Reflections on Charleston Fashion Week

I went to Friday night's show during Charleston Fashion Week.

I had an outfit picked out (dark-wash jeans, white sequin tee, black boucle jacket, black clutch, cocktail ring, dangling silver earrings), but the shoes were a big question mark.

I'm not a high heels kind of girl, which is strange considering I'm 5 feet 2 and could definitely benefit from some additional height. But if there's one place where high heels are de rigueur, it's a fashion show.

As for the fashion show itself, all I can say is "Wow." People in Charleston really know how to bring it. I have never seen so many chic, fabulous looking people in one place before.

It was amazing. I sat directly across from Ayoka Lewis, Fern Mallis, Janie Bryant of "Mad Men," Gilt Groupe's Alexis Maybank, Mychael Knight and the rest of the guest judges.

Kudos to Lewis for bringing in such an incredible group from the fashion world to this year's CFW.

Opening Friday's show, the rapper Righchus in a charcoal suit, red bow tie and black Wayfarers and singer Quiana Parler in leather leggings and a belted jacket energized the crowd.

Sucker Jeans, Mary Mojo & The Shoe Fairy, Biton and Gwynn's of Mount Pleasant were the local retailer shows.

Charlotte Hess, who was declared the winner of the Emerging Designer Competition on Saturday night, was a fan favorite with her distinctive, intricate knitwear. Her jaw-dropping pieces included a chunky cardigan with a basket weave design, a cream knit bodysuit and dense throws the models wore casually over the shoulder.

Congratulations to Hess and to all the emerging designer semifinalists for a great week of inspired fashion.