Walton Street in downtown Syracuse is set to be transformed into a fashion runway on
Thursday night. Models will grace the catwalk showcasing designs, accessories and styles all created by local businesses for “Syracuse Style,” the centerpiece of the city’s fall fashion week.

“Syracuse Style is the premier fashion event in Syracuse,” said Merike Treier, the executive director of the Downtown Committee, in a press release. The showcase aims to highlight the talents of clothing retailers, boutiques and salons in central New York.

This is the sixth year fashion week will bring life to Armory Square. The event is organized by Lisa Butler, a local fashion designer of “Inspired Designs.” Downtown retailers will showcase designs, jewelry and accessories at 7 p.m. Thursday with four local salons styling the models.

The models will showcase various styles and accessories for both men’s and women’s fashion. Some of the participating retailers sell brands that can be seen on students around campus including Lululemon Athletica, Hugo Boss and Ted Baker.

Kathie Morris, who works at The Changing Room, has six models walking the runway in her designs in her second time at Syracuse Style. The Changing Room describes its products as “feminine, vintage-inspired clothing and accessories.” Morris said it is important that everyone sees how vibrant downtown Syracuse is.

Although the event is free, various VIP ticket bundles are being sold for $50 and $160. $50 will buy a front row seat to the runway show and a gift bag containing coupons to local stores and freebies. For $160, fashion lovers will receive a street seat high-top table, two bottles of wine, chocolate and a gift bag, all provided by local vendors.

Tara DeSalvo, the custom showroom manager for Mr. Shop, a men’s clothing store in Syracuse, said the event will be a special one. She said Lisa Butler, who organizes the event, “works her butt off” every year to put on a great show that benefits the community and raises money for charity. All of the proceeds from VIP ticket sales will be donated to the Food Bank of CNY.

DeSalvo said she is hopeful SU students will attend Thursday’s festivities. She said it would be extremely beneficial for students to get down into Armory Square, if nothing else, just to see how “cool” it is. Discussing the event’s longevity and growth, DeSalvo said, “It’s still going and it gets better every year.”

Although Syracuse Style is the centerpiece of Syracuse fashion week, it’s far from the only event. The celebration kicked off last week when the windows of the Landmark Theatre were brought to life by moving window displays. Twenty-two windows featured live models and displays created by 16 local businesses.

Each business created a concept around which they created their window design. The model was then styled to match that concept.

The windows have remained decorated since the unveiling in order to drum up excitement for Thursday’s transformation. Organizers expect 300-400 spectators to attend the runway show, after which guests are invited to an after-party at the Landmark Theatre.

DeSalvo said that the show could be a great platform for students to showcase their work in the future.

“The energy of it is just amazing it’s so cool,” DeSalvo said. “It’s just special.”

Published on September 16, 2015 at 11:17 pm

Contact Rachel: rcgilber@syr.edu