Recap: Chance Fashion 7th Annual Artist of the Year Awards

The Summit on Pike in Seattle recently hosted Chance Fashion’s 7th Annual Artist of the Year Awards. What’s Up Northwest was proud to be a media sponsor of the evening’s event, showcasing the local Seattle fashion industry.

Chance Fashion is a non-profit dedicated to providing resources and opportunities to fashion artists of all levels. With nearly seven years of monthly fashion shows, this event has showcased a broad variety of talent from nearly every genre of fashion. Chance has also produced events outside Portland, San Francisco, and Hawaii, and has brought in designers to showcase from Texas and Florida. Chance is supported by Tatoosh Distillery, Alphabet Vodka, TTA Studios, Respect My Region, YM Local – YM Global, Neighbours Nightclub, and What’s Up Northwest.

Russ Garwood and Dr. Juliet Dang hosted the evening showcasing Seattle’s local glamour while DJ Martini seamlessly spinned the red carpet runway tunes.  Can I just point out that Dr. Dang is a woman of all trades as a model, master of ceremonies and just happens to have her PhD?  Girl power is all I have to say!

Awards were also handed out throughout the evening.

Breakout Model of the Year: Hilary Hamilton 
Breakout Designer of the Year: John Tozzi 
Breakout Photographer of the Year: Rahul Chaturvedi
Promoter of the Year: Miyoung Margolis 
Commitment Award: Rachel Bush
Chance Ambassador Award: Menka Soni
Heavy Lifter Award: Ben Chitwood
Winning at Life Award: Tony Leonhardt
Most Versatile Player Award: Talitha Vanzo
Behind the Scenes MVP: Lisa Vian Hunter
Hair Stylist of the Year: David Gerard
Female Model of the Year: Lacey Lonning
Male Model of the Year:  Danny Bryan 
Photographer of the Year: Tero Patana
Designer of the Year: House of Athena

The runway featured designs by:

Atelier Sovanny, who showcased her Cambodian heritage with feminine, bright, jewel-toned pieces. The beautiful pieces included long, flowy dresses in gorgeous colors.

BubbleGunk, the 2015 Designer of the Year, whose collection was inspired by her recent trip to Indonesia, using boutique fabrics that she acquired. Each of her models adorned fun hats (I wanted to buy them all) and super cute crop tops.

Jersey Virago’s collection was inspired by the introverted and eclectic mind of designer, Meagan Kruz’s EDM fantasy.  It was also Jersey’s birthday and her pieces were a gift to the crowd!  Her pieces were very futuristic in design, complete with spikes, masks and light up sneakers!

House of Athena, formerly known as Raveology 101, comes to Seattle from Florida and her pieces are inspired by the beaches and sunsets of her home state. The pieces were simple and loose – perfect for warm summer days.  I fell in love with the ballerina tulle skirt and leaf petal skirt with crochet top!

Kahini Kreative’s black and silver line was created to be glamorous and sophisticated, but still affordable.  Her music choice paid tribute to the late, great, George Michael’s Freedom.  Her two-piece designs were both intricate yet simple, creating a perfect balance.

Charity Rosalind creates designs with all sizes and all genders in mind.  Her pieces were inspired by the South Pacific islands.  With summer dresses, seashell necklaces and flower hair pieces, I was ready to book my flight to Hawaii!

Gustavo Apiti Couture made his US-debut in Seattle and his menswear line models drew some very loud applause from the ladies in the crowd!  I loved the shorter ties laying on wild printed business attire!

Fl3715h Gear is day-wear inspired by the fetish culture.  If I could pull off some of those looks in the office myself, I would definitely try!

Vian Hunter House of Fashion’s runway collection is vintage-inspired for the full figured woman.  The dresses in the collection were very flattering for all body types, with simple and sophisticated designs paired with statement jewelry pieces.

Last but certainly not least was Mac Fashion House.  Her collection brings us back to her African heritage, with pattern designs, colors, print and textures.  Beautiful pieces paired with big earrings and wrap bracelets created the perfect look. I fell in love with the peacock-inspired dresses.