Symphonie de Mode

Feb. 24, 2008

Fashion designer and Traverse City resident Laurie Wildman is used to turning heads. Her modelesque figure and good looks capture the eye of many when she passes by, resulting in that “quick snap of the neck” to get a second look.
But in a sea of beautiful women, Wildman stands out because she has fashion sense and a style of her own. She and other designers from the region plan to share their passion for fashion in the first professional “runway presentation” ever in Northern Michigan. The Symphonie de Mode will take place Thursday, February 28 and will benefit the Traverse Symphony Orchestra (TSO).
Using the new facilities of the Defy Aesthetic Club (located in Building 50 at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons) and Suite 1190, the future home of the workout facility that Defy is opening, Symphonie de Mode promises to be an entertaining evening. A wine and hors d’oeuvre reception will begin at 7 p.m. with guests eventually being escorted to Suite 1190 for the Runway Presentation. VIP ticket holders will gain access to preferred seating and a special post party with the models and designers in the future home of the new five-star boutique hotel, also to be located at The Village.

SUPPORT FOR SYMPHONY
Wildman, who has been a long-time supporter of TSO fundraisers, inspired the event.
“A couple of years ago at a TSO event, some of the board members were admiring the coat that I was wearing, which I also designed,” said Wildman. “One of the members said ‘it would be nice to have an event that would feature your fashion line.’ I suggested a runway show because I had experience putting them on in Chicago.”
The concept for the Runway Presentation literally began taking legs of its own. Event organizers saw it as an opportunity to create some “sex appeal” for the TSO and accomplish one of its goals to attract younger audiences to the now 55-year-old orchestra made up of professional musicians from the area.
“We are blessed with a very strong symphony orchestra during a time when so many are struggling and going out of business,” said Wildman. “There is a strong connectivity between fashion and attending an orchestra performance. So we are very excited about the opportunity.”
Knowing firsthand about the challenges and cutthroat aspects of the fashion industry, Wildman decided to expand the event to include other designers from the region, to give them exposure as well.
“We will feature six other designers from Northern Michigan and I believe that will make for a better and diverse runway show,” said Wildman. “It happened by accident really, as I kept coming across other designers from the region. And even after the invitations were printed, another designer came to my attention, so we brought her on board.”

BIG CITY EVENT
Wildman is excited to spearhead what will be a first of its kind fashion event in Northern Michigan. What typically takes place in fashion savvy places such as New York, Paris and Milan will now be experienced in Traverse City.
“What has taken place here in the past are fashion shows that feature outfits from local merchants with local models. Each model, the fashions, the accessories and the local boutique are introduced with the host talking throughout the event,” said Wildman. “A runway show differs in that it is designer-based, featuring the lines of a or several designers.
Once the event is introduced, there is no talking, just loud music, as the models take to the runway in a choreographed production showcasing the designer’s line. The designer accompanies the final model down the runway, signaling to the audience the end of his or her line, and the next designer’s line will take to the runway.”
What is the advantage of a runway versus a fashion show?
“From a designer’s perspective, a runway show creates a very powerful environment,” said Wildman. “First, you have the audience’s undivided attention. You are able to showcase the movement of the clothes on beautiful professional models. Runway shows are also quicker than fashion shows. Ours will last about 25 minutes.”
So you are bringing in professional runway models?
“Yes, we will have some professional runway models coming in for this,” said Wildman. “But we also felt it was important to showcase local women in these designs, so we scouted some of the area’s most beautiful women and they will get to experience the runway for the first time.”

EXPRESS YOURSELF
Wildman would like to see more people in Northern Michigan express themselves with their fashion.
“I think everyone has the ability to create their own fashion sense.
Having a flair for fashion is an important way to express who you are as a person,” said Wildman. “You don’t have to go broke, either, creating a fashion flair for yourself. I am seeing more and more women in Northern Michigan stepping out and being more progressive in what they wear. I hope this show helps to inspire more fashion sense in the region.”
But what about the guys?
“Yes, the guys as well. First, this is not just an event for the ladies. We want the guys to come. The models will be dressed very provocatively. For example, I only design coats, and to showcase my jackets, my models will only be wearing lingerie. We want this show to be sexy and fun,” said Wildman.
“We probably won’t have much in the way of clothes for men because the local designers are gearing their lines towards women. But I still think men will find a way to enjoy this event.”
In fact Wildman is encouraging those attending to express themselves in a fashion sense as well.
“I would hope that people would step out a little bit in what they choose to wear that night,” said Wildman. “There is no safer place to express your fashion sense than at a runway show.”

A RARE CHANCE
Wildman is excited that her relatively unknown group of colleagues from the area will get a rare chance to exhibit their works.
“We have a very artistic community that has long supported visual and performing arts, but fashion arts has had little opportunity to express itself in a public forum. There are so many people up here designing and making clothes for friends and family members. I hope this event inspires them to consider creating a line, and I also hope this event inspires other similar events that will showcase the creativity of local fashion designers.”
With tickets selling quickly, organizers are already committing to another show next year.
“Yes, this will take place again next year, but it is a lot of work, and so one of the other designers will have to step up and take their turn in organizing it,” said Wildman. “Looking at the invitation, I see Kate Fiebing’s name is next, so I guess it is her turn.”
While invitations went out to members of the TSO, organizers say the event is open to the public as long as tickets are available.
“Originally we sold out, but Defy came through in a big way for us, so we are able to expand into a larger space. A space that has not been touched, so it is raw and creates a perfect setting for this,” said Wildman. “Now John Weeman has stepped up and offered his space for the after party. So people who purchase the VIP ticket will get a chance to see the space that will become the 80-room boutique hotel here. Plus, they will get to hang with the models and the designers.”
Those other designers include Jeanette Veeder, Ali Hoxsie, Kate Fiebing, Melissa Whitman (ninablue fashions for children) and the recently added Gaia. Award-winning wines from Black Star Farms will be served. Hors d’oeuvre offerings from Trattoria Stella, The Silvertree Deli, Chocolate Exotica and The Underground Cheesecake Company will also be part of the evening highlights.

Symphonie de Mode will take place February 28 at the Defy Aesthetic Club, starting at 7 p.m. For info or to purchase tickets contact the TSO office at
231-947-7120.