Belltown Messenger

On the hot night of August 11, all that sizzled in Seattle lead a blazing trail to the runway of the Palace Ballroom, 2100 Fifth Ave., for the second annual Fashion 1st Boutique Fashion Show.

This year's show was dedicated to its founder Jared Seegmiller, who abruptly passed away this spring after a brief battle with cancer. Seegmiller's passion for the industry, his concern for the boutiques supporting the Seattle fashion arena, made him a guru.

Beautiful people flooded in, ushered in by glossy smiles, guest lists and fast European techno. Invitations recommended hip and happening dress. Whispered observations flowed like the event's signature drink, a comely cosmopolitan on the rocks. Portions of proceeds on drinks, dinner and admissions went to the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. A trendy benefit "trash belt," available in the foyer for $120, sold out as the show started.

Conversation centered on fashion: "Who are you with [working for] now?" "Don't you love this amazing fall stuff?" "Did you see blah-blah-blah?" "Why don't we have a fashion week in Seattle?"

The lights blinked spastically; the techno dimmed. Joan Kelly, Seegmiller's fashion cohort, introduced the show with great exaltation: "This is what Jared would have wanted." An eager audience heartily applauded. A Cancer Care Alliance representative spoke briefly. The music welled back up and all eyes went to the runway.

The participating boutiques (including Sway and Cake, Ottica Seattle, Ian, Nuvo Moda, Moda Xpress, Endless Knot, and Alhambra) defiantly tested perceptions of acceptable street wear and accessories. The models wore the upcoming autumn well: Rich browns, tentantric teals and titillating tawnys. Frocky furs. Sultry blazers. Sumptuous shoes. Stylized distressed jeans.

Ottica Seattle's segment, with models donning only makeshift wraps, strategically placed palms, and posh eyewear, was a big hit with the audience.

"We always go for the 'minimalist' setting so the focus is on our optics, to highlight eyewear," explained Ottica's Arlene Phillips. "It's an important accessory people should take time choosing." Phillips added, quoting fashion savant Carson from Queer Eye for the Straight Guy: "The two most important fashion accessories are eyewear and belt."

Beto Yarce and Sergio Cueva of Cintli Fine Mexican Jewelry (Pike Place Market and Broadway) sent six models down the runway; their designs were also featured on models for Alhambra and Sway & Cake.

"It was phenomenal, really," Yarce said. "We spent weeks making the pieces just perfect, and weren't done until 4 a.m. the night before."

Appreciative applause followed each model. Seattleites embraced the collections of relatively edgy ensembles. Skeptics say "fashion" isn't a Seattle industry, like technology, fish or coffee. It isn't what the world looks to us for. Local designers who stick around are a rare breed. Some local designers don't feel recognized by local boutiques, so events like this and people like Seegmiller are so cherished.