by MIKE CHAIKEN
CTFashionMag.com
Connecticut’s fashion sense will get an opportunity to capture some eyeballs Sunday, Sept. 22 as the first-ever “Fashion Is Our Canvas” runway show is held.
The fashion event, which will be staged in Hartford City Hall, is being organized by Conn. Fashion Connects – an online community of fashion and style organized by Connecticut resident Tina Rattigan.
At the foundation of Sunday’s festivities is Conn. Fashion Connects, which Rattigan explained is “a platform where creative people like designers, models, makeup artists, stylists — anything has to do with fashion — can send their photos or send their articles or blog about it to us and we will deliver so that everyone can see it.” The long-term goal of the online community spearheaded by an Instagram account (@conn_fashion_connects) is to create a hard copy magazine for the fashion-minded readers of Connecticut, said Rattigan.
“Fashion Is Our Canvas,” the runway show, is intended to draw more interest in locally created fashion, said its organizer.
“A lot of younger people tend to go to the bigger brands… (But) they’re expensive. They can’t buy that,” said Rattigan.
The fashion show hopefully will raise awareness of what styles are being made by local creatives, said Rattigan.
“If you just keep on advertising (Connecticut fashion) and pushing it, I think there’s a possibility, (the local fashion scene) will become something really great,” she said.
One of the designers who will show at “Fashion Is Our Canvas,” is Connecticut designer Karlene Lindsay, who sells and creates custom gowns out of a retail store at the Connecticut Post Mall in Milford. The show also will feature Dencha Designers, which is led by New Haven’s Linda Saucier. SiaDezigns also will participate.
The models walking the show will primarily come from Connecticut, and mostly will come from Rattigan’s own agency Propel Models.
“I wanted (the event) to be more Connecticut-based,” said Rattigan, explaining the casting choices.
“It’s important that people see that once you start in creating, you can go to the next level and (then on) to the next level,” said Rattigan.
Rattigan views the show as more than just an opportunity to be entertained by fashion. She said she wants the event to serve as a networking opportunity for the Connecticut fashion community. “(That way) you know you have support (and you can connect with) someone who wants to do as much (with fashion) as you do… The networking helps a lot.”
Conn. Fashion Connects’ “Fashion Is Our Canvas” will be held Sunday, Sept. 22 at 12:30 p.m. at Hartford City Hall, 550 Main St., Hartford. For tickets, go to tinyurl.com/FashionIsOurCanvas