Stallings, of Newport News and Norfolk, was one of 16 designers who showed their creations Friday and Saturday at the Sheraton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel.
An enthusiastic crowd filled the Cape Henry Ballroom to see designs that ranged from high-concept art, such as Yulia McClamrock's aluminum foil tops and bubble skirt mini dresses made from playing cards, to Michael Taylor's sophisticated, flowing halter-neck dresses. McClamrock is based in Virginia Beach; Taylor is based in Richmond.
Sheer slip dresses were a repeating element in many designers' creations, as were bubble or blouson skirts, halter necks, huge ruffles, flirty hemlines and lace.
Menswear was classic, edgy and fun. Neutrals were jazzed with splashes of color, whether it was a lime necktie paired with a dark suit in a look presented by Keith Thorogood of Suffolk or colorful neckties used as belts with jeans by Karen Domino White. White, who lives in New Jersey and is the daughter of rock 'n' roll great Fats Domino, creates the Jean Therapy line.
Ami Burke, 21, of Richmond, poses for a portrait on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009 during the Virginia Fashion Week. The fashion show was held at the Sheraton Oceanfront. She was wearing clothes from designer Willie Hall. (Ross Taylor | The Virginian-Pilot)
From left to right, Jazman Gee, 19, Susie Evan, 16, Tatiana Wynn, 20, and Savannah Jones, 15, prepare in the dressing room on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009 during the last day of Virginia Fashion Week. The fashion show was held at the Sheraton Oceanfront. The show featured more than a dozen models and designers. (Ross Taylor | The Virginian-Pilot)
Kaytlen Keller, 17, of Richmond, poses for photographers on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009 during the Virginia Fashion Week. The fashion show was held at the Sheraton Oceanfront. Saturday was the last day of the event which featured more than a dozen designers. (Ross Taylor | The Virginian-Pilot)
