The 2022 Couture and Cars show featured the collections of eight fashion designers around the PNW area. The venue was Lemay’s Car Museum, adjacent to the Tacoma Dome. The producers created a runway in between the rows of rare antique automobiles. Models walked down a polished concrete path in step with curated music to display the attire. The full line-up of designers is included at the end of the article; however, I narrowed my focus to three collections that caught my attention. Overall, the show was brilliant.
#1 Chance Watt Takes his Art from Canvas to Couture
To know me is to know I love to see a couple of things on the runway—lots of color and charisma from the designer and the models. I was envious as the models strutted their stuff in designer Chance Watt’s new collection. Splashed with artful color and bold style, these looks were the epitome of cool. Many of the ensembles consisted of skirts, baggy pants, tops revealing the midriff, and matching jackets. It looks like you could either dress up or pair down with a street-smart style.
Purveyors of the runway know the usual etiquette is not to emote much as collections pass by. Yet I could not help but display a wide-open gasp when the Watt collection was shown. This designer takes artful fashion to a new level. He is based out of his studio in Tri-Cities, WA, where he creates large surrealistic images with loads of color and care. Classical modernism is well translated from his paintings to his garments in these looks.
#2 Santiago Alejandro and the Quinceanera Dream
Think big and glorious, and that is a Santiago Alejandro gown. We are talking about; large trains, chiffon, feathers, stones, corsets, and loads of tulle. Layers of creativity and detail complete these gowns in various bold colors and styles. This duo of Mexican-born designers, Santiago and Alejandro, bring a rich Spanish heritage to their style. And there is evidence of inspiration from high fashion designers like Oscar de la Renta in these show-stopping gowns.
I could not help but note a dichotomy of innocence yet sophistication in these styles. One could imagine themselves as the guest of honor at a coming-of-age quinceanera party or very adult award ceremony. From beauty pageants to weddings, these designers know how to dress a person to gain attention. When I celebrate fifteen years of sobriety, I will be hitting them up for a custom gown for my sober quinceanera. There’s some bucket list decadence going on right there.
#3 Gustova Apiti Displays Svelte Suits for all Genders
Finally, I must highlight the very noteworthy suits designed by the award-winning stylist Gustova Apiti Couture. Slim-fit trousers and tailored jackets looked svelte and sophisticated on the runway. I loved the versatility of these looks on all genders. These were suits I would style either myself or my husband in.
Apiti was recently public about his work with sober artist Macklemore on creating looks for his red-carpet lifestyle. This caught my attention as I am a sucker for anything recovery centered. Once again, I was green with envy.
Macklemore is featured on stage wearing a bespoke green fringe vest by Apiti as he wows the crowd in his Utah show. There’s also plenty of media coverage showing Macklemore wearing a full green Apiti suit with Converse sneakers as he dances on stage. I found the collaboration between the two artists to be a brilliant display of character and charisma. As Macklemore raps about overcoming adversity, he is clothed in style and grace. This collaboration is right on brand for me. There is something to be said about the relentless pursuit to dress in authentic and empowering clothing. I’m here for it.
At the end of the night, there were simply too many gorgeous looks for this fashionista to digest in one sitting. I will continue to follow these designers and stay up on their work as it was all truly inspiring.
PS. Namiko Abloom…you can design me a necklace and earrings any day. These are crazy gorgeous pieces!
Grace & Glam,
Kate
WALK YOUR TALK: Sober Fashionista Kate Vitela is our section of the site that celebrates fashion and the role it plays in our recovery. Getting ready for life can be just as fun if not more fun, now that we’re sober…because drunk never looks good.
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