Savannah Fashion Week failed to break springtime mold

Ideas of making Savannah Fashion Week a month-long production may be put on hold as expectations for the night fell short. A traditional Georgian colonial façade acted as the backdrop for the 110 looks from 11 boutiques that came down the runway.

Accompanied by pink and yellow lighting, the runway created an atmosphere that made it clear that spring and femininity would be the trends of the evening.

Blue Belle opened the show sending down the newly popularized Great Gatsby and 1920s trends. Shimmering metallics were complimented by matching headbands, while the look was fully realized in a feathered wedding gown and complementary headpiece. The rest of the looks were disjointed from the clear Gatsby trend first seen in the early exits, taking the more obvious route of pastel-colored daytime looks and trendy peplum.

Fabrika also choose to include bridal — and while it should have been left out of the show entirely, the other stories within the collection showed true potential. They were the only boutique to highlight menswear, looks which happened to be some of the strongest in the show. The menswear exits were intricate while provoking an on-the-town attitude, evoking a memory of Phillip Lim’s designs.

Custard was a breath of fresh air, finally illustrating how a cohesive collection should be assembled. Unlike the rest of the boutiques, who all opted for the obvious pastel choices, Custard highlighted the true aesthetic of their boutique and their customer. The bohemian vibe and slight edge of the 1970s inspired the collection — all of the models wore leather-fringed arm cuffs.

However, it was the other fringed leather pieces that were the true emphasis: leather-fringed jackets, bags and accessories accompanied mixed prints and tie-dye print maxi dresses. These bits of leather work, jewelry, and accessories were some of the most pleasant details in the show.

Satchel, a handbag and leather accessory store had all their models carrying two and three handbags at once. Bags varied from wristlets to hobos to weekenders in a variety of metallics, patent leathers and pops of blues and yellows.

The overwhelming wrist candy with a disco-inspired light show in the background would’ve made Coco Chanel tell Satchel, “before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.”

One of the last noteworthy parts of the show came from Zia. Models flowed down the runway in matching black bikinis followed by sleeveless chiffon vests with an ombre dye. Statement necklaces, earrings and bracelets with beads and metals in various tones and colors.

The models looked like goddesses from the ankles up — now if only the shoes showed the same cohesion.

Considering the excitement factor was lost in the pink side of spring, next year will be a chance for major improvement for Savannah Fashion Week. Unfortunately, the stronger attempts by accessories on wrists, feet, and boutiques trying to capture a vintage look couldn’t make up for the conventional side of the show, summarizing most collections as simply pedestrian.