Fashion Week in Buffalo?
One event we currently do not have in Buffalo is our own “Fashion Week”. We have fashion shows and high fashion boutiques (photo Amé Mi) but, no actual event to showcase new designs in the fashion world for people of all ages to enjoy.
Imagine a week long or even a two to three day long of events throughout the city. Think Infringement Festival - to showcase up and coming local and worldwide designers, the newest trends, a chance to get high profile names in the fashion world to Buffalo and showcase our city and it’s talented people.
Of course our own version of this event will in no way compete with New York City or Paris, but it will at least give us something fun and new to the area.
My experience in this industry has been putting on Fashion Shows in some of the hottest night clubs in Manhattan and working with fashion designers. I’ve learned a lot during Fashion Week New York, 2006 and would love to bring that flavor and fun here to the Queen City.
I am looking for people who feel the same and are as passionate, people who can help bring such an event to frutation. If you or someone you know is connected with local, national and worldwide designers (just starting out, up & coming and well known), and anyone else connected in in this industry who may help us create a Fashion Week Buffalo, please contact me and let's get this started.
Giovanni Centurione
g_centurione@yahoo.com
716-583-5383
A Fashion Week in Buffalo would be soooo HOTTT!!!! Why hasn't anyone thought of this before?
I used to produce an annual wearable art fashion show, and for some reason, it was a tough sell here in Buffalo, while our shows in Rochester were smash successes. Go figure. Still, there has been a lot of excitement in retail lately so maybe the time is finally right for something like this.
Yes, I agree that this is a fabulous idea! I went to Fashion Frenzy in April at The Town Ballroom and loved it. I think a lot of people could benefit from having a fashion week-esque event here in Buffalo. Such as fashion/art students, designers, freelance artists, small business entrepreneurs, shopaholics, etc. Plus, we’re so close to Toronto that if this event had a large draw we could bring in Canadian designers and shoppers.
I’m a lil surprised to hear that Rochester’s fashion shows went over so well. It’s such a vanilla city (I know, I lived there for six years) so if they can do it, Buffalo can. We have a more eclectic vibe and lots of fashion plates walking around. People watching in Buffalo is a sport.
I was recently watching a show on WNED about former restaurants, bars, hotels, department stores, etc. One thing that they included were clips of an annual or semi-annual fashion show during the 50s at one of the downtown department stores (I don't recall which it was). It was packed with women out to view the latest offerings. I thought it would be a great idea to re-institute this idea but for our city's clothing retailers. I would think a downtown location (e.g. the Town Ballroowm) would be an ideal location since it is easily accessible to all.
The vision I have for this event would take place at multipal city locations in Downtown, Elmwood Ave. and Hertel Ave. Using out door spaces such as Fountain Plaza, Bidwell Park, Delaware Park, night clubs, and even inside/outside boutiques. This event would be very simular to the well known Fashion Weeks of Paris and NYC, where designers from around the world (up and coming and well known) will be encouraged to attend and show their work, buyers, performances by local and national artist (also up and coming & well known), fashion for EVERYONE: Urban, Upscale, Chic, Children, Men & Women, Club wear, Street wear, out rageous/funky and more.
Kiyarain - I was surprised as well, and have no explanation other than a theory (for which I have no proof) that maybe Rochester is hungrier for new things than Buffalo with our already thriving art scene. Again, I have no proof of this, only my experience.
I think this is a fabulous idea.... especially with a store as hot as Ame Mi
Most def..Count me in to help out.
Any aspect of this that could serve as a fundraiser for a worthy not-for-profit?
Yes, a fundraiser is definitely an option I have thought about doing. Right now I am waiting to get more people on board before getting into the planning stages. Any suggestions on a worthy cause or other ideas for this event are open discussion right now. Please contact me by email at: g_centurione@yahoo.com
Giovanni
What a great idea. How about as a fund raiser for the Olmstead Parks...... would make sense with the out-door spaces you are talking about.....
A friend told me about this thread and I am all for it. My wife and I design and make clothes and housewares and will be showing at the Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts this weekend (Aug. 26 - 27) from our Laramy Design booth on the street in front of Plum Pudding. We would love to be involved in Buffalo Fashio Week, so stop in our booth and say Hi! or contact us if we can help/participate in any way.
wow fashion week.... what a great idea i would also want to help out, it looks like you have many supporters G!