Ken Downing Fashion Show at NM Bellevue
Today, as I write this post and reflect on what I was doing 24 hours ago, my body aches from being on my feet for 12 hours, but my heart, yes my heart, is oh-so happy! For a short period of time, I was within arms distance from fashion genius, Ken Downing, Neiman Marcus's Senior Vice President and Fashion Director, like I said, Fashion Genius.
My whole life, I have loved fashion and when I say this, I truly mean, I LOVE FASHION! I love style. I love clothing. I love accessories. I love hair. I love makeup... pretty much anything that a person puts on to tell the world who they are, how they feel that day, an expression of their personal self. When I see a person who oozes style, I want to go up to them, hug them and thank them for making my day better. And anyone who knows me, knows I have always prided myself on over-dressing for pretty much any occasion. This life choice has been reiterated by these words, my life motto:
"More is more, less is a bore." - Ken Downing
As I think and ponder these words, I want to go into my bedroom and put on every piece of jewelry I own, because why not! Now getting back to yesterday, I had the privilege to be one of the artists to do makeup for his show at our store. At first I was nervous, because I don't do well under pressure and usually fashion show makeup is quick and high energy. Not yesterday though, it was calm and flowed so easily. The models were perfection with their beautiful faces and flawless skin. And even when Mr. Downing himself came into the room, there was just joy and ease, just like his fashion.
After we were done with makeup we headed off backstage for touch ups. As the girls got ready and I saw the ensembles he had carefully curated the two days prior and I got teary eyed. He is a master of fashion and I happen to be able to watch him create. The way he added the last details, the way he wrapped a purse around the neck instead of wearing it the "normal" way, or just added the extra necklace for perfection was like watching an artist put on the final touches on a masterpiece. There were floral collars, bracelets upon bracelets, layers of necklaces, pattern on pattern and of course jackets worn on the shoulders.
Once the show started, I was excited to hear the ooo's and ahhh's from the crowd as Ken shared his fashion advice and narrated his fashion vision. The energy in the room was intoxicating.
After the runway show, the beautiful items were set up in one of the boutiques, making me imagine the day I will have a room dedicated to my clothing and I WILL set it up this way. Really how dreamy are these pieces?!?
Ahhhhhhhh, fashion. I will be forever inspired to look my best and so grateful to work at Neiman Marcus where I am surrounded by couture.
Now, I want to know, what is your fashion motto... what inspires you? Share your fashion advice in the comments and go into the world wearing your best heels forward.