Al Fresco Fashion Show

Textile trends take to the runway

Nicole Crews -- Casual Living, 10/27/2011 5:39:53 AM

OUTDOOR FABRIC FASHION ILLUMINATED THE 2011 Apollo Awards banquet on Sept. 14, with Casual Living's Textile Trends: Al Fresco Fashion Show headlined by Sunbrella and featuring the latest collections from Ardwyn Decorative Trim Products, Outdura, Sunbury and Tri Vantage.
     This year's event, held at Chicago's historic Field Museum, took place during the dinner portion of the evening and was emceed by Casual Living Publisher Norman Hamilton and coordinated by Connie Lineberry, VP of marketing, Sandow Media.
     Dancers with batons of fabric leapt onto the stage in tribalinspired, outdoor textile-fashioned costumes and welcomed models outfitted in fabrics from Sunbrella's Renaissance program. Constructed of repurposed materials, these sustainable Heritage fabrics were shown in rich, earthy shades of Papyrus, Pumpkin, Garnet, Mink and Denim. They were showcased in the form of bold, graphic halter dresses with matching capes with a modern cowboy's duster in Tango Mink thrown into the mix.

	Sunbrella stuns with El Greco Calypso, a classic key pattern sleekly styled into a column dress.
London’s calling with Sunbury Textile’s Sophia and Mulberry fabrics tailored to fi t a young royal.
	Outdura’s Kaleidoscope Collection dazzles with multicolored fl orals and candid graphics with a mix of island stripes thrown in.
Tri Vantage bestows a gypsy vibe on the Bukhara Collection in sturdy canvas and shown in earthen tones.
	Part of the Sunbrella Renaissance Program, Heritage solids in Mink and Denim target a new organic look that is constructed of repurposed materials.

     An explosion of color emerged with Outdura's Kaleidoscope Collection featuring long, breezy sundresses and a short set with matching coverup. Dazzle led the runway with a multicolored floral in Bloom and was followed by Candid in an Aloe colorway and graphic pattern. Signal's Island in a hot stripe and sexy silhouette added spice to the bouquet.
     The Bukhara Collection from Tri Vantage evoked a gypsy feel and Ardwyn's embellished fringe, braiding and cording jumped onto the caravan with dancers sporting exotic trim costumes. Sixteen solid colors combined with the collection's Russet pattern formed fashions veering from flamenco-flounces to harem-wear.
     Mulberry formed casual Kate's tailored look while Seersucker Day in Navy and White Terry Cloth added princely touches to menswear.
     Heading back to the Continent, chief sponsor Sunbrella visited both Spain and Greece with its Mediterranean-inspired Calypso Collection. Flow Spring brought aquatic blues to the stage with senoritastyle. El Greco Calypso set sails for the Greek Isles for Aegean-Sea inspiration. And Canvas Aruba with a special appliqué created a ripple effect reminiscent of rushing blue waters.
     Fashions were designed by Faye McPherson for the show, held in conjunction with the annual Apollo Awards gala, presented by the International Casual Furnishings Association and Merchandise Mart Properties.