Let's START the SHOW at FASHION FIRST Seattle 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.

Meet the Sponsor: SEATTLE SUN TAN

How much do we love Seattle Sun Tan?

More than words. They've been a long-time supporter of FASHION FIRST and we were so excited to have them step up as a Top Tier Sponsor this year. From prize drawings to swag bag donations to twitter promotion, they are all about supporting Rise N Shine and local businesses while growing a mini-empire of the best-equipped, most gorgeously-designed tanning salons in the Northwest.

You've seen Seattle Sun Tan founder Scott Swerland in our prize drawings with Joan, now get to know him and his business a little better with our interview and video:




FF: What makes your company one to watch in Seattle?
SS: Seattle Sun Tan is adding employees and stores monthly. We have grown from 4 stores in 2008 to over 30 in 2011.

FF: Why do you support FASHION FIRST and Rise N Shine?
SS: First off, because of Joan. She is a determined philanthropist and a good friend. Rise N Shine is a great organization and we as the Seattle Sun Tan team are proud to be involved and help support.

FF: What are you looking forward to at the show on Sept 15th?
SS: A good seat next to great people.

FF: What makes Seattle a special place to live and work?
SS: Seattle is a hotbed for new exciting ideas and companies. We are fortunate to have such a vibrant city with wonderful people. There's a great blend of social as well as business opportunities.

FF: What are you looking forward to this Fall – in trends, things to do, and in your business?
I am looking for the economy to even out. The roller coaster effect is getting tiresome. That said, Seattle Sun Tan is hiring and looking for great people.

FIND Seattle Sun Tan all around the Puget Sound, at 30 locations to serve you. Visit SeattleSunTan.com for locations.

Head's Up!! Watch for a special promotion from Seattle Sun Tan in your FASHION FIRST Program on Thursday!

Meet the Sponsor: ASSET REALTY

One of our Top Tier Sponsors at FASHION FIRST is Asset Realty Group, a fantastic, locally-owned business that can do a lot for your bottom line. They've also been recognized as one of the fastest growing companies in the Northwest by Puget Sound Business Journal, and as a second-year sponsor, they're showing how much they value the community and local businesses.

Meet Chad Storey from Asset Realty as he talks with Joan about his company and FASHION FIRST:

Meet the Sponsor: CLOSET FACTORY

It's no surprise that we love fashion and clothing here at Team FASHION FIRST. And our closets are near and dear to our hearts, right ladies (...and a few gentlemen)?

That's why we are super excited about a new sponsor this year, Closet Factory. Who doesn't dream of the perfect, custom-designed closet? Closet Factory makes it easy! Just ask Bill Farris, owner of Closet Factory Seattle. Joan met up with him at their showroom to talk shop...and exactly which Real Housewife will be working with Closet Factory very soon. Check it out:

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

Front Row Upgrade: the Chosen One is Chosen

To kick off the first week of FASHION FIRST Ticket Sales, all VIP Contemporary ticket buyers were entered in a drawing for a chance to upgrade to a FRONT ROW seat. Here, FASHION FIRST co-founder Joan Kelly is joined by SEATTLE SUN TAN's Scott Swerland to draw the lucky name.


Drawing for Front Row Upgrade - June 9 2011 from Fashion First on Vimeo.

Set Your DVR or Join Us In Studio!

We're excited to announce that FASHION FIRST is on KING5’s New Day Northwest with Margaret Larsen tomorrow morning, Wednesday September 14th

Come be in the audience to see the models, including Leigh Canlis, and preview the upcoming fall season with FASHION FIRST Founder Joan Kelly!

You’ll love the segment, plus the rest of the show. Burn the Floor, the Latin and Ballroom Dance traveling show will perform with Anya and Pasha, dancers from the hit show “So You Think You Can Dance”, plus local Chef Lynne Vea is cooking and more!

Seats are FREE. Audience comes in at 9:30am, done by 11:30. Email for seat confirmation to newdaytickets@king5.com

Mark Your FASHION Calendars

Fashion is taking Seattle and the Eastside by storm the next few weeks...

This week marks Bellevue Fashion Week. Be sure to check out TWO of our favorites this Sunday: REPORT Footwear store opening party and 7 SALON's  fashion show Sunday night.  Team FASHION FIRST will be there too!
 
The Shops at the Bravern celebrate Fashion's Night Out on September 10 with in-store events, a live-feed at Neiman Marcus, and a VIP reception celebrating our own Joan Kelly as one of their new "Fashion Agents".

Ruby Room's annual fashion show fundraiser is Sept 11.  "Fashion Faux Pas to Fabulous" benefits the Ruby Room, a local organization that matches prom dresses with girls who might otherwise not have one.

SEATTLE Magazine and FASHION FIRST Present SHOPPING WEEK OUT from Sept 10-18, an entire week devoted to local retailers, including a pop up shop with local designers and deals and events at stores all around the region.  Portions of sales will benefit Rise n Shine! More info coming soon...

And of course, you already have FASHION FIRST on your calendar for SEPTEMBER 16.  This year's show is even MORE "CAN'T-MISS" than ever!  Need Tickets?

Look Who's Coming to FASHION FIRST!

We are beyond excited to announce that the traditional FASHION FIRST 'celebrity model' set will this year feature officers and Assistant Chiefs from the Seattle Police Department.  The policemen and women will be walking the runway in clothing from Ballard boutique Asher Anson.

FASHION FIRST loves the Seattle community - and when we sat down to think about who would be recognized this year, we couldn't think of anyone more worthy than those heroes that put their lives on the line to protect all of us each and every day.  According to Seattle Police Chief John Diaz, "The Department is humbled to be recognized by FASHION FIRST.  This is truly a remarkable event in that it is giving back to people in need, and a prime example of people working together for the betterment of the community as a whole."  But really, everyone here at FASHION FIRST is humbled that the SPD agreed to let us honor them!

Detective Renee Witt has been instrumental in making this happen AND she had the lucky job of casting the models! {Here she is with FASHION FIRST co-founder, Joan Kelly.  Thank you, Detective Witt!}  Did you know you can follow the SPD on Twitter too? Check out @SeattlePD for their behind-the-scenes tweets and we'll keep you up to date here and on Facebook and Twitter too.

We have a lot of surprises in store for the evening of September 16th when FASHION FIRST opens the doors at Showbox Sodo.  You won't want to miss this year's show! Get your tickets now at FashionFirstSeattle.com before they sell out.  VIP tickets are still just $100 on early bird pricing, and will go up to $150 on September 1.

Prep your Closet for Fall!

Earlier this summer, FASHION FIRST co-founder and Executive Director, Joan Kelly welcomed Rachael Nov, owner of LA REE Boutique in Bellevue to help make those crucial keep/toss decisions from her own closet for the upcoming fall season.

Check out the video, including tips from Rachael on what this year's fall fashion will be all about.




LA REE is located in Bellevue's "Old Main" neighborhood and offers a sophisticated take on the latest looks. Rachael scours the globe for the hottest up-and-coming designers and exclusive pieces you won't find anywhere else - including Helmut Lang, L'Agence, Current/Elliott, Genetic, and Alexander Wang.

Joan Kelly's Seattle Metropolitan Magazine Closet Interview

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOAN KELLY!

Let's all make Joan's wishes come true this year and help to make Fashion First 2009 the biggest and best year yet!

Tickets are available for purchase at all participating retailers or on our website, right here!

Joan Kelly Does Boutique Culture

Check out Boutique Culture's interview with Joan Kelly:

"We are excited to share with you today a personal look at one of Seattle's leading ladies in the Fashion Industry.

We were honored when Joan Kelly Founder of Fashion First, and an instructor at The Art Institute granted us an interview with Fashion First being only weeks away. Fashion First has been slated as Seattle's leading fashion show by incorporating local retailers, an amazing team, and flawless execution to pull off this stylish event. If you have always wanted to attend a fashion show, but your list of excuses prevents you - brush those aside and join us this September as we gaze at the perfectly paired fall pieces to hit Fashion First's runway here in Seattle! Read below to find out more about this amazing woman and Fashion First!

Joan, tell us about where you were born/raised and how you settled in Seattle?

I was born in Greenwich, CT and Raised in the NY/NYC area.

What is one thing many people may not know about you?

I love the Grateful Dead!

Everyone wants to know what a day is like in the life of someone who is in the center of the fashion industry! What is usually the most exciting part of your day or week?

Monday morning! I wake up all rejuvenated and rearing to go!

How would you describe your own sense of style?

Classic and street-influenced.

If you can share Joan, what are some of the projects you are working on for remainder of 2009 and then 2010?

Fashion First, of course. The AIS show which I am involved in every year. And we have another Fashion show we are confirming; more details soon!

Since you are immersed in the industry/culture here in Seattle, how do you describe the fashion scene?

Better then San Fran or WASH DC. Burgeoning.

Do you think Seattle's fashion scene is evolving?

SURE. I think that is why I do what I do, to be apart of this scene's growth.

Joan, since we all are familiar with fashion bloggers, do you have a fashion blog you steal a quick read from here and there?

Well I am always about the Fashion First Blog, then there is IN Seattle National, the Sartorialist , NYMAG.com, and Customized Girl.

Okay so you have been asked by Vogue to recommend one beauty product, accessory, item of clothing…what would it be?

SHOES!

What is your favorite trend for this fall for both men and women?

Anything architectural and in black of course.

The Sixth annual Fashion First is right around the corner! Tell us what your day-to-day projects consist of from here on.

I am constantly on the phone, I easily make 100 phones calls a day! I focus my day around all the Fashion First marketing, sales, and all the details in order to make it a smashing success. Anything from dealing with all our fabulous retailers, reaching out to people about the event, or meetings with Seattle Magazine and The Starlight Foundation. I also teach at AIS 3 days a week and If I am lucky I sneak in a shoe sale or two. Or lunch. :)

You have a great team of women/men that help you each year execute a flawless event. Can you tell us a little about them?

They are Fantastic! I have the best team in town. Elena handles the press, Wendy handles the fashion show and Marissa runs the event.

Besides the Fashion First event, what are some of your favorite events in Seattle that are fashion/style oriented?

I know the Niemen’s opening is going to be great . I like the Diffa events. There are always fun!

One must ask, what is your largest style pet peeve?
Women who live in their gym clothes, no excuses!"

Big thanks to Boutique Culture: Please check them out:

Website: www.bcwarehousesale.com
Blog: www.boutiqueculture.blogspot.com