Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Holli Gibson, Designer of LamanBlu, Awarded THE Rising Star 2009 by Fashion Group International




Holli Gibson, designer of LamanBlu, walked away with the ultimate prize, THE Rising Star Award from the Fashion Group International at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion by Design Runway Gala.

Denver, Colorado – October 24, 2009 – It was the Fashion by Design Runway Gala, at the exquisite showroom of Mercedes-Benz. Former Colorado First Lady, Frances Owens and Monica Owens were the Shining Star Honorary Chairs. The evening started with a Red Carpet Reception and a Silent Auction benefiting the Fashion Group’s scholarship and educational outreach programs. Gourmet hors d-oeuvres were offered up from Occasions By Sandy, caterer to the stars. Jacquie Palisi served as Mistress of Ceremonies.

The star studded evening on the runway began with honoring David Jacobs of Spyder with the Star Legend Award. Nancy Fitzgerald sang a beautiful rendition of the Star Spangled Banner and then the runway show began. Cynthia Petrus of Saks Fifth Avenue coordinated a Fashion Week worthy runway event, showcasing the category winners.

The 11 finalists were initially selected by criteria to evaluate their portfolios of current and past designs in addition to publicity and industry experience. They then presented to a panel of respected judges from the community. The distinguished panel of judges included Colorado Clothing Designer Brooks; Suzanne Brown of The Denver Post; Lisa Elstun of LRE Couture and Design; Cynthia Petrus of Saks Fifth Avenue; Elaine Mariner, Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade and Executive Director of the Colorado Council on the Arts; Jim Stevens, The Garment District; Faye Tate, CH2M Hill and Ebony Fashion Fair co-chair. The challenge presented to the judges was to select the Rising Star as the next Colorado company, whom they thought would become a nationally recognized brand in the next 5 years. Designers were required to show samples of their current creations that were assessed in regard to fashion trends, cohesive collections, construction and marketability. Their samples and portfolios accounted for one half of the scoring. The other half was based on marketing strategies, distribution channels, business viability and personal interviews.

Finally it was time to unveil the winner of THE Rising Star award. The finalists were announced and made their way to the stage. Rustin Coburn and Noah Price of DVLP Clothing, Holli Gibson of LamanBlu and Julie Hill and Lisa Welch of BornFit. The award was presented by Gino Velardi, of Gino Velardi Couture, The Rising Star of 2007. And the winner is….Holli Gibson of LamanBlu, THE Rising Star of 2009.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

LamanBlu at Saks Fifth Avenue, Cherry Creek







We were in the front window of Saks! (Well, my photo anyways.) They did a wonderful display for the FGI Rising Star and they also displayed gowns from the last Rising Star, Gino Velardi. Cynthia Petrus from Saks coordinated the runway show on Friday at Mercedes Benz and did such a fabulous job. I hope we'll have more opportunities to work with her in the future. Perhaps the next time they hold the Rising Star design competition (in 2011) Cynthia will do another window and show LamanBlu fashions.