The third bi-annual Fashion Show in the Park is a new event on Magazine Street, an uptown street in New Orleans, known for its specialty boutiques and college atmosphere. But how could a city almost wiped off the map remain inspired with so much economical and emotional stress? Well as New Orleanians say “Lasseiz les bons temps rouler” or “Let the good times roll!”

The fashion scene in New Orleans adds a different flare to the market. It’s definitely not your usual fashion vibe seen in New York or California. It’s a cultural vibe mixed with music, fun and fashion. The recent Fashion Snow in the Park opened with a second line brass band playing in Sophie B. Wright Park, hosted by Stardust Salon, a popular salon and spa located on Magazine St. and featured six specialty boutiques; Kunflama, Sorella, Winky’s, House of Lounge, Vegas and art from Elleone Gallery. Each store brought a unique expression to the runway including contemporary, soul, retro, funk and sex appeal.

Winky

Elleone Gallery

In a city where neighborhoods and economical markets are still rebuilding and fashion is not iconic, Contemporary “Soul” designer Kano Taylor of Kunflama says that he remains inspired by the ambiance and the irresistible charm of New Orleans. He has noticed that after Hurricane Katrina the fashion market has changed for the better. More stores have opened and the economic situation of the city makes people more aware of the value of the dollar and pushes people to get in the right spot before there is nothing left. Kano has been in the industry for fifteen years and his store features ladies and mens merchandise from national designers.

All over the city, stylists, designers and artists have been inspired to incorporate representations of New Orleans in their work. Stores like Frock Candy and Ah-Ha feature T-shirts from local designers with fleur d’lis and “Defend New Orleans” expressions to represent New Orleans and to bring awareness about the city’s unity. The Vegas store is bringing a dual awareness; in New Orleans the store features Vegas themes and in Las Vegas the store is called 829, to represent the date of Hurricane Katrina and to bring awareness to New Orleans themes. New Orleans awareness is a huge trend in fashion there; at Winky’s there is a floor dedicated to the We Recycle New Orleans project, which accepts donations of Mardi Gras beads and recycles them to make colorful and retro lamps and night lights.

Ah-Ha

We Recycle

The crescent moon and fleur d’lis have been the biggest graphics trends of New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina. Up and coming graphic and denim designer, Ayo Scott has been inspired by New Orleans cathedrals, boats and street cars. His concept is a unique style bridging the gap between high fashion and urban wear and markets to people that are displaced that have the nostalgia of New Orleans. His goal is to educate people that don’t know much about the city and give them an interest in what it has to offer. “It would be something different in New Orleans where the culture is rich and people in New Orleans can follow it. It would be refreshing for people who are looking for something new. In New Orleans the people can shape the culture because we don’t have a set look but we can design for the culture that is already there or what is understood to be the culture.”

Noyo by Ayo Scott

They say that you never miss a good thing until its gone; well, New Orleanians haven’t lost their city but they are trying to get it back to the way it used to be. And they also hope for a bigger and better New Orleans, a city where you can have a good quality life and don’t have to leave home to find a better job.

Pictures featured in the article are from Fashion in the Park, featured stores are Sorella, Kunflama, Winky’s, Elleone Art Gallery, House of Lounge, Vegas, Frock Candy, Ah-ha, Noyo Designs by Ayo Scott and Street Fashionistas.