by MIKE CHAIKEN
CTFashionMag.com
After three years of staging fashion runway shows under the Sound of Fashion Week Connecticut banner, Travis Bivans has had a chance to study the fashion scene of the Nutmeg State.
“I’ve learned that it does exist,” said Bivans, SOFWCT’s founder. “But the lack of a healthy information-driven eco-system prevents people from connecting with those who are doing (fashion) events in the state. The fashion eco-system is being held together by only a few people or businesses.”
And Bivans said broadening the exposure for the fashion scene– even within the same state –has been difficult.
“Getting to new people in the same area code or outside of it is a constant challenge,” said Bivans.
Even though the Nutmeg State is a tough nut to crack, Bivans said, “Connecticut (as a market for fashion) is worth it… There is so much love (for fashion) and the will to change (the current state of Connecticut fashion). So, you need to stick with (promoting fashion) and be consistent and understand that only three years has passed since the end of quarantine (so the growing the interest in fashion has been inhibited).”
As Bivans sees it, Sound of Fashion Week has helped set a standard for fashion events in Connecticut. “It’s not about us adapting in full to Connecticut; it’s about forcing the needed change that should have happened in Connecticut years ago. This is the fashion week that represents Connecticut…. The week is here to represent Connecticut now and the future.”
Bivans said the week to come offers “progressive fashion show concepts. (There are) shows that make you think or push the dial forward.”
For instance, Bivans said there are two new events this year intended to serve thought with your style: “Fashion is Black” and “7on 7.”
“Fashion is Black is presented by Melanin Project Connecticut. (It) highlights the Black fashion creatives of Connecticut,” said Bivans. “When people think of Connecticut, they don’t think of Black-owned businesses or even a multi-cultural state en masse. That is a problem. For so long, Black and brown voices have felt silenced in Connecticut. Melanin Project Connecticut seeks to change this issue artistically by showing the beauty and excellence from the community.”
7on 7 was created by New Britain’s Bertha Angelo of La’Moo Designs.
“(Angelo) wanted to create a platform that highlighted the newest faces of fashion to the fashion industry. New talented designers will stand on their own platform,” said Bivans. “I can’t wait to see what is revealed.”
Bivans said SOFWCT has drawn designers from Connecticut as well as Boston, Springfield, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey and Georgia. The long-term goal of SOFWCT is to start drawing designers from across the globe to the Nutmeg State.
“Fashion is alive and ready to explode on all runways in Connecticut,” said Bivans in a pitch to prospective ticket buyers. “If you don’t find us, we will find you.”
To help put the shows on a stronger financial footing this year, Bivans said The June Archer Foundation has stepped into provide assistance.
MIKE CHAIKEN PHOTO
Bivans also offered his thanks to CTFashionMag “for supporting the Connecticut fashion scene as well as all the fashion creatives who have supported Sound of Fashion Week Connecticut.”
The schedule for Sound of Fashion Week Connecticut is as follows:
Sunday, Oct. 15, 1 p.m. Trend Setter, a teen fashion show. Hartford City Hall, 55 Main St., Hartford.
Sunday, Oct. 15, 7 p.m., Fashion is Black: The Origin of Melanin. Presented by the Melanin Project and SOFWCT. Burr Mall, 550 Main St., Hartford.
Monday, Oct. 16, 7 p.m., “7 on 7 Fashion Show,” at Anvil, 51 West Main St., New Britain
Friday, Oct. 20, 7 p.m. Extravaganza (Ballroom and Fashion Show). Bond Ballroom, 338 Asylum Ave., Hartford.
Saturday, Oct. 21, 7 p.m., “J’aime La Mode (‘I Love Fashion’)”. Arcade Mall 993 Main St., Bridgeport.
For tickets and information, email soundoffashionweek@gmail.com.