NOFW Spotlight Southern Designers

Fashion is a world of illusion and glamour that sets the tone and mood for many aspects of life. It is an ever-evolving art form with genres ranging from conservative to avant-garde. It tells a story through clothes with the climax hinging on the designer’s vision and talent that bring their creations to life on the catwalk.

New Orleans Fashion Week (NOFW) did not disappoint.  For one week in March, New Orleans was transformed into an epicenter of fashion. Embraced by designers, photographers, and fashion enthusiasts from the southern region and beyond; coming together to bring a new level of creative consciousness to the southern fashion industry—each bringing a distinct style, flavor, and modern approach to fashion that speaks loud and clear that Southern fashion is alive and vibrant with a strong voice. Regardless what the aesthetic, New Orleans Fashion Week presents an opportunity to discover new (Southern) designers and revisit favorites as they present their latest collection on the runway.

NOFW is not for the tame-hearted.  It’s an opportunity to not only catch a lineup of incredible runway shows, but also a chance for every fashionista to strap on her stilettos and take in a full dose of fashion with an overload of Southern hospitality. This year’s Fashion Week did not disappoint.

Included in the impressive lineup of designers showing on the catwalk were Lafayette designers Raoul Blanco and ULL graduate Romey Roe, as well a slew of Acadiana models that slayed the runway, bringing the fashions to life. Brik Allen, an apparel design graduate from LSU was crowned Top Design Winner, receiving a coveted prize package that included a ninety day retail placement of his collection in Hemline Boutique, Metairie Road in New Orleans, a Brother’s Project Runway Computer Sewing Machine, a fashion photo shoot with New Orleans photographer Gustavo Escanelle, a $500 cash prize from Art+Design magazine and will return to show as a feature designer at New Orleans Fashion Week 2017.

 Tracee Dundas is a freelance stylist, blogger, fashion editor for New Orleans Magazine and fashion event producer.  She is the Founder and Creative Director of Fashion Week New Orleans and the "go-to-gal" for all things fashionable in the Gulf Coast. Tracee hosts a weekly fashion style segment "Fashion Friday" on WVUE Fox 8 sharing the latest trends, styling tips and DIY ideas.  She works with nationally known clients such as Lucky Magazine, Essence Magazine, Payless Shoes and The W Hotel and frequently works as a stylist for films, commercials and music videos.  Tracee is a graduate of USL and a native of St. Martinville, LA.