The Fashion Show
As I’ve said before, there are many reasons to attend Stitches West. It my humble opinion though, just going for the Fashion Show is enough of a reason. The fact that there’s so much more there as well is an added bonus!!
I don’t think most people realize just how much work is involved in putting on a fashion show – especially this one! As a matter of fact, I bet you the preparations for the show for Stitches West 2017 have already begun!
There were 27 sponsors, vendors, and yarn companies involved in the 80+ pieces that hit the runway at Stitches West 2016. I have no idea how many designers and knitters/crocheters were involved in designing and creating the pieces that were seen, but I know there were lots! When you add the support staff back stage that helped the models (add them to the count), and the technical crew that set up the lighting, sound, and all the other behind the scenes aspects (catering and such), there is no shortage of thanks to go out for such a slick production as was seen last Friday!
And speaking of slick, you can’t forget the seasoned emcees of the show, Fontelle Jones and Rick Mondragon. Enough can’t be said of their repertoire and ability to inject humor and information on the spot during the event. Not only do they keep the show moving at a perfect pace, they entertain the audience and staff alike to make sure it’s an enjoyable evening for everyone!
This year’s show had a high influence of skirts to help promote the new book debuting at Stitches – Knit My Skirt by Candace Eisner Strick – that were incredible to say the least. I was also happy to see a friend, Andrea Lithgow, having a non-garment piece featured in the show. It’s below and I’ll be doing a separate blog post about her later on. Click on the picture if you can’t wait to see some of her amazing jewelry.
Even though I’m describing the show and showing you pictures of the pieces that were displayed, if you get the chance you definitely MUST go to at least one in your lifetime. Why? Because there is so much that I can’t describe here … there is the hum in the arena before the show starts as everyone is taking their seats and browsing the program to see what will be displayed when … there is an electric anticipation of the beginning of the show that’s almost palatable … there is the vivid color of the pieces that pops against the black background that you can’t see on your monitor … there is the collective gasps and oohs and aaahs as special features of particular pieces are revealed by Rick … and there is the visual of the flow of the garments as the models walk along the stage showing how the pieces move with you and flatter … there is the squeal of delight when attendees are announced who get to take certain pieces home with them (over 25% of the pieces were given away as prizes this year!!) … there is the laughter of the crowd as emcees Rick and Fontelle expertly narrate the show and inject lively humor along the way … and there is soooo much more that needs to be experienced that I can’t describe in mere words.
Here are a few of the pieces from the show, and below that is a gallery of all 80+ pieces. I hope you enjoy …
So believe it or not this doesn’t even finish day 2!! We still have the dinner after this AND the PAJAMA PARTY!!! Yeah, that’ll be the next post. Since I won’t be able to show you a lot of pictures from the party (#whathappensatthepajamaparty), I’ll tease you with this pre-party pic!
Yeah, nope, no links on that one! 😉 Oh yeah, and there’s knockers in the next post – loads of knockers! 😉
Hugzzz 😎