Celebrating our sophomore year last week, more than doubling the participation of local boutiques and sponsors from 2011.

The group began the week with several in-store promotions around the city, offering discounts to fashion show ticket holders.

A kick-off party was held last Thursday evening at The Mobile Arts Council, and on Friday the group moved the catwalk to the streets of downtown Mobile.

An extravaganza of style was held in the historic Forte Conde Village.

Patrons filled white chairs that lined the cobblestone street, while others peered from balconies of some of Mobile’s oldest mansions.

It was a brilliant setting and attendees raved about the ambiance of the clear Southern night and the parade of the latest autumn and fall designs.

With beautiful smoky eyes, courtesy of Mobile’s own J.Edward Beauty, and sultry braided crowns, brilliantly executed by the W Salon and Spa, models braved the paved runway like pros.

From trendy neon hues that will certainly spill over into fall’s wardrobes, to dusty oranges and browns, typical of autumn’s color palette, the pants, dresses and shorts, (yes, shorts) were super chic.

“I think we surprised ourselves,” said Mobile Fashion week founder Richard McGill, at the end of Friday night’s presentation.

“We have been overwhelmed by this year’s success and can only see Mobile Fashion Week moving forward.”

Representatives from Camp Rap-a-Hope, the event’s chosen charity, also thanked the crowd and organizers for their dedication.

Mobile Fashion Week culminated on Saturday with a couture bridal show in the early afternoon, followed by a fashion finale at 7 p.m. Both events were held at Space 301 Gallery in downtown Mobile.

Alabama’s own, designer William Bradley, was the week’s featured guest designer and held a meet-and-greet on Saturday at Private Gallery Boutique in the Legacy Shopping Center.

Bradley was named the winning designer in Mobile Fashion Week’s design competition in 2011. His designs are sold exclusively at Private Gallery stores. During the fashion finale, Bradley showcased amazing dresses featuring angular cuts and hemlines typical of his unique design style.

Along with Bradley, Le Jeune, Janie G. Couture and Kimberly Noland Designs were showcased during fashion week. Many local boutiques participated in the showcases as well.

Models wore pretty pouted blush-colored lips, and their hair in topknots that depicted what is forecast for fall’s biggest hair trend.

McGill said he hopes to continue building a community of supporters for “fashion with a cause, bringing a fun and exciting week of fashion to Mobile.”

Original Article By: Debra Braggs