Nathan Hurst is a self-taught fashion designer who did three local shows before making his national debut at the 2009 'Hip-Hop Meets Couture' annual fashion show in San Francisco.
When he came back to Cincinnati, Hurst decided he wanted to bring an annual fashion event here, and along with nearly 100 volunteers, he's launching the
1st Annual Cincinnati Fashion Week in April.
"It's basically bringing something new and fresh here, where outside markets will take a look at Cincinnati. And it gives people something to look forward to every year," said Hurst, assistant manager at Nine West in Kenwood.
Volunteers of all ages and experience levels are helping organize the 6-day event, set for April 16 to 24. Two groups of volunteers meet each week. If you're interested in volunteering you can sign up through the
Cincinnati Fashion Week web site.
Cincinnati Fashion Week also has a
Facebook Fan Page and is on
Twitter.
Keep Cincinnati Beautiful, a non-profit beautification effort, is partnering with Cincinnati Fashion week. Hurst will organize a downtown cleanup as part of the annual Great American Cleanup on April 24.
Cincinnati Fashion week will feature local, emerging designers as well as more veteran designers from across the country. It will be a week of fashion and fun, with local salons and beauty retailers participating in a promotional event to kick off the week.
Some events are free, other require tickets. Here's the schedule:
- Monday, April 19: Fixed-On-Fashion - It's a party! Participating local retailers will be throwing an on-site promotional event. Guests will get the scoop with special sales and discounts. (Interested retailers will be added to a comprehensive online list, which will be sent out to all Cincinnati Fashion Week subscribers and Facebook fans). +Free to the public.
- Tuesday, April 20: Exclusive Designer Meet & Greet Fashion Pre-Party. The first 100 fashion enthusiasts to purchase ‘all week pass’ will gain exclusive access to the Fashion pre-party.
- Wednesday, April 21: Local Artist Merchant Fair. A chance for local artists to strut and sell their creative designs; expect to see jewelry designers, fine art, independent clothing designers and local Cincinnati boutiques. +Free to the public.
- Thursday, April 22: Men & Women’s Fashion Party - The party will feature short runway segments showcasing the work of up-and-coming designers and local retailers as their unique designs stomp the catwalk. Lucky guests will receive swag bags, raffles, giveaways, and more. The party will also showcase the work of top cosmetic designers from the Tri-State's two most premium salons, PUMP Salon, and Mitchell's Salon & Day Spa, as they present their hottest avant-garde hair designs. Admission $15.*
- Friday, April 23 FASHION FINALE: Cincinnati Fashion Week will conclude with a major fashion finale. The show will feature 10-15 of the hottest designers from across the country. After the fashion show there will be an exclusive after-party at a Cincinnati nightlife hotspot. Price is $40 for admission*
- Saturday, April 24 KEEP CINCINNATI BEAUTIFUL AT THE GREAT AMERICAN CLEANUP: Come and join the Greater Cincinnati Keep America Beautiful at the Great American Cleanup. Cincinnati Fashion Week founder Nathan Hurst will be organizing a downtown cleanup and beautification event.
Source: Nathan Hurst, Cincinnati Fashion Week founder
Writer: Feoshia Henderson
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