When I received the phone call from Ecuardo Khawam asking me to represent The Reporter as a judge for A Masquerade Fashion Show and the fourth challenge of Seattle’s Next Super Model I had two thoughts.

The first was pure excitement. The second was pure panic.

What does one wear to a timeless fashion show?

Sifting through my closet, I was well aware I lacked any sort of Victorian-style wear so I settled on the standby black dress. Dressed to judge, I was off to the Bellevue Arts Museum for the fashion show event.

My confidence in my choice of dress quickly faded as I was greeted by two musketeer-clad gentlemen who guided me to my seat in the judging section.

Sitting three seats down was fellow judge and Miss Washington title holder, Michelle Font in a gorgeous royal blue satin dress, sash and tiera in hand. Also in the judging row was Lena Zeineddine, a design consultant for Luly Yang Couture, David Blackham of David Lawerence, and Courtney Russell of Half Past Lavish.

Prior to the fashion show, Executive Director Michael Monroe led an exclusive group tour throughout the museum’s current exhibits including Sitting Pretty for Pace and Sculpture in Seattle by John Grade.

Throughout the evening, guests were invited to view a silent auction benefiting the student programs at the International Academy of Design and Technology in Seattle. The silent auction featured work by IADT fashion students including costumes and Ready-To-Wear from the 2008 Caffe Couture Fashion Show. Student designer, Susan Alveshere walked away with the top prize for her custom design caffe-inspired dress.

A collection of digital photographs by IADT students were also up for auction. The winner was Alfonso Pozo who captured model Rashi Stephens emerged in the four elements: air, fire, earth and water.

The Most Creative YouTube video of 2007 was projected onto the far wall of the museum and played throughout the show.

Black chairs lined either side of the main lobby of the museum, creating a makeshift runway down the center, ascending from the main stage.

Khawam introduced the show dressed head to toe in a sleek black costume and mask inspired by the movie character Lastat from Interview with the Vampire.

A special performance by soprano singer Adana Protonentis, pianist Povilas Stravinsky and celliest Olga Dolgaya set the musical tone for the hip historical fashion show.

Ten models walked the runway during A Masquerade Fashion Show adorning costumes from historical time periods. Mode Organic Salon was backstage transforming the models hair and makeup for the timeless fashion show.

The fashion show drew the audience into a time of elegant lace and elaborate gowns trimmed with frills, flounces, and ribbons. The show began with beautiful costumes from the Victorian Era and moved onto Edwardian, Egyptian, old South, and classic Hollywood. Even Batman made an appearance on the catwalk. All costumes worn by the models were provided courtesy of A Masquerade (www.amasquerade.com) costume shop located at 13310 Bel-Red Road, Suite 102 in Bellevue.

As I took notes and scored the models for how well they executed each costume, I couldn’t help but take mental notes for upcoming Halloween costume ideas. For now my plain black dress would have to do, but come Halloween, I may have to make a special trip over to A Masquerade costume shop to spruce up my wardrobe for one night.

Lindsay Larin can be reached at llarin@bellevuereporter.com or 425-453-4602.

Bellevue Reporter Staff Writer Lindsay Larin can be reached at llarin@bellevuereporter.com or 425-453-4602.

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