by MIKE CHAIKEN
CTFashionMag.com
Fashion Week Connecticut, formerly known as the Sound of Fashion Week Connecticut, returns starting Sunday, Oct. 13. And organizers say casual observers of fashion might just be surprised if they come out and watch the runways in the Nutmeg State.
Travis Bivans, the co-creator and creative art director for the week-long event that kicks off Oct 13, said if you’ve never been to a local fashion show you might be surprised that “Connecticut has a wealth of deep, rich and surprisingly highly creative fashion scenes. Depending on the fashion show platforms they support, (newcomers) could see anything (you’d see) from global fashion weeks such as New York Fashion Week, London Fashion Week, Milan Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week including designers and models to a brand new face who is looking to earn your support.”
As someone who provides a platform for local designers, Bivans said, “The most impressive thing (I’ve seen from Connecticut creatives) is how they capitalize on someone extending ‘belief’ into whatever they have going on. Belief is a very powerful thing, especially if it’s coming from a pure source. The local talent can use that to power themselves to make a global impact.”
The designers that will be seen at Fashion Week Connecticut are designers Bivans has had the opportunity to cultivate relationships with over time.
“I’ve been in the fashion industry going on 26 years,” said Bivans. “Over the years, I’ve made amazing friendships or business relationships. I have invited some of these people (I know to participate). Other designers directly submit to Fashion Week Connecticut.”
Although creativity can bloom in private, Bivans said it’s important the creatives of Connecticut bring their work before more than just their inner circle.
“In order for designers to see true success, they need to sell outside of their local community and explore global or at least regional networks,” said Bivans.”Sometimes it’s very hard for locals who grew up with you, went to school with you and have seen you at your worst, to believe that you can achieve your targeted level of success. So they don’t support expecting for you to fail. Some don’t support you because what you make doesn’t speak to them.”
The shows of Fashion Week Connecticut are about more than just watching fashion but for shopping, said Bivans. “Some of the designers are absolutely selling their clothing. Some are even selling them right after tehe show. Make sure you have your phone ready so you can take the designer’s social media information when it’s given.”
For newbies and veterans at Fashion Week Connecticut, Bivans said they can expect the shows to put “energy in fashion exhibition.”
Also, he said, “We… exhibit global brands such as H&M and SHEIN on the runways of Connecticut. We are striving to be more than the fashion week that represents Connecticut. We want to be globally recognized because Connecticut fashion creatives deserve that spotlight. “
Overall, said Bivans, “(Guests) can expect to see solid shows, impressive creations and models who are as serious as the brands they wear. They can expect to see consistency and love of the art form (of fashion).”
The individual events at Fashion Week Connecticut have developed their own idiosyncratic fan bases. Bivans said, “All the shows speak to different people and different people like different shows for different reasons…Come see what we have going and discover something new about Connecticut.
For information, visit Fashion Week Connecticut on Instagram (@FashionWeekConn), Facebook (Fashion Week Connecticut) or at its website at FashionWeekCT.com
The schedule for Fashion Week Connecticut is
Sunday, Oct. 13. The show begins at 8:30 p.m. “Extravaganza.” This is the LGBGTQ+ friendly fashion event staged by Fashion Week Connecticut, featuring Voguing, drag performances and a fashion runway. It will be held at Union Station, 1 Union Place, Hartford.
Monday, Oct. 14. Doors open at 7 p.m. “Stage and Style Fashion Show.” Highlighting New Haven Fashion creatives. New Haven City Hall, 165 Church St., New Haven.
Tuesday, Oct. 15.Doors open at 7 p.m. “Fashionology.” This is a producers showcase for local musical artists. It also is the 7 on 7 Fashion Show. Bond Ballroom Cocktail Room, 338 Asylum St., Hartford.
Friday, Oct. 18. 8 p.m. “Phoenix.” The show will highlight the work of La Moo Designs. Parkville Art Gallery, 1429 Park St., Suite 204, Hartford (entrance on Bartholomew Avenue).
Saturday, Oct. 19, 7 p.m. “J’aime La Mode.” Arcade Mall, enter at 1042 Broad St., Bridgeport.