Programs

Frederick Fashion Week

Date – 9/03/11 – 9/17/11
Location – Cultural Arts Center
Contact – 301-662-4190

Frederick Fashion Week celebrates its fifth anniversary! Organized by the Frederick Arts Council, this event celebrates fashion as art. This September, over 2,000 attendees will participate in seven days of fashion related activities, such as fashion in film screenings, lectures/discussions, fashion focused shopping, and runway shows. You will not want to miss this party! For more information, contact Program Director Jen Dobbins at 301-662-4190 or via email @ jdobbins@frederickartscouncil.org

Frederick Fashion Week began in 2006 to serve the following four goals: To celebrate the life and accomplishments of the American fashion designer and native Fredericktonian, Claire McCardell; to support and foster fashion design education and fashion industry professionals; to promote Frederick County as a premier travel, shopping, and cultural destination; and finally, to serve as a fundraiser for the Frederick Arts Council and Cultural Arts Center.

Frederick Fashion Week 2011 Activities
All events held at the Cultural Arts Center unless noted otherwise. Free events are marked with an *

The Art of Fashion Gallery Exhibit, Sponsored by the Gazette *
September 1 – 25; Gallery Opening Reception Saturday, September 3rd, 5 – 9pm

Enjoy fashion photography by local and regional artists and explore rarely seen sketches by famous American fashion designer (and Frederick native) Claire McCardell in the North Market Street gallery at the Cultural Arts Center. Gallery opening reception will be held on Saturday, September 3rd from 5 – 9pm. Gallery hours are Thursday 10am – 6pm, Friday and Saturday 10am – 9pm, and Sunday 12 – 5pm.

Fashion Week Kickoff Night *
Saturday, September 3rd 5 – 9pm

The Cultural Arts Center will be bustling with activity as we get ready for Frederick Fashion Week. Bring your gently used clothes and get ready to find your new favorite outfit at our community clothing swap from 5 – 8pm. Bring your old T-shirts and let us show you how to transform it into a fabulous new look. Participate in our downtown wide fashion scavenger hunt and you could win a prize – don’t forget your walking shoes! Finally at 8:30pm we will kickoff of the Rags to Runway Design Challenge where designers will receive their mystery item in order to create runway ready fashions out of completely recycled materials! See the trashionistas’ finished looks during a runway show on Friday, September 16th. Sponsored by Frederick Gorilla.

Fashionable Night Out *
Thursday, September 8th 5 – 9pm

Participate in a fun filled evening of shopping and pampering. Explore our fashion market where vendors will be displaying and selling their fashions, accessories, and beauty products. Be sure to treat yourself to our pampering stations where local beauty and health vendors will be offering mini manicures, facials, massages, and more! Complete with libations and live music this will be an exciting and glamorous evening that will put the fun back into shopping! This event is free to attend and there will be a cash bar. Sponsored by Imagination Center.

Fashion in Film: Zoolander
Tuesday, September 13th 7pm – 10pm

Come and show off your best “blue steel” look during a screening of Zoolander on Tuesday, September 13th as a part of our Fashion in Film series. In this hilarious 2001 film, Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson battle it out in the cut throat world of male modeling. From intense walk-offs to saving the Prime Minister of Malaysia from an evil fashion guru, Zoolander is wacky, absurd, but most of all, fashionable. During the intermission, feel free to participate in a costume and model walk off contest. Come out and show that you are really, really, ridiculously good looking! Tickets are $5 or $8 for both Fashion in Film screenings and there is a cash bar at this event. Cocktail hour and costume contest registration begins at 7pm. The screening will begin at 8pm and there will be one intermission. Sponsored by 72 Film Fest.

Claire McCardell Day *
Wednesday, September 14th 6 – 10pm

Celebrate legendary fashion designer and Fredericktonian, Claire McCardell. Acknowledged as the creator of the “American Look,” McCardell designed ready to wear fashion from the 1930s to the 1950s. From appearing on the cover of Time magazine to being presented with the Women’s National Press Club Award by President Truman, McCardell made her mark on the fashion industry and her work continues to influence some of the most important designers today. This day aims to celebrate McCardell’s extraordinary achievements through lecture, discussion, book signing and a city wide proclamation. Join us in a toast to Claire by wearing your very best outfit with spaghetti straps to honor a look made famous by Claire McCardell. Book signing and lecture 6 – 8pm. Toast to Claire at 8:30pm. Sponsored by Plamondon.

Fashion in Film: Lecture by Holly Alfred * and Screening of Funny Face
Thursday, September 15th 6 – 10pm

Join Holly Alfred as she presents a lecture on fashion in film. Ms. Alfred is an assistant professor in the Department of Fashion Design and Merchandising at Virginia Commonwealth University and is the co author of the book ‘Who’s Who of Fashion’. This event is free and open to the public. The lecture will begin at 6pm.

Come for the lecture and stay for the screening of the classic 1957 film, Funny Face starring Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire. This delightful film is about a fashion photographer who discovers a bookshop salesgirl to be the next top model. Take this wonderful opportunity to see one of the greatest fashion icons in history, Audrey Hepburn, wear marvelous clothes designed by legendary designers Edith Head and Hubert de Givenchy. Cocktail hour at 7pm; screening begins at 8pm. Tickets $5 or $8 for both Fashion in Film screenings.

Two Nights of Runway Shows Sponsored by Macy’s
Friday, September 16th and Saturday, September 17th 7 – 11pm

Join us for the signature event of Frederick Fashion Week – Two nights of Runway Shows! The Cultural Arts Center is the place to see and be seen when local clothing boutiques, salons, independent and student fashion designers show off their latest collections. The runway shows are rounded out by a cash bar, silent auction, live dj, and entertainment. VIP tickets holders will receive a reserved seat, one free drink, and a goodie bag. Tickets are $20/night for VIP tickets and $10 for standing only tickets. VIP cocktail hour begins at 7pm, runway shows start at 8pm.

Sponsors of Frederick Fashion Week 2011

Macy’s
The Gazette
Plamondon
Frederick Gorilla
Imagination Center
72 Film Fest
Sylvana Aesthetic Medical Institutes