Going Virtual for a Good Cause: Bellevue Fashion Week 2020

Going Virtual for a Good Cause: Bellevue Fashion Week 2020

For anyone excited by style on the Eastside, Bellevue Fashion week is the pinnacle event of the year. But when the pandemic hit and the Bellevue Collection faced navigating when and how to reopen stores, plans for this event also changed – it’s known for drawing crowds, after all. Fashion Week at the Bellevue Collection has been reimagined for 2020 as Fashion Forward, helping you engage safely without cramping your style. Here’s what's ahead and the story of how they pulled it off, all for a good cause.

This year, fashionistas can expect both virtual and in-person options, including fashion shows, an Independent Designer Showcase, complimentary style consultations, livestreamed content and more. Whether you choose to enjoy virtual shows from the comfort of your home or join the party in-person, one thing is for sure: Fashion Week continues to showcase diversity, creativity and individual style like none other.

“We all know this year looks a little different,” Bellevue Collection VP of Marketing, Jennifer Leavitt, said. “We weren’t going to let that stop us from continuing to provide fashion inspiration and entertainment and the ability to fundraise.”

And  it’s been working. The Bellevue Collection kicked off Fashion Week early, with the launch of their Independent Designer Showcase on Monday. Through September 27, independent designers will showcase their fall designs at Bellevue Square. Guests will be able to learn more about each designer and their unique talents in the fashion industry. 

Of course, the runway shows are the signature draw for the event. This year, two new Fashion Forward Runway Shows will bring the experience online, with 100 percent of ticket sales benefiting Bellevue LifeSpring.

Here’s what to expect at each:

• Posh Party Trend Show (Friday, Sept. 25, 7 p.m.) – A girl’s night in celebrating the latest trends in fall fashion, guests are invited to find style inspiration from the comfort of home. Tickets are available for $50 and include a virtual viewing link, $25 gift card to The Bellevue Collection and exclusive swag for the first 300 people who buy tickets.
• The Collective Runway Show (Saturday, Sept. 26, 7 p.m.) – Inspired by fashion week runway shows around the world, The Bellevue Collection’s premier brands will showcase their luxe looks virtually. Tickets are available for $50 and include a virtual viewing link, $25 gift card to The Bellevue Collection and exclusive swag for the first 300 people who buy tickets.

“Our Fashion Forward programming is a new take on a tradition, and we hope those who typically visit us for Fashion Week join us virtually from the comfort of their homes or visit us to get a first-hand look at trends and independent designers, all for a good cause,” Leavitt said.

Tickets for both shows are $50 and include a virtual access, a $25 gift card to The Bellevue Collection and an exclusive swag bag for the first 300 people who buy tickets. One hundred percent of the proceeds go to support Bellevue LifeSpring’s programs supporting our community.

“The Kemper Freeman family has been a long-time supporter of Bellevue LifeSpring and donates space for the Thrift Culture store on the third level of Bellevue Square for $1 a year,” Leavitt said. “Their Thrift Culture store has not been able to reopen during the pandemic, but this organization continues to do important work in our community and needs our help.”

Aside from the shows, there will be a mix of in-person and virtual happenings, free for the public to enjoy. And if you do venture Downtown, don’t stress - the Bellevue Collection team is taking extra precautions and following new protocols to ensure wellness and social distancing guidelines are being met.

Either way, don’t fall back on the latest trends. Pour yourself a glass of wine and enjoy the Fashion Forward Runway Shows and head Downtown for exciting events (both virtual and in-person). It’s happening now through Sept. 27. We’ll see you there!
 

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This blog is part of the Heart of Bellevue: our campaign to showcase local businesses while connecting you with stories of activity, creativity and recovery. Find out about our campaign and explore more of what’s happening around Downtown.