A wrap-up on Virginia Fashion Week 2008

It was an evening to remember.

The grand finale of Virginia Fashion Week 2008 was indeed a treat.

A dizzying array of designs hit the catwalk one after another Sunday afternoon in a fashion event poised to put Virginia on the style map.

It's really too much to even talk about in one review. You should have been there to see it.

From local names such as Stephon Stallings of Newport News and his Vintage Hazel line to more nationally known names such as Johnathan Kayne and Karen Domino White, the designs were captivating and inspiring. (Thanks Johnathan, for telling me my plum fur coat was hot.)

I got some really great ideas for casual urban looks from the men's and women's looks presented by Rivet De Cru by Ruben Dario Campos of Los Angeles. The faded-wash neon jeans were a big hit. Also, the urban looks put together by Chris and Alex, owners of Nacirema in Virginia Beach, were quite funky and hip. Chris and Alex have it going on.

Domino White, the daughter of music legend Fats Domino, was equally impressive with her Jean Therapy line. The long, black, "Elvira"-fitting dress with the newspaper-print fishtail was a knockout on her.

Skinny jeans were a dominant look on the runway throughout the evening. Some of the jeans were so skinny that I can't figure out how the models ever got them on in the first place.

Stallings neo-vintage creations were my favorite and the most intriguing of the evening. I'd probably not have any place to wear most of the bold, pouf pieces, but he definitely creates enough individually distinctive pieces that you can weave into your wardrobe and add a twist.

The Foxers' and April Spring Designs' presentation demonstrated why the appeal for Spring's product is so vast. Two young girls began the Foxers' segment very tastefully sporting Foxers boxers peeking above their jeans' waistline. It was charming. The new Foxers' designs inspired by the Lingerie Football League were fun and flirty (gave me some ideas). The black jumpsuit lounger is a must-have.

And the navy-blue coatsuit with the light-blue blouse was visually stunning. The perfect human coat-hanger sported it elegantly down the runway.

There was a good assortment of local vendors – custom jewelry makers, a custom shoe designer, a kids' designer and a handbag maker were among those representing on the sidelines.

All of the models worked on a volunteer basis because of the struggling economy. You would never have known, as they were as fierce and as professional as any model being paid $5,000 an hour.

This event is still in its infancy. Lighting and ambience can be improved. So can the emceeing and the pace of the show. Even with three designers dropping out, the schedule continuously ran an hour behind. Also because the local design talent is so good and abundant, perhaps the Hampton Roads finale can be broken up over two days. It would be unreasonable to expect to retain an audience for nine hours (the results of the student competition kicked off the day), but all of the talent showcased deserved a respectable audience. One thing I know is that Ann Leister, who is owner and director of Splash Model Management and who conceived Virginia Fashion Week, works her rump off to make things happen.

The show must go on, and it will only get better.

Jamesetta Walker, (757) 446-2211,  jamesetta.walker@pilotonline.com