heart of downtown Kirkland, Ragamoffyn's is the winner of the coveted Hanger Award and named the best retail shop north of San Francisco.

1212-4th Avenue Seattle

Seattle’s only handbag boutique, Clutch was founded by self-professed handbag addicts Kimberly Arrington and Carrie Arrington. Their sophisticated and stylish boutique located at the Fairmont Olympic in downtown Seattle stocks delicious handbags from independent designers.
127 Lake St. S. Kirkland

Located across from downtown Kirkland’s waterfront market, Chez Chic carries contemporary fashions for men and women that are edgy and unique. NEW to FASHION FIRST this year.



Find them online at WyattOrr.com

WyattOrr inspires quiet confidence in those who appreciate innovative and flawlessly detailed garments. Seattle-based designers Liise Wyatt and Karly Orr balance timeless sophistication and urban style to cultivate distinctive designs for men and women.

2038 NW Market St. Seattle


Located in the midst of Ballard’s Market Street shopping district, Asher Anson carries laid-back styles for both men and women. Every piece is chosen for the young professional who appreciates looking good.  You won't want to miss this celebrity model set, either, as we have a big surprise in store!  NEW to FASHION FIRST.




4612-26th Ave. NE Seattle

Zovo is the place to dress and pamper the unique beauty that lives within you. Here, you’ll welcomed by a friendly, knowledgeable staff of "fit artists" who specialize in a woman’s lingerie needs. Shop online at ZovoLingerie.com or at the store’s University Village location for
world-class intimate apparel and other indulgences. NEW to FASHION FIRST.


Art Institute of Seattle
Students from the Art Institute of Seattle’s Fashion Design program will create a one-of-a-kind dress using Seattle Magazine issues, to be worn down the runway by our celebrity model, Leigh Canlis.

Seattle Magazine’s Seamless in Seattle
See looks from the 2010 winners of Seattle Magazine’s “Seamless in Seattle” design contest.