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Northeast Ohio may not be on par with the likes of New York, L.A., Paris, or Milan when it comes to hosting world class fashion and showcasing the latest trends in haute couture, but before you head off to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week this September in New York City’s Bryant Park, make a pit stop in the Midwest. Ohio is playing host to an incredible fashion experience in the Hall of Fame City, Canton, Ohio.
Ohio’s Fashion Show History
Held annually since 1963 when the wives of Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers players modeled for a crowd of 300, the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival Fashion Show, Ohio’s largest and most spectacular annual fashion show, debuts the season’s hottest fashions in women’s and men’s ready-to-wear. More than 3,600 guests will enjoy a delectable lunch, followed by a showcase of runway trends, including sleek outerwear, casual looks, formal dress and sparkly accessories.
The ensemble fashion show has included ready-to-wear and mass market styles from industry heavy-hitters like Ralph Lauren, DKNY, Betsey Johnson, Michael Kors and L.A.M.B. from Gwen Stefani, but no show would be complete without an eclectic mix from design newcomers. The incredible Ohio runway fashion show has included a vibrant mix of styles, from casual looks in denim from Ed Hardy, J & Co. Denim and Best of Thailand, to night on the town looks and the re-imagined “little black dress” from BCBG and Sue Wong. For those headed to the office, the Ohio Fashion Show has featured fashion forward pieces from Kensie and chic, down-to-earth separates from Eileen Fisher.
Wondering what makes this Midwest Fashion Show a “don’t miss”? Last year’s show highlight was a one-of-a-kind, 18-carat yellow gold masterpiece by Italian jewelry designer, Roberto Coin. Coin’s flexible yellow gold cord skirt and complimentary top were the essence of old world Hollywood glamour, a trend that found its way into our closets in 2008. Other rare “firsts” from Ohio’s premier fashion show have included the platinum and diamond Tacori necklace, featuring 50 carats of pave set diamonds, which was worn by Trista from The Bachelorette at her television wedding, and special performances from Dancing with the Stars’ favorite dancing duet, Edyta Sliwinska and Alec Mazo!
What Trends Will You See on Ohio’s Premier Fashion Show Runway This Year?
This year’s show is sure to reflect some of the Summer ‘09 runway trends, like sheer, barely-there, flowing fabrics, whimsical Grecian goddess dresses and luscious leather. You’ll also get a bigger taste of what designers have sent down the runway for Fall 2009, with an eye toward America’s new budget-sensitive economy. Be on the look out for one-shoulder dresses, ensembles of bright and jewel tone reds and pinks, along with plenty more of this spring’s ankle booties and heavy-hardware accessories.
Models will strut down the runway alongside Enshrinement Festival “Top Model” competition winners, to electric performances from violinist Cathy Morris and hip-hop artist Jennifer Johns. Be sure to dress to impress, even if you’re not walking the runway. Fashion Show guests always stay true to fashion show form, and you’ll see everything from fashion-forward, avant garde apparel to clean lines in vintage designers. You might even find yourself competing in the “Fan Fashion Favorite” contest.
This year’s fashion show is happening on Friday, Aug. 7, as part of the 10-day Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival. For tickets call (800) 533-4302.
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jessb[.]cantonchamber.org 
