I arrived at Camp Thunderbird at 3pm, this was the location of the opening reception and runway. I followed a few people who turned out to be makeup artists to the building the models were getting dressed and ready. The designer I was standing in for is Emily Morabito, and her brand is called Remedy Fashions. She is from Rock Hill, and is now studying fibers and textiles at Parsons in New York City.
I hung up Emily’s clothes and began the search for who I was in charge of decorating. One by one, I found the models I was looking for and worked with the hairdressers and makeup artists to make sure the final product went with Emily’s vision and the aesthetics of Remedy Fashions. Most of the makeup artists and hairdressers I made friends with were from the Paul Mitchell School in Charlotte, so similar to most of the models, they were all students.
It was incredible to see how many people were not only willing to volunteer their time but also really care about the work they were doing. Elise Smith, a PMTS Charlotte student, told me that “it was such a success and [she was] so honored to have been able to work the first Yok County Fashion Week.”
I also got to talk to William Williams, the community outreach leader at PMTS Charlotte. We talked about how a fashion week in our very own York County was such an incredible opportunity because “it used to only be New York, Paris, Milan.”
“Localized fashion shows bring the best and brightest from any given area and give them a place to display their crafts,” Williams said.
Most of the models used for Remedy were in high school, in fact many arrived on the scene with their parents. One model in particular could be found studying at any moment she was not needed in the production process. Her name is Jillian and I asked her about why she modeled and was willing to take so much time out of her day to be here as a volunteer. Simply, she stated that, “I’m here today because I love fashion and modeling and being in front of the camera.”
Remedy was the first collection to walk, so my models were the first ready. Again, I was amazed at the production of it all. There were about 6 boutiques and designers represented, and each had between 5 and 9 looks on display. Which in turn means
that there were at least 30 models needed. There were about 20 stylists there to help out with hair and makeup, ranging from individual people to many people with PMTS Charlotte. There were a few parents floating around, as well as a few children, and it seemed a few designers had a trusted friend or partner there with them as well. Of course, there were modeling coaches and people who were working for the fashion week that bounced in and out. Since my models were ready and I did not have any more responsibilities to attend to, I just sort of wandered around observing the process.
Another one of the stylists, Venecia Tierra, who was there to oversee everything talked to me about what a great experience “getting to know the designers and their visions for the show” was.
At this point, I had not yet seen the actual event area and the runway the models would be on. I knew it was going to be outside, and as I went to investigate someone called for Remedy Fashions. It was a modeling coach who was overseeing the way the models were going to perform on the walk. She informed me that I would have to walk in place of the designer, which I did not even know was a thing that was done at runways.
She brought me over to the event area, which was a pavilion laced with snacks and drinks and chairs and people. The path for the models was a circular one that had bright red chairs running along either side of it as well as little fireplaces in a few areas. There was a stopping point at the part of the circle that came closest to the seats at the front end of the pavilion, and she said this is where the models would stop and pose and also where I would stop to thank the audience.
The show finally began, and it only seemed like a split second until I had to walk out after my 5 models. Since we were outside, it was incredibly dark besides the very bright spotlight that followed the models down the line. It was hard work just not to trip over your own feet. After I walked, I got to sit back and observe the rest of the show, and it was a lovely production. Everyone’s attire was so different and specific to their personal style, and it was really fun to see how everyone’s appearance had been changed since their arrival.
Just as soon as it started, the show was over, and the room that was filled with so many people and curling wands and eyeshadow palettes and hangers was back to an empty YMCA building. I know many of the people I met, models or stylists, were planning to be back at least once or twice throughout the week, but because Remedy was only featured on the opening night, this was my last look at the production of York County Fashion Week. Until next year, that is.
