7 on Seventh Spring 2013

I had the incredible experience of attending the 7 on Seventh Fashion Show during New York Fashion Week. 7 on Seventh is an organization that provides public and media exposure for talented designers “who are currently manufacturing and shipping merchandise to retailers nationwide.” It offers a venue that enables up and coming designers to showcase their designs to buyers, stylists and the fashion press.

7 on Seventh was founded in 2000 by Ray Skerrett, Donna Pollard-Connor, Deon Croon and Bill Witherspoon. It’s a one-stop fashion enterprise that offers exposure not only to fashion designers but also to models, hairstylists and makeup artists.

Allow me to digress for a moment and insert a personal note. Ray Skerrett is a friend from years ago when we both worked at Fairchild Publications, publishers of W Magazine and Women’s Wear Daily. We not only worked together, we sat next to one another and developed a friendship over the days and months of sharing office space. He always made me laugh and, when I left Fairchild, Ray was one of the people I missed the most.

Back to the show …

7 on Seventh was held at Steppin’ Out Studio on West 27th Street. It showcased the talents of Forever Moore by Alain, Amy Robin, Twain Revell, Miriam Harris and Elsa O’Reilly of Jackets & Things. As an added treat, the beautiful jewelry designs of Marjorie Latham, Just Like You Jewelry, were on display and for sale. And, oh yes, I bought a fabulous sterling silver and colored glass beaded bracelet that was impossible to resist. But, more on Ms. Latham in a future post. Let’s talk about the clothes.

First up was Forever Moore by Alain who showed everything from cut down to there bathing suits, day dresses and several beautiful and intricately detailed evening dresses that would work equally well for the red carpet or a black tie event. One particularly fetching look was a red lace, long sleeved gown with peek-a-boo-sequined panties. It’s admittedly not for everyone, at least not the way it was shown on the runway – but, for the right woman with the right body, it was quite fabulous.

Amy Robin’s body conscious, street chic designs foretell that it’s going to be a colorful spring. Details included exposed back zippers, butterfly sleeves and artfully-uneven hems.

Designer Twain Revell, Twain’s Twines, is known for designs made of handwoven fabrics, including mudcloth, a handmade Malian cotton fabric that’s dyed with fermented mud. An artist in every sense of the word, Revell opened her show with a bridal look that drew lots of applause. Brightly colored harem looks and several artfully-detailed jackets ruled the runway but I was enthralled by a bright yellow halter jumpsuit that moved elegantly as the model walked. It was a bit of a departure from the designer’s aesthetic, but was, in my opinion, a highly successful one.

The audience was also treated to the handpainted denim designs of Elsa O’Reilly of Jackets & Things. Her wearable denim homage to Michael Jacksonwas a showstopper.

Michelle Swiney, Theo’s Place, Inc., business executive turned hair artist whose work has been seen on various television shows and for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, created the hair looks for the show and included high, smooth ponytails, messy topknots and flowing curls.

I was unable to stay for the rest of the show – but look forward to the new talent that Mr. Skerrett and the company of 7 on Seventh highlight in the future.

For more information on Seven on Seventh, visit their website at http://www.7onseventh.org

Photos by Melody Lesser for EverBeautiful.com