GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM)- It's an event usually reserved for big cities like New York and Chicago. But the glitz and glamour of high end clothing will soon take center stage at DeVos Place.
Organizers of the first-ever Grand Rapids Fashion Week are hoping to inspire residents to think of West Michigan when they think of fashion.
Angie Austin has lived in Grand Rapids for the past eight years. Eight months ago, she opened her first boutique on Bridge Street, not far from downtown.
"The reason why I wanted to start this business, like the dress business, there's really no store in Grand Rapids that carries all-special occasion dresses for every occasion. Whether you're going to homecoming, prom, really any age can shop here," explains Austin.
Over the summer, she had an idea to collaborate with other local boutiques to create Grand Rapids Fashion Week.
Austin says, "We have a lot of fashion forward customers in Grand Rapids and I think there's a young energetic crowd here. And then there's also the crowd who has lived in Grand Rapids all their life is now getting involved in the downtown area."
Austin didn't plan for this event to fall on the heels of ArtPrize, but says it has helped.
"We were kind of worried that ArtPrize would overshadow this," says Austin. "But it actually brought on this enthusiasm and energy, and everybody wants to talk about it now. I think it was a great lead-in to this event."
More than 30 local boutiques from Grand Rapids and the Lakeshore have eagerly signed up.
Patrick Plank is the Creative Director for Leigh's in Breton Village. He says this event is a great reminder for people about what's up for grabs here.
"I don't know how many times I've had people come in after they've been to Detroit, Chicago and say, 'Oh I just bought this this weekend, I didn't know you had it here.' We like to make people aware they might want to check here first before you go somewhere," he says. "[So they can] shop locally."
Leigh's is the exclusive carrier of native Pamella Roland's designs and will feature her work during runway shows held throughout the weekend. They will be similar to ones held in larger cities.
Rebecca Weirda, President of Leigh's, says, "It's a big idea and all we need is people in the community to say yes to it. We said yes to it as a business and I think people need to stop and see what it's all about and give it a try."
Grand Rapids Fashion week happens Saturday and Sunday. Along with the runway shows, boutiques will also have space to sell their merchandise.
WZZM 13 is a proud sponsor of the event.
Click HERE for information.
by Jennifer Pascua
In your voice
