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Open Runway Event Showcases Local Fashion Designers

Designers present their unique collections during the Open Runway event in Downtown Crossing.

News Summary

The Open Runway event in Downtown Crossing featured over 30 fashion designers, promoting inclusivity and diversity in the local fashion scene. Founded by Jay Calderin, the event allowed designers of all skill levels to showcase their collections in an open mic format. Celebrating cultural diversity, the event provided a platform for both seasoned professionals and aspiring talents, including recent graduates. With live commentary from industry leaders, Open Runway plays a vital role in elevating Boston’s fashion community ahead of the upcoming Boston Fashion Week.

Boston – More than 30 fashion designers showcased their unique collections at the Open Runway event in Downtown Crossing, a preparatory initiative for the upcoming 31st annual Boston Fashion Week. The event occurred on June 5, 2023, from noon until 1:30 PM, with a rain date scheduled for June 12. It served as a vibrant platform aimed at promoting inclusivity and diversity within the local fashion scene.

Open Runway was founded and directed by Jay Calderin, who emphasized the importance of inclusivity for designers of all backgrounds and levels of experience, including aspiring student designers. The event operated in an open mic format, allowing both amateur and professional designers to freely showcase their creativity before a public audience. Each designer had the opportunity to exhibit up to three of their designs, making it an accessible platform for a wide range of talents.

The event, hosted by the Downtown Boston Alliance, allowed designers to gain essential runway experience as well as the chance to be photographed in a professional setting. Attendees had the opportunity to observe the intricate craftsmanship and unique interpretations of fashion pieces presented by each designer. The exhibition created an intimate atmosphere that highlighted the artistic expression of local talent and welcomed contributions from designers across the region.

Among the participating designers was Leah Prodigalidad, a recent graduate from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. Prodigalidad’s collection drew inspiration from her Filipino heritage and mythological beliefs, demonstrating the event’s commitment to showcasing culturally diverse designs.

Throughout the show, Calderin and a panel of industry leaders provided live commentary, celebrating the innovation presented by each designer. Their insights offered further depth to the event, enhancing the audience’s understanding and appreciation of the artistic processes at play.

The Open Runway event plays a crucial role in elevating the Boston fashion community by creating an environment that encourages creativity and fresh ideas. It aims to provide exposure not only to local designers but also to voices from outside Boston, fostering a larger conversation about fashion and artistic expression. This initiative aligns with the city’s vision of diversifying the local fashion scene and supporting emerging talents.

As the countdown to the Boston Fashion Week continues, which begins on October 5, events like Open Runway help set the stage for a dynamic and exciting showcase of fashion that reflects the creativity and diversity of designers in the area.