A modern collection with a retro twist is how national fashion designer Annie Griffin describes her new summer clothing line that showcased at the annual Memphis Fashion Week on March 28th.
"One of my favorite things about the line is that it appeals to a wide range of ages," Griffin explained over email about her clothes sold locally at Ella, Lavish, and Oak Hall. "A grandmother and granddaughter could leave a store looking great in the same AG top."
Griffin's line is filled with timeless styles reminiscent of the 1940s.
"One of my favorites from the summer collection is the Maura tunic in Kaleidoscope print. It's very wearable and the print is fun and colorful," Griffin said.
Griffin, along with Byron Lars, Olia Zavozina and Waverly Grey, was one of four nationally recognized designers who showcased their collections at the Annesdale Mansion on Friday night. Other Memphis designers premiered their new collections Saturday evening at Dewitt Spain Airport located about five miles northwest of downtown.
The third annual Memphis Fashion Week is supported by ArtsMemphis, and all proceeds from the show benefit the Memphis Fashion Fund and Emerging Memphis Designer Project. The designer project gives local designers the opportunity to introduce their designs on the runway and publicize their companies.
Along with new designers, Fashion Week also provides opportunities for models, including University of Memphis student Nicole Wright. The 18-year-old education major from Memphis was well prepared for Fashion Week because she modeled in last year's show.
"This year's show was better because I was more experienced," Wright said. "I liked the clothes a lot more, as well."
One of Wright's favorite designs was the bridal gowns debuted by Russian designer Olia Zavozina.
"It was weird walking in a bridal gown," Wright said. " I've never worn one before."
Designers pinned up the bottom of the gowns for Zavozina's latest collection in order to avoid picking up dirt off the mansion's weathered floor.
Colors Agency and Naebean Studio model Madison Atkinson, 18, joined Memphis Fashion Weekend for the first time this year.
"Saturday night was my favorite night to model," Atkinson said. "I liked the setup more. The Annesdale Mansion was stunning, but it was very difficult to walk."
Music with an upbeat tempo and loud base helped to ease the models' nerves.
"This was my first experience doing runway," Atkinson said. " I told myself to not walk too fast and have my face show I was composed."
