Syracuse Fashion Week returns to the runway with 22 local designers, more than 120 models

Two years ago, the team that planned Syracuse Fashion Week since 2014 had a decision to make.

Faced with rising coronavirus case numbers, organizers decided to postpone the four-day extravaganza from April to June, in hopes that the rescheduled event would help the businesses involved in the show who have been suffering through the mandatory closures.

When conditions didn’t improve, the team announced another date for the fall before having to cancel the event entirely for 2020.

“Please stay safe and healthy, and we will all get through this together,” organizers wrote on Facebook.

The event will make a triumphant return to the runway this weekend, with three shows at venues across Syracuse feature nearly two dozen designers and more than 120 models.

“People really look forward to this show year after year,” said Syracuse Fashion Week Creator and Executive Director Lisa Butler.

“Our emphasis is laser-focused on showcasing these local talents. It is special for everyone.”

The weekend will be a celebration for small business owners who have navigated two years of COVID-19 restrictions. With patience and determination, many boutiques have been able to adapt and thrive in the virtual space using social media and online marketplaces like Etsy.

‘Cella V’ owner Heather Marino will be showcasing her boutique’s spring styles at Friday’s show, Local Love, upstairs at Dinosaur-Bar-B-Que.

Marino described the boutique’s style as a mixture of ‘boho-flair’, with both ‘edgy’ and ‘work appropriate’ pieces that appeal to a wide range customers.

“I wanted to bring out all these different styles to Syracuse – what you’ll find at my boutique you won’t find anywhere else, or on anyone else” she said.

As in past years, the shows will benefit The Food Bank of Central New York. Since 2014, Fashion Week has donated $12,000 and provided 40,000 meals to local families, Butler said.

If you go

Syracuse Fashion Week returns this weekend with more than 22 designers and 120 models taking part in three shows. Tickets for the shows are still on sale at CNYtix.com; for more details, visit SyracuseFashionWeek.com or follow the action on Instagram, @syrfashionweek.

Thursday, April 7

Spring Fling at Aloft Hotel Syracuse Inner Harbor.

Show begins at 7 p.m., tickets are $40.

Designers include Michelle DaRin, Fashion Fix by Susan Fix, Walking Miss Daisy Pet Accessories, Sunshadow Designs, Floridella Boutique, Fashion Rescue 911, NY Optometric, Flower Skate Shop.

Friday, April 8

Local Love, upstairs at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que.

Show begins at 7:30 p.m., tickets are $50.

Designers include Unremorseful Art, The Higher Calling, Sunshadow Designs, Cella V Boutique, Lucky Mae’s Closet, Salt City Burlesque, University Sports Shop and Ambition Night Kids.

Saturday, April 9

Lux at Washington Place Luxury Apartments, 300 E. Washington St., Syracuse.

Show begins at 7:30 p.m., tickets are $40.

Designers include Khang Le, Ezmira Neshawait, Kathom Al Jiboury, Elissa Brundage, Fashion Fix by Susan Fix, Projex 214, Lucky Mae’s Closet, Cazenovia College Fashion Dept. Designers and Bliss Bridal Boutique.

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