Support budding fashion designers

Support budding fashion designers

Here's your chance to be a part of the region's largest fashion show -- as a supporter rather than a model. The student organizers of N.C. State's annual "Art to Wear" fashion show are looking for a little extra help from the community to put on the spring show. Ryan Wayne, one of the show's co-directors, said they're looking for anything from financial support to makeup and hairstyling services to product donations.

"You give us support, and we'll give you some advertising," she said.

It's a common practice at fashion shows. In New York during Fashion Week, designers regularly leave show attendees gifts on their seats -- nail polish, makeup and shampoo. And most always, the designers thank their sponsors somewhere on the run of show or program.

This year's show is expected to be the school's most sophisticated yet. For the first time, they'll have a jury score the work of interested designers. Designers who hit a certain number will get to be a part of the show, traditionally held in April.

Last year, 23 designers showed off their work at the show, which is a collaboration of the College of Design and College of Textiles.

For information about helping, contact Wayne at rmwayne@ncsu.edu.

Rising star

North Carolina could soon have another fashion celeb.

Josia Lamberto-Egan, who grew up in North Carolina -- mostly in Manteo -- and three other clothing designers in the up-and-coming design team Trovata are among 10 finalists in the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award, which will be presented this week. Their Newport Beach, Calif.,-based label, started out of a Southern California dorm in 2002, now sells to such stores as Fred Segal and Barneys.

It's a nice award to win. The winner gets a six-figure cash prize and mentoring by some of the best in the industry. And they'll likely get lots of press too. Last year's winner was Proenza Schouler, one of the fashion world's latest darlings.

The competition is steep. On the list of finalists this year: Derek Lam, another one of the hottest fashion designers in the industry. His line -- as well as Proenza Schouler's -- is sold locally at Vermillion in North Hills.

You can get a peek at Lamberto-Egan's work in the latest Vogue, where all of the finalists and some of their designs are featured.

Better than hors d'oeuvres

New York City's once-exclusive sample sale is now coming to the masses.

7th on Sale -- known in the early 1990s as a way for New York shoppers to get sample designer clothes at ridiculously discounted prices while raising money for HIV/AIDS charities -- is back after taking off nearly a decade. Organizers have put the event online, making the clothing available for auction at eBay starting Thursday.

Need some names? How about Marc Jacobs, Dolce & Gabbana, Donna Karan, Juicy Couture, Nanette Lepore and Polo Ralph Lauren.

Sure, a lot of it is expensive stuff, even at discounted prices -- for instance, a Ralph Lauren black alligator Cooper weekend bag retails for $15,000. But there's also plenty of what 7th on Sale organizers call "affordable luxury" including a Michael Kors silk georgette peasant top, which retails for $99, and a Nanette Lepore jeweled cardigan, which retails for $255.

Some of what will be on sale even has some celebrity status. Look for a Derek Lam chiffon dress worn by Alicia Keys or a Carolina Herrera silk moire gown worn by Renee Zellweger.

Bids start at 10 percent of retail price. So if a dress would retail for $500, the bidding starts at $50. Go to ebay.com/7thonsale.

The sale ends Dec. 10.