Syracuse Fashion Week, the fall and spring showcase of the latest trends and new designer collections, went live Tuesday with window displays in the Landmark Theatre designed by local businesses and featuring live models.
Thursday, in an event called Syracuse Style, fashion models will saunter down the runway at 7:30 Sept. 18 on the 100 block of Walton Street downtown.
The founder of Syracuse Fashion week is Lisa Butler, who started the event five years ago and has partnered with the Downtown Committee of Syracuse to co-produce the event for the past four years. She describes Syracuse Style as a block party.
“Syracuse Style is a big outdoor street party, she said. “You can get a glass of wine and watch the show.”
Many of the featured clothes and accessories are donated by downtown boutiques. Participating stores include Bounce, Frankie & Faye, Kenn Kushner Designs, LifeStylez, Lululemon, Indie Kids, Modern Pop Culture, Showoffs Boutique, New York Optometric, Oil City Customs, and The Changing Room. There are also designers showing new collections.
Hair and makeup design have been donated by Accents of Armory Square, Andrea Scalisi Artistry, Blown Away, Hall of Fame Barber Shop, Industry, Lashes, Locks & Lips Make-up, Marisa’s Fortress of Beauty.
“Syracuse Fashion Week is an effective way to market downtown businesses,” said Lisa Romeo, director of communications for the Downtown Committee.
Laura Marino, who is a fashion photographer, will be showing five looks. Butler describes Marino as more of a stylist than a designer. She repurposes vintage clothing, taking it apart and creating something new. She also creates intricate couture hair.
Another featured designer is Corii Burns, a recent graduate of Cazenovia College, who showed at Syracuse Fashion Week in the spring. Burns will be showing seven looks from her new collection.
“Corii is young and exciting, and I can’t wait to see what she puts on the runway,” Butler said.
Burns, who designs under the label Bodii bii Corii, looks forward to showing her new collection and interacting with vendors and consumers.
“I am excited to be showing a whole new collection. I am going in a new direction,” she said. “I am excited to show the people of Syracuse.”
Burns’ decision to include a menswear look in her show is part of the new direction.
“I will be showing one men’s look. My menswear is more ready to wear, because men don’t really like couture. Women are more likely to wear couture,” Burns said.
The designer hopes that her clothes will capture the interest of vendors and consumers. One of her favorites is Mr. Shop, and she’s hoping her menswear will fit in there.
Burns enjoys the atmosphere of Syracuse Style.
“It is a really warm and open community. People get to see the clothes up close,” Burns said “I am able to meet a lot of people.”
Photos by James Bass Photography
