With fashion weeks coming to an end in New York and Milan and kicking off in Los Angeles it is time to focus the fashion spotlight on the local designer community here in Nevada County.

The art community has always been well supported and exhibited throughout Nevada County so it is no surprise that there is a strong community of fashion and accessory designers creating truly unique and fashion forward pieces worthy of their own laud right here in Nevada County.

Many local retailers also support local designers who not only sell their items in Nevada City and Grass Valley boutiques, but also all over California and other states in addition to internationally through the web. This month four fashion designers and one jewelry designer collaborated and with the help of hair designer Lindsay (Fiocco) Mackey and makeup artist Natalie Wengryn they produced a fashion shoot full of fashion moments worthy of their own local fashion week.

Prints, patterns and color — OH MY!

For the fall and winter seasons mainstream designers are showcasing bold color palettes full of gold, cream, brown, purple, and blue in addition to '70s inspired prints. With this trend direction local designers are featuring bold and colorful prints made from vintage afghan blankets, multi-colored yarns knitted into colorful outerwear and tube dresses by Lord von Schmitt, and hand dyed/painted knitwear featuring custom cut stenciled prints by Carabeth Rowley & Tahiti Pehrson.

These bold looks are easily merged to more traditional wardrobes by using foundational pieces such as essential legwear and ruched leggings by Beverly LaFae or even with your favorite pair of jeans. Accessories are easy to have fun with too with the modern collection of Gather Jewelry by Leora Holbann and embellished canvas totes by Carabeth Rowley & Tahiti Pehrson.

For streetwear looks, it is important to find pieces that speak to your personality, whether it be your favorite color, an interesting pattern, or inspiring texture these locally designed fashions are created by artist for true fashion lovers who understand that fashion is actually wearable art not something you just grab off a rack that was made is some random country.

Creative couture collaboration

As with any new business, the key to success is to network and collaborate with other like-minded individuals who all have the same goal, in this case to make a mark on the local fashion scene and to share their personal fashion perspective with fashion consumers.

For fashion lovers who are looking for something more than just a foreign-made, off-the-rack, cookie-cutter dress the best option is to look to local designers who share your passion for fashion and understand the concept of wearable art. Local designers will often create couture (one of a kind) pieces which are tailored specifically for the individual, allowing for a very personal fashion moment.

To create a special occasion look, local designers styled couture pieces by Christian Michael Goodwin with bold striped legwear by Beverly LaFae to create a perfectly on trend ensemble with seasonal appropriate black and gray colors in a draped one-shouldered silhouette perfect for holiday partying. A hand-painted knit top by Carabeth Rowley & Tahiti Pehrson, up-cycled afghan fringed skirt by Lord von Schmitt mixed with a violet satin bolero and blue organza flared skirt created a look perfect for any young fashionista looking to steal the spotlight. With finishing touches of modern brass jewelry from Leora Holbann these high fashion looks are picture perfect.

Go local

It's time to put the cookie-cutter fashion back on the rack and look for pieces that are truly one of a kind. By shopping locally made designer apparel and accessories you will be supporting the local artisan community, while also creating a truly unique and memorable fashion moment for yourself.

Go forth and shop … local!

Christian Michael Goodwin is a Freelance Fashion Stylist/Designer and Fashion Columnist living in Nevada County where he is the Creative Director for CMG Creative Services. When he is not designing special occasion/formalwear pieces or fashion styling he spends time as a Trend Researcher for Stylesight Image Management and a Fashion Blogger for cmgstyle.wordpress.com. To find out more about Christian Michael Goodwin please visit www.cmgcreativeservices.com or call (530) 798-6662.

SPECIAL THANKS

Models

• Hilary Bonelli: Interior designer and flooring specialist at Youngs Carpet One and Sierra Tile and Stone.

Darcye Martinez : Fashion design and merchandising student.

Wardrobe

• Jewelry by Leora Holbann for Gather Jewelry, available at www.gatherjewelry.com

• Custom knitwear and up-cycled pieces by Lord von Schmitt for BollywoodLizard. www.etsy.com/shop/bollywoodlizard or www.skychic.net

• Hand-crafted knit tops and canvas bags by Carabeth Rowley and Tahiti Pehrson. www.etsy.com/shop/LaySwingBoutique or www.tahitipehrson.com

• Legwear by Beverly LaFae for LaFae & Co. Available at Scotch Broom, 236 Commercial St., Nevada City. E-mail beverly@lafaecompany.com

• Custom couture pieces by Christian Michael Goodwin, by special order only. www.cmgcreativeservices.com or (530) 798-6662

• Shoes by Wild Side located at 160 Mill St., Grass Valley

Hair and Makeup Design

• Hair designer Lindsay (Fiocco) Mackey: Located at Styles Hair Salon, 150 S. Auburn St. Grass Valley, (530) 913-4127. Specializing in wedding and formal styles for special occasions. Will work on location.

• Professional esthetician and makeup artist Natalie Wengryn: Located at Blondie's Salon, 426 Sutton Way, #112 Grass Valley, (530) 273-8288. Specializing in special occasion makeup and waxing. Will work on location.