Fashion Week at The Bellevue Collection attracts the region’s fashion-forward and luxury shoppers. The annual event includes exclusive runway shows, fall trend reports and beauty demonstrations, and stylish parties. In years past, a favorite attraction for many included the Independent Designer Runway Show, where local designers were given the opportunity to present in a professionally produced runway show. Participating designers applied and were selected based on outstanding fashion sense and dynamic collections. It’s been a couple years since The Bellevue Collection curated an Independent Designer Runway Show, so Bellevue Lifestyle caught up with a few past participants to find out: Where are they now?
Paloma Hurtado
Paloma Hurtado is a Fashion Designer from Mexico city who currently resides in Seattle, WA. She graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor´s Degree in Fashion Design and a minor in Digital Marketing.
Describe your style.
My style has always been focused on the materials and telling a story with them, I believe that fashion is a non-verbal language that narrates who we are and what we want to communicate to the world. My main inspiration these days is the fast-changing world we live in and how to adapt to changes through our personal style.
What are you currently working on?
I'm developing a Fashion app called Curationally that connects users with Fashion inspiration and mood boards, working on a one-of-a-kind collection using sustainable materials that I will be selling on my website.
Any exciting achievements over the past couple years?
Being on the cover of Gray Magazine, and one of my pieces was on the exhibit at Mohai, Seattle Style: Fashion Function.
Website: palomahurtado.com
Instagram: @palomahurtad0
Devon Yan
DEVONATION is a independent custom made fashion label, serving people who like to adding polished, bold, confidence, fashion forward and one of the kind piece from ready to wear to haute couture in the closet.
Describe your style.
DEVONATION is about artistry, balance and meticulous detail. With cutting-edge techniques to create customized self-expression.
What are you currently working on?
Shortly after the Bellevue Collection Fashion Show, my husband Ric passed unexpectedly. The past three years have been a journey of self discovery and healing. I am currently preparing a collection to show at New York Fashion Week in September and a second art installation for November inspired by classic silhouettes in modern fabrics with my own elevated style.
Website: DevonYan.com
Instagram: @DEVONATION_ART
Gustave E. Apiti
Born and raised in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gustave discovered his love for the fashion industry at a young age. Since then, Gustave has pursued his dream and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Fashion Apparel & Design from the Tshwane University of Technology. When the opportunity was given to Gustave to start his fashion line, he did not hesitate and started his own couture brand called GUSTAVO APITI COUTURE. In 2013, Gustave immigrated to the states and began working for Luly Yang Couture and Nordstrom. In 2014, he began working on his U.S. debut as an independent designer. In 2016 Gustave official launched his couture line and showcased his beautiful collection at different runway show around the states.
Describe your style.
Gustavo Apiti Couture is a fashion brand pinned to the principles of couture and culture, incorporating the freedom of custom design and the delicacy of unique diversity into tailored garments and the fluid silhouettes. We are specialized in bridal couture, bespoke and formal wear for each and every silhouette (men and women).
What are you currently working on?
We are currently working on our ready to wear line that would allow all our customers who do live elsewhere in the United States or abroad to be able to purchase Gustavo Apiti outfits at their location, states or online.
Any exciting achievements over the past couple years?
Over the past couple years Gustavo Apiti has achieved so many things. I’ve been working with U.S.A celebrities and political leaders; including:
Cj Mccollum (NBA Blazers), Evan Turner (NBA Blazers), Rob Schneider(Movie Star), Jay Inslee (Washington states Governor), and Ben Macklemore (singer). We have recently won a northwest regional Emmy awards 2021 in partnership with Christopher Barnes and Seattle channel(arts/entertainment).
Website: gustavoapiti.com.com
Instagram: @gustavo.apiti.couture
