COLUMBUS MONTHLY - Glitter, Glamour and More at Fashion Week’s Finale Show
Seven of fashion’s up-and-coming designers showed their work Saturday, during the Finale Runway Show of the 10th annual Fashion Week Columbus Downtown on the roof of the National Veterans Memorial and Museum.
The grand finale of the evening was a parade of the newest releases and greatest hits from British celebrity designer Christian Cowan, who was the highlight of last Thursday’s Fashion and Philanthropy event at the Columbus College of Art and Design.
The chilly night didn’t keep the city’s fashionistas from donning their most fashion forward fits and gathering around the glowing runway stage. Featured sponsor Glenlivet sold spirits to help fight the cold as Karina Nova, 10TV anchor and Columbus Fashion Council board member, hosted the event in an elegant gown by Joan Madison of Joan’s Bridal Couture, one of the featured local designers of the night.
Also speaking at the start of the show, while draped in a glamorous Joan Madison gown, was Columbus Fashion Council president and Il Moda Brand Development CEO Lubna Najjar. Najjar has her own success story thanks to Fashion Week, where she debuted her designs in 2013. Soon after, her clothing was sold in national stores. Now, she is focused on helping other local designers. She said buyers—from Macy’s, Madison-USA, Vamp Official, Thread, Samson Men’s Emporium, Jolie Occasions and other retailers—were in attendance, scouting for designs that can be sold in stores.