LeMay Car Museum: High Couture Fashion Meets Exotic Car Runway

*This post is in Collaboration with Fashion District NW. I received two complimentary passes to the Cars and Couture show, in exchange for an honest review. As always, all opinions are my own.

The Cars & Couture fashion show at the Lemay Car Museum last weekend, was one of the best  fashion shows ever produced in the Northwest. Five high couture fashion designers from around the sound, showcased their collections with an exotic car runway as the backdrop.

I have to say this was one of the most breath taking shows I've ever seen.  The show was absolutely stunning, and every outfit made an unforgettable statement.

Lemay-America's Car Museum:

I wanted to share a little history of the backdrop for this magnificent show.  Harold and Nancy Lemay owned the largest private collection of automobiles in the world.  In 1997 they opened the museum and donated their entire collection for the public to enjoy. Their goal was to preserve the automobile's influence on American Culture.

Touring the museum is quite the experience ! There are many exotic cars under one roof, at one time there was up to 3000. Every car has a story to tell and the museum will captivate you from beginning to end.  MSN names it one of the top 10 auto museums in the world.

History of Fashion and Cars:

Cars and fashion have a very intertwined history. Car culture and the world of fashion have had a long influential relationship with each other. Since the beginning of the automotive industry, designers have been mesmerized by the sleek lines and dynamic shapes of cars.

In the 1950'w we saw vehicular curves, then circa 1970- Pierre Cardin  introduced racing stripes. In 1990, along came Thierry Mugler whose designs were inspired by Cadillacs of this decade.

Of course there have been numerous car collaborations- to mention a few:

• Victoria Beckham's Range Rover Collection
• Gucci's Monogram Fiat 500
• Louis Vuitton's "Ode to the Monacao Grand Prix"

The Designers of the Cars and Couture Show:

Dawna Matrix

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All the collections at the show were stellar, but this one was infused with so much self expression. Dawna Mostow is a Harvard educated artist, and all her designs and accessories  are made from latex. My jaw dropped to the floor as the models descended on the red carpet. Dawna's pieces are a mix of vintage vibe and futuristic fashion. Who could imagine that latex could be turned into such beautiful works of art ?!

Dawna is known as one of the world's top latex designers and her work has been featured on runways in Paris, NYC, Montreal  and other places around the world. 

Gustavo Apiti Couture

This designer  has a lifetime of experience in couture sewing. Gustavo's pieces reflect his fascination with classic, science fiction movies. His worked has also been inspired by his mother, a master seamstress. Gustavo's house of fashion- designs both men and women's apparel, that reflect expert tailoring.

Dream Dresses by PMN

Dream dresses are so appropriately named! Beautiful, stunning gowns by Phuong Minh Nguyen are uniquely designed, and made to order using the most luxurious fabrics. Phuong was engaged to be married, and was so disappointed she could not find the dress she dreamed of wearing. At this time  she was a new graduate from the Art Institute of Seattle, and decided to design her own gown.

All of the dresses are one of a kind and created with the bride's exact tastes in mind. This brand was born as an alternative to main stream bridal wear that is cookie cutter, and mass produced.  Phuong loves creating designs for clients all over the globe. Her studio is located in beautiful Sammamish WA, and is open to local clients.

Every amazing dream gown at the show brought enchantment, and luxury to the runway.  My eyes were peeled as each seemed to tell a beautiful princess story.


Carole MCClellan

Carol is known for using leather and repurposed fur to create upscale designs. Her work is available under her own label and has been sold in major retail chains here in Seattle: Nordstrom Neiman Marcus, and Mario's. Classy men's and women's apparel is created using original,  bespoke couture.

Her career began in the most amazing decade for style the 1970's( in my opinion anyway). She came to the Seattle area by way of Sun Valley, Idaho . Upon arrival here, she was spotted by Ann Wilson of Heart. For Ann, she designed looks that represented the age of rock and roll.  This collection also lit up the runway, and had funky fun vibes.

Lisa Marie Couture

Lisa is a Seattle native, and is dedicated to growing and nurturing the fashion community in this area. Her designs include specialty evening and bridal couture garments.  Lisa's style is embodied in the idea that fashion is a very personal experience. I couldn't agree more!  Being able to express your personality and tastes through the art of fashion, is refreshing.

Luly Yang Coutre is the designer Lisa worked under, before starting her on own studio. Her 6 year stint there, fueled her love of textiles and led to the creation of her own brand.

Accessory Designers and their work were also included in the show.  A special thank you to the following designers for sharing their talents:

• Love Letters Intimates
• Namiko Abloom
• Opearl Brands
• Shady Bitch Eyewear
• Victoria Stowe Collection

The show was produced  by David Bailey and his team at Fashion District Northwest. David's passion is to connect and educate fashion creatives in the Pacific Northwest.  His vision shows through in all he does. He recognizes Seattle as a hub top provide great opportunity and growth for all fashion industry professionals.

Last but not least: Thanks to the main sponsor of the Show - ARCHITEC.  A full list of sponsors is available at Cars and Couture NW.