Southern Protocol

Charleston is filled with strong, powerful women and the ladies at Southern Protocol want to highlight the amazing efforts of southern female entrepreneurs. I had the pleasure of interviewing Della MacNicholas, the owner of The Wedding Row and Lella Foster jewelry. The Wedding Row is “Charleston’s ultimate resource for weddings” and Lella Foster is Della’s non-profit jewelry business. Della always wanted to find unique pieces and when she couldn’t find what she was looking for – she made it! Simple as that, if you’re not finding what you want then do it yourself. She wanted a line of jewelry different from any other and in 2008 Della did one of her friends a favor by designing all of her bridesmaid jewelry. She was then immersed into the world of weddings. Although Wedding Row is a baby, being launched this past February at Charleston Fashion Week, it has quickly grown to be a go-to site for brides.

I found Della to be endearing and only had wonderful, positive things to say about her business and life in general. I wanted to pick her brain and see what made this southern female entrepreneur tick –

Q: How did you start The Wedding Row?

A: Della submitted herself to be a part of the vendors for StyleMePretty.com and they accepted her that very same day! She then started The Wedding Row because she could not find anything like StyleMePretty that only pertained to Charleston. She thought it would be a fabulous idea to have a local wedding resource guide considering how much the wedding industry thrives here. Once again, if you aren’t finding what you want – do it yourself!

Q: How long have you been in the business?

A: She has been in the business since 2008 when she started the non-profit jewelry company Lella Foster, where all proceeds go to charities benefiting autism. The Wedding Row spun off from jewelry and Della was asked to be in the 2010 Fashion week styling for Belle Couture and White. She now has her studio at 47 ½  A Spring Street which is a hot spot location for the wedding industry in Charleston.

Q: In what ways do you incorporate the South into your business?

A: Della put it simply – “You can’t get any more southern or elegant than Charleston.” The southern personalities that she deals with in all aspects of the industry, whether it is photographers or graphic designers, are all so different. She “finds it amazing how different and inspiring these southern personalities can be.” The personalities drive an interest for people to come to Charleston and be apart of the southern lifestyle.

Q: What is your favorite southern staple food? Tradition?

A: Anytime Della needs comfort or stress relief she turns to grits. Her husband makes them for her any way she wants them. Full of cream, butter and maybe even a little cheese. She loves grits with anything and I sure don’t blame her. The overall sense of graciousness and politeness is her favorite southern tradition. She loves that southerners are sugar coaters and can say the most uncomplimentary things in the most complementary way.

Q: Is it more difficult to be a southern female entrepreneur or is it accepted?

A: “ In Charleston, yes (it is accepted)” Della stated confidently. “Charleston is full of powerful strong women, but I don’t think it would be as easy in other southern towns.”

Q: What are the most rewarding and challenging parts of the business?

A: One of the most rewarding aspects for Della is that she can be a Mom and an entrepreneur at the same time. She can be at home more even with a work schedule and other responsibilities. She would give up anything for her family and to be able to do all of that is so rewarding for her. The Wedding Row does not have a lot of challenges because “people drive the content of the website.” Her real challenge is getting her name out there and having people find Wedding Row and Lella Foster. The Google search is at the top of her priority list.

Q: Any advice for other female entrepreneurs?

A: The best thing is to fall back on the resources you trust. “Help people, but let them help you too” is her very wise advice to those struggling or seeking to start their own business. “Don’t let your fears and anxieties cripple you.” People are filled with so many great ideas and a little hard work and a good business plan will go a long way.

Della is clearly and inspiration to us all and most definitely a strong, southern woman!

Posted by Quinn

It’s safe to say that everyone in attendance at fashion week’s Fashion Finale on Saturday was impressed – Project Runway stars Mychael Knight, Logan Neitzel and Carol Hannah Whitfield included. The tent that had served as the main runway all week was transformed into a dark, glamorous lounge/club with chic chandeliers and romantic red flowers on every surface. The drinks were flowing and the food was delish! (Aside from the fact there were no plates and one of the main bites to eat were shrimp and grits…)

I was a bit surprised at how brief the final Emerging Designers Competition was – that was, afterall, the main point of the evening, was it not? Each of the three designers had spent their time since Tuesday night designing and creating an outfit that was to be a tribute to Alexander McQueen; I chuckled a bit in sympathy for the Ms. Beach, who specializes in children’s wear. The outfits they churned out were incredibly well made and innovative, but I would have loved to hear why each designer thought their garment was a tribute to the renowned late designer. (Above was the winning design)

After the super brief 3-garment show from the emerging designers, last year’s winner, Marysia Reeves, sent her tribal beachwear collection down the runway. Neutral colored bikinis, deep V-d one pieces tied and the hips with pale thick ribbons, and a couple easy, breezy beach dresses were laidback and appropriate for the Charleston crowd. I will say, after seeing some of Reeves’ suits in person, that they are definitely NOT for the bigger busted…the material is very thin and offers minimal support. And of course the statement-making headdresses were the creation of Southern Protocol’s favorite young florist, Anne Bowen of Stems.

Following the tribal dance end of Reeves’ collection, the incredibly talented Larika Page was announced the winner of the 2010 Emerging Designers Competition (pictured above with Charleston Mag’s Ayoka Lewis). The audience was then treated to another mini-concert from hip hop violinist Daniel D, who in my opinion was one of the best parts of the entire week – huge kudos to the heads of CFW to snagging him for entertainment. I wonder if he does private events…

The rest of the night went far too fast with people having way too much fun…a huge dance party erupted on the actual runway. Hilarity ensued. It as a fantastic end to a fun week of fashion and parties. See you next year, Charleston Fashion Week!

I am just so giddy today. The weather is finally unbelievably fantastic, it’s a Saturday, and the Bridal Couture show at Charleston Fashion Week was exquisite. I don’t think my words can do any of the dresses or the convivial (like that vocab?) atmosphere justice. Cue rom-com music and birds chirping. (Again, a disclaimer: my attention span is way too short to take in the dress AND get a picture before the model is gone…I’m so sorry I don’t have more pictures to show!)

The mimosas and “big day bites” were making popular rounds as women of all ages poured into the smaller tent this morning (can we talk about the HUGE set change that tent had to make this morning, and again as we speak?!), ready to see Cinderella gowns saunter down the catwalk – it was like the world’s largest bridal shower.

First up was White, with lots of pockets and hem detailing. Eh, didn’t do it for me, but I did love that they accessorized with candy – candy necklaces as bracelets and ring pops in place of diamonds. But then Belle Couture Bridal and Lella Foster Designs took the stage, and my jaw dropped (above photo). The dresses were slender, antique lace covered, open backed, beautifully accessorized…the collection was an Old Hollywood throwback that epitomized glamour. The hair and makeup was lifted straight from talkies, and I was exuding joy for every single gown.

It was a tough act to follow, and Bella Vista Bridal and Wedding Boutique struggled a bit; it was quite honestly the oddest styling. Why would a bride carry a suitcase? (Obviously a runaway bride, my seat partner and I decided). The dresses were pretty and simplistic, but nothing to write home about. And the icy, washed out blue they incorporated into everything looked matronly – NOT an adjective that should be used in conjunction with a blushing bride.

Break time! Mimosa time! Look around at all the wedding accessory vendor time! Try an adorable strawberry dressed in a chocolate tuxedo time! (Thanks to Newton Farms Catering - SO impressed with their service, presentation and food).

Maddison Row and Bella Bridesaid kicked off the second half. I was more than a little thrown by the birds nests and full blooms of hydrangea that topped each model’s head, and the poofy veils reminiscent of The Wedding Singer/my 1992 Wedding Day Barbie, but the dresses themselves were elegant and understated. Lots of ballgowns, and some fantastic bridesmaids dresses in a variety of fun colors that any bridesmaid really WOULD wear again.

And then. Fabulousness. LulaKate stole the show today. A few months ago the chic King Street boutique said goodbye to all their ready-to-wear and shifted complete focus to bridal wear – and it showed. Owner and designer Katherine Mcdonald churned out heartbreakingly beautiful dress after dress after dress; all flawlessly tailored and simple without looking boring. There were ruffle details, floral attaches, organza heaven…like I said, my words won’t do it justice. Lizz and I already send every bride over to the girls at LulaKate, and needless to say I they won a slew of customers this afternoon.

White put on a second show (their first, which was the first show of the day) featured designer-name gowns found in their store. The second was completely dedicated to owner Jodi Moylan’s homegrown designs. I’m sure my face gave away my horror and apprehension when the theme of the collection was Vegas, but I was pleasantly surprised. The dresses were showstoppers and definitely not for the shy bride or bridesmaid, but they were FUN, and someone needed to put playfulness back into bridal. Sequins, rhinestones (tasteful ones), feathers and lavish construction were just a few of the reasons White’s second collection way outshone the first – stick to your own designs, Jodi!

The moment White’s model procession ended, murmurs of anticipation overtook the crowd; it was seriously the quietest I’ve heard any tent all week (impressive!), for it was Carol Hannah Whitfield’s turn to debut her bridal collection. The few bridesmaids dresses were somewhat lackluster, and I feared for the rest of the collection, but the instant the first wedding dress turned the corner there were cheers of adoration; there is a reason Carol Hannah, known for her draping and manipulation of materials, made it to Bryant Park in last season’s Project Runway. There were tucks and twists, innovative draping and structure – all sensationally flattering to each model. (TAKE NOTE: Carol Hannah is holding a trunk show at Maddison Row tomorrow!!)

And of course at the end she came skipping out, as cute as ever in a flashy green one-shouldered frock. All in all today’s Bridal Couture Show was easily the highlight of this year’s fashion week; it was sweet, fun, and gifted aesthetic delight after aesthetic delight to all present. Bring on the fashion finale!

It was satisfied and relieved smiles all around last night at the Marion Square tents, as the shows went off substantially more smoothly and entertained infinitely better than the night before – not to mention the fabulous 70 degree weather that had guests mingling and socializing in the great outdoors as opposed to inside the Style Lounge.

And let me squeeze in the unfortunate lack of pictures from last night…I was either
a) Too excited about what was coming down the runway to remember to take a picture…would remember I should take one…then got a blurry one of the model’s backside exiting the runway
b) Too confused or uninterested to take them
c) I did take one, but it turned out awful and it was just a blur of colors. Use your imagination, or hey, go down to the stores today and check it out for yourself!

Everything was happy, and Teal – the boutique that moved to Mt Pleasant last year – started that precedent on the runway. It was sweet as candy late ’70s-early ’80s (the parts of those special fashion years we WANT to remember), with music that was impossible not to bounce along with. Bright pops of neon, roller skate accessories and the first jumpsuit I’ve seen that I actually loved were amongst the highlights. Another plus? Teal’s funky fresh clothes are WAY affordable!

Up next was Mary Mojo, and…bleh. It was a bit dated, a bit trying too hard, and a whole lot of unmemorable. There was one gorgeous bright salmon swingy dress that I wouldn’t mind having for a Saturday strolling along the battery, but other than that I was way less than impressed. And the models’ shoes were a huge snooze, too (hey, the feet are at eye level!). And Biton? Ick. Not a huge fan of the guido/urban King Street retailer to begin with, and their show only cemented that for me last night – word to the wise: slicking back the 3 inches of hair at the very center of your head, then poofing out the surrounding mane is so unflattering.

And then came my favorite new find of the night: LaRoque. Don’t be fooled by the name, like I was-I almost chose that show to run to the bar; the Columbia boutique did fashion week how a boutique should do fashion week. It was upbeat, cohesive, and every single garment that sauntered past me I wanted. The vibe was Twiggy ’60s with lots of white and yellow polka dots. And you KNOW I’m a crazy fan of the socks with heels…LaRoque put their own spin on that by cutting off the foot of little girl’s lace socks and creating an interesting ankle cuff. Practical? Perhaps not. Innovative? Absolutely.

V2V was one of the most anticipated shows of the night, and they didn’t disappoint! I am literally obsessed with a one shoulder 3/4 sleeve Barbie pink dress. I just have to have it. I was so transfixed by it walking down the runway that I didn’t even think to get a picture. Candy colored dresses in minis and maxis, as well as some fabulous blousey tops were in abundance. You can always count on V2V for perfect going out ensembles.

Lizz and I both raised our eyebrows and looked at each other when Gwynn’s intro said they were “edgy”…have you been in their Mt Pleasant store? If by edgy they meant we have patterned tights and low-cut tops sometimes, then yes, they are edgy. To be honest Gwynn’s was similar to Mary Mojo for me – flat out unmemorable, because I remember disliking everything that came down the runway. And they even wore leopard print socks with heels!

Closing out the show was 2008’s Emerging Designer Competition champion, Ashley Reid. Her color pallet was so wonderful, in tans, corals and red-oranges, that I would have given anything for it to be beach weather. The designs were a bit hippy and flowy for my taste, but fit in perfectly for the beach bum crowd. Truthfully it was a bit underwhelming, but I loved it more than any other show I’ve seen this week. Why? Because it was an actual collection, from an actual designer. That makes it ten times more interesting to watch, don’t you think?

About to head over to King and Calhoun for the Bridal Couture show – in the words of the ever-lovable Chandler Bing, I don’t think I could BE any more excited! Catch our tweets for up-to-the-minute coverage, or check back tomorrow for all our highly valuable thoughts. And of course tonight is the Emerging Designers final competition and fashion finale…what a way to end a week of craziness!

Catch ya on the flip side…

“Catwalk for Kids” is CFW’s annual benefit for MUSC Children’s Hospital. Hosted by Mary Norton, with a fabulous lunch provided by my favorite pirate looking chef Brett McKee of Oak Steakhouse (Sara and I are both steak not poultry people over here at SP headquarters). The benefit featured a fabulous fashion show by Carmen Marc Valvo (himself a thriving cancer survivor), a live auction of celebrity designed handbags, from the likes of Kristen Stewart (that’s right twihards), Carrie Underwood, Steven Colbert, and a signed guitar from Taylor Swift.

I grabbed my girlfriend, Juls, and we spent our morning/afternoon pretending that we were being filmed for “The Real Housewives of Charleston County”. HAHA, not really but there was definetely some fabulousness going on as everyone arrived for the benefit.

Mimosa’s were flowing, the food looked and tasted delicious.  The reason that all of the fabulous of Charleston were out and about, became very apparent when two families came on the catwalk to share their stories. I am not a crier. Period. And maybe it was the mimosa’s and wine, but their stories were so incredibly touching and real. As a mother of 3, I can’t imagine Jack, Charlie or Lola being diagnosed with cancer. What courageous families!

I had to sit on my hands to keep from bidding- but luckily the very generous Gene Reed kept bidding up those handbags. I’ve always had my car serviced at Gene Reed Toyota, and after seeing that man’s generosity- I recommend everyone else does too!

Mary Norton had announced at the beginning of the auction that the goal was $200,000.  Last night I spoke with my dear friend Mimi, one of the tireless people helping bring this benefit to life, and she said that the total raised was actually closer $250,000. Hooray!

I’m curious as to how many purchases are actually made in the Style Lounge at Charleston Fashion Week. There is a wide variety of (mostly) adorable accessories and trinkets, most at a high price tag. Included amongst the pricey but precious booths last night was Allison Abney Designs: extremely chic and elegant clutches that are born to stand out.

The silk clutches come in a variety of interesting color combinations, and the true standout pieces are comprised of Obi sashes (sashes from traditional Japanese kimonos). Designer and owner Allison Abney created the company in an attempt to fill the void of fashionable evening wear clutches. The beauty of her handbags is their versatility to go from fab night out to unique accessory to a daytime casual outfit.

My personal favorites are the scalloped designs…check out the website for more information and tell them you heard about their works of art here!

Sigh.

That’s the best way I can think to describe the semi-disappointment from last night’s shows; my eyes are literally just glazing over thinking about it. No offense to any of the boutiques that stomped the runway, or the fierce models in the Rock the Runway model competition (which during the men’s portion, by the way, all I could think of was Zoolander…”I knew it was a joke, Minkus, I just didn’t get it right away!”) – it just wasn’t meant to happen in this year’s hump day of fashion week.

Things were tremendously behind schedule, which never helps a lineup that was going to drag to begin with. Copper Penny definitely had the most Charleston- fashionable clothing, but a little birdie told me that almost every ensemble in their lineup is already gone. Boo – there was a one-shouldered artfully decorated Tibi dress that was the only highlight of the evening.

I was initially looking forward to Hampden Clothing, the store that Marie Claire listed in its Top 50 boutiques in the country, but couldn’t get past the eye makeup to even take notice of the clothes. It truly looked like someone had punched every model in both eyes – maybe because their typically fun and fashion forward clothes were styled in a rocker way that was less than appealing.

Seeking Indigo was exotic and Egyptian as always; there were actually some pretty gorgeous and intricately detailed maxi dresses that flowed beautifully. Pearl was a matronly take on all things Jason Wu (tulip dresses and feathered skirts). And then there was Mary Porter.

Oh, Mary Porter. You had me fooled with cheeky vintage French music and a glorious introduction by Charleston Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief…and then the models took the runway. For being a “couture” designer, Mary Porter’s 50s Barbie-meets-Chanel gowns were over-the-top yes, but nowhere near high quality. At the risk of being booed via monitors across the city, the sequined and feather materials that comprised the majority of Porter’s collection seriously looked like they were bought at Party City. There weren’t even any linings on the dresses – Visible Panty Lines are a HUGE no-no, especially on a runway.

By the time the Mary Porter models had made their finale – I have honest-to-God never seen models walk so slowly – most of the crowd had sadly vanished. And no one even headed to the Style Lounge, they were just ready to call it quits for the night (myself included). Here’s to hoping that tonight’s exciting line-up lives up to its expectations!

PS – I totally forgot that one of the only pictures I took was of this gem in Mary Porter’s show – it was actually the final piece de resistance. And what a treat! Hello, bedazzled wanna-be Dion from Clueless circa 1994.

I have so many things I want to say about my first night at Charleston’s fourth annual fashion week…my fingers are literally stuttering over the keyboard, unsure of what to say first and how to say it. So, for the sake of my sanity and your ease of reading, we’re goin’ list form today.

1. First and foremost, I am happy to reveal that I was pleasantly surprised by the legit set-up and atmosphere of the tents. Mind you, it was still no New York (do you like how I say that even though I never actually set foot in the Holy Grail of fashion tents?), but I was rather impressed when I entered the main stage tent.

2. I am not sure why or how it happened – I’d like to think its the fashion gods smiling down on me, while also gently letting me know I’d never get this chance in a big city show – but Southern Protocol’s seats are first row, second section…a la Rachel Zoe. I almost reached for my sunglasses when the shows started.

3. Logan from last season’s Project Runway was across the runway from me…update on the hunk of the show’s only LA season: still pretty easy on the eyes…but that hair is perhaps a tad too long. And his head was oddly pointy without his signature beanie.

4. Thera M. was first up after the break last night, and everything about the flirty boutique’s show was simply wonderful. I loved the bright colors and patterns in all of their skirts, dresses and rompers; I loved the ’40s style makeup that played up big, red lips; I loved the sweet-as-sugar bows in their hair. They will no doubt get hoards of fashionable women in their Daniel Island boutique this week, clamoring for the adorable additions to their closet. I personally thought the best outfit of the night was the first outfit down the runway – a gorgeous ivory ruffled dress cinched with a big black belt. Must have it. (sidenote: excuse the picture quality…I was armed only with my blackberry)

5. House of Sage, while right up the alley of many College of Charleston students’ styles, is not quite mine. There were a few outfits that I’d much rather see on said students in place of leggings as pants, but I shall hope that no one will venture out in a pleather bandeau top anytime soon. The styling was awesome though, with each model – boy or girl – rocked neon-colored horn rimmed glasses. So 1980s preppy.

6. Palm Avenue was Lily at its best, and made me wish that the warm weather would just hurry up and get here already. Precious coverups, country club-esque long dresses, and busy patterns galore are once again in the forecast for the popular Southern brand. I was a tad scared when the first two looks out from backstage were jackets and skirts covered with panda heads and pink trim (ah I freaked out just thinking about it), but they quickly recovered!

7. Mychael Knight’s anticipated collection was a bit blah for me, with the first half being completely black with some sparkle here and there, and the second half completely white with some snakeskin here and there. There were a few dresses that I can definitely see walking the sidewalks in Atlanta, but it may have been a bit too modern for Charleston’s conservative tastes. My impression of the show was completely softened when Mychael himself walked out, though – he just seems like the sweetest, most down-to-earth person, and I can’t wait to become best friends.

8. Finally – are you still with me? – as much as I loved the experience and the shows and being front row and so fab, I couldn’t ignore the little bug in my ear saying, “but they’re just from boutiques!” As much as we love our Charleston boutiques TO DEATH, I feel like a fashion week would be so much more legit if every night had only real, new designer creations; essentially the emerging designers competition every night. Maybe someday…

A week from today Marion Square will be transformed into a mini Bryant Park…let the countdown to five days of Lowcountry fashion begin!

In order to make sure you have that runway-worthy outfit for every night of next week (especially the final night gala on Saturday), almost every fabulous boutique in Charleston is participating in the Go Fashion Shopping Event. All this week receive special discounts and deals from the stores listed here when you mention the promotion!

Our friends over at adorable bridal boutique Maddison Row have planned quite the social butterfly calendar for this month, affectionally calling their string of events March Madness. They’re hosting everything from trunk shows to charity benefits, and of course capping it all off with their glamorous Charleston Fashion Week Bridal Couture show. See below for the full calendar of events with their descriptions!

March 13th and 20th: Cinderella Project Charleston
Volunteers needed to help every economically challenged Charleston teenage girl get the dress of her dreams for spring dances.

March 12th and 13th: Carolina Herrera Trunk Show
Show-stopping, Old Hollywood bridal gowns? Enough said! Make your appointment ASAP.

March 20th and 21st: Carol Hannah Whitfield (of Project Runway) Trunk Show
Come meet the sweetheart designer that made Charleston proud! It’s the designer’s first signature bridal collection trunk show, so you won’t want to miss out.

March 20th: the Maddison Row and Bella Bridesmaid runway show for CFW
1:05 sharp! Get tickets here.

Though most Charlestonites have already heard, Charleston Fashion Week just sent out their official press release announcing that Carol Hannah Whitfield (sweet as sugar Charleston designer that was a finalist on Project Runway last season) will be debuting her bridal collection under the Marion Square tents in March. A little piece of couture right here in the Lowcountry!

There will be seven Bridal Couture shows total this year, and all will take place on March 20th. To encourage the luxurious wedding atmosphere, there will be afternoon champagne, hors d’oeuvres, and music from the Charleston Symphony Orchestra.

Carol Hannah will also have a trunk show, at Southern Protocol favorite Maddison Row, the day after her appearance at Charleston Fashion Week. More details to come! Hope y’all are getting excited about Charleston’s week of style – get your tickets here!

Let the official countdown to Charleston Fashion Week begin! Tickets for what the Southeastern Tourism Society names as one of the Top 20 Events of the Year went on sale this week, kicking off a two month final preparation until the masses descend upon our historic city. CFW will take place this year March 16-20.

This year’s team has upped almost every aspect of the fashionable week, adding model competitions, two separate tents, collections from Project Runway finalists Carol Hannah Whitfield and Mychael Knight, and of course an end-of-the-week party that promises to pull out all the stops. Participating stores for the week’s shows include House of Sage, Copper Penny, Palm Avenue, Teal and Gwyn’s of Mount Pleasant to name some of our favorites. Judges include Charleston native designer Cynthia Rowley and ELLE Magazine’s Fashion News Director, Anne Slowey.

And of course for all you brides, you wouldn’t want to miss the glamorous day of bridal couture on Saturday the 20th!

Ticket Pricing:
$235 Weekly Pass
$45 Tuesday-Thursday
$50 Friday
$45 Saturday Bridal Couture
$100 Fashion Finale

Event Times
March 16-19: Doors open at 6:00 pm, with first show starting at 7:15 pm
March 20 (Bridal): Doors open at 11:00 am, with first show starting at 12:00 pm
March 20: Fashion Finale! Doors open at 7:00 pm

Go to CFW’s official website for more information and to purchase your tickets!

Announcements from Charleston Fashion Week just keep getting better and better! Now that word is out about the Emerging Designers Competition, a recent press release announced the creation of “Rock the Runway”: a just-as-serious competition for models in the Southeast. 

Last year over 800 aspiring Tyras showed up for model castings, which led the big guys in charge to take notice of a great potential opportunity. After a series of model casting calls in the spring, 10 finalists will strut their stuff down the runway on March 18th in front of an intimidating panel of judges: IMG Models original scout and agent, MODELSCOUT Inc. owner, and former Ford model Ward Cottrell. Models will be judged on walk, appearance and personality.

The lucky (and talented!) grand prize winner will leave Charleston with an all-expense paid photo shoot with MODELSCOUT Inc., a fashion spread in Charleston Magazine or other Gulfstream publication (hello, covergirl), a two-night trip to Vegas, and a $1000 cash prize.

Good Lord girls, that’s a lot of fabulous rewards – start practicing your strut! All applications for the debut of “Rock the Runway” are due no later than October 30th at 11:00 pm est. For more information about the competition, or Charleston Fashion Week in general, visit charlestonfashionweek.com!

Super exciting news this week at Southern Protocol…drum roll please…

We will be heavily involved with 2010’s Charleston Fashion Week, giving you style updates from the runway and gossip updates from the parties! March 16 will mark the beginning of the fourth year of craziness in Marion Square, and this year is expected to outshine the rest. While the runway shows and after parties might be months from now, preparations are already well under way…and the most exciting of those preparations are the application and selection processes for the Southeast Emerging Designers Competition.

Contributing what are easily the most innovative and awe-inspiring shows of Charleston Fashion Week, the Emerging Designer Competition invites up and coming designers throughout the Southeast to show their young collections at a fashion week that is rapidly gaining nationwide attention. An impressive number of previous participants are now launching their own lines and receiving media attention – perhaps two of the most popular being the Charlestonian contestants on the current season of Project Runway - showing the true impact CFW can have on a budding design career.

The Emerging Designer Competition is sponsored by the Art Institute of Charleston, and will feature eight designers sending their looks down the runway to be judged by a celebrity panel. The rewards are high for finalists and winners: a free show at CFW 2011, booths at the Apparel Mart in Atlanta, and monetary prizes are all incredible motivators to get involved.

So for all you creative types, get to work on that sketchpad! And for all you wishful-creative types (sadly I fall in this category…stick figures are the extent of my artistic ability…), spread the word! Designers should go to charlestonfashionweek.com to apply; the deadline is 11:00 pm est on October 23rd.

Good luck and we’ll see you in March!