CLT to NYC with Morgan Fries.

www.CharlotteFashionGuild.com

Model, Morgan Fries, is what I like to call a "diamond in the rough".  It is rare that you meet a model that is goofy, warm-hearted, giving as well as astonishingly beautiful.  Morgan and I had the pleasure of working together at a local restaurant in one of Charlotte's many boroughs.  I was waiting tables to launch my business and the beautiful Morgan was hostessing until she moved to the Big Apple to attend college and to work with ADAM Model's.  

Morgan was a star in the Charlotte fashion industry.  She won many awards, walked in every show and was always the life of every event.  Her style was very East Coast chic, which I am afraid was under appreciated by many in the area.  However, now she is able to blossom into the successful women that I know that she will become.  That is why Charlotte Fashion Guild would like to acknowledge Morgan Fries.  She sets the standard of everything that a model should be.  There are many models in the Charlotte fashion industry that have the potential to make it "big".  However, very few of them have the personality to succeed in a very cut throat world.  It was a pleasure to interview and to feature Morgan   as our first honorary Model.  Here is what she had to say;

Tell our readers a little bit about yourself?  

I am 19 years old, I just recently moved to NYC, I am an only child if my dog harley doesn't count. I'm from Charlotte NC, at heart i'm a real country girl who loves big trucks, southern voice and mudding. I really enjoy fashion, all through high school i've been voted best dressed all 4 years.  I am now attending The Art Institute of NYC for fashion design. Ever since I was a little girl, all I can remember is trying on my mom's clothes, dancing around her room, and wanting to wear her heels down the street. Oh and also I'm a sucker for black and white movies.

How are you liking the city that never sleeps? 

You know its funny, because in the area that I live in, which is Brooklyn, everyone is in bed at 9pm. Even me; that is if i'm not up doing a project or just hanging out with my roommates. I love the big city, it's definitely different from back home.  I'm not use to just walking out my front door and having McDonald's or the grocery store being right around the corner. Soho and Times Square couldn't get any better! $1 pizza is right across the street from school, every possible shopping store is at every corner in Times Square…How thankful can I be?

Why did you decide to relocate? 

I have always said "You have one life, live it." There are too many wonderful and amazing things out there in this world, why stay in one place that you have known your whole life? Go out and explore new things, eat something completely out of your comfort zone, make mistakes, fall in love. Life's not meant to be spent in one place.

How old were you when you started modeling?  Did it come naturally to you? 

I believe I was 17 when I first started really modeling. I mean I did pageants when I was a little girl, but it wasn't till I was a lot older that I really started doing shows and photo shoots! I was raised in the church with my mother,  we always dressed up, i've always worn heels, and my momma and I both were up to date in fashion. My momma always said I'm going to become a famous model one day.  She always supported me on all my decisions, so I thank my mom for always believing in me. To answer your question, I think yes. Yes I know modeling in my blood. 

What other careers interest you besides modeling? 

I've always loved cooking. Actually I was going to attend Johnson & wales for culinary school. Then my mind changed as I grew, and I'm really interested in fashion design.   I'm excited to expand my mind into the arts of making the clothes that I wear down the runway!

You modeled quite a bit in Charlotte.  Tell me about the work that you have done here? 

...I've been doing it for two years, and I love it all! The very first show I did was Charlotte Fashion Week.  I walked on recyclables night, and my designer is a tattoo artist in Noda, who has never designed a dress for a model to wear. Crazy enough he was really good at designing it ...because we won best recyclable dress! It was a memorable night for the both of us. Ever since then i've worked with people all over Charlotte; including shows, a little advertisements, and a few photo shoots. Life felt like it couldn't be any better.

What was your favorite show or shoot that you participated in? Well my favorite show that I did was the  second annual Style Night Out  with Effie (Loukas). I wore a bridal gown with three other girls and we all had different butterflies in our hair! The makeup and the dresses were beautiful and of course the show was amazing! My favorite shoot that I did was with Marcos Aspiazu, and it was right before I left for NYC.  It was just a test shoot, but the atmosphere was fun.  I met new people, which I love doing, and we got to do poses that we also envisioned. 

As a model you have to have thick skin.  How do you respond to the criticism in this industry?

It is hard to keep your head up in the modeling industry.  If someone doesn't like me, I just say okay thank you for your time, I put my heels back on, smile and move forward. Just because that one person, or that whole team didn't like me, doesn't mean that there isn't someone else out there that is not going to like my "look" or just me in general. I'm a very happy person, I tend to get a long with everyone I meet. I at least try to. 

What models in the industry do you look up to? 

I look up to the models who are no longer the "it" girls. What I mean is, I look up to Twiggy. She was the first model that wore a short skirt on a magazine cover, I believe? Well other than that she wasn't afraid to do something new and different. Also Tyra Banks, because she is such a role model for not just women, but for young girls who have the same dream as she did. She believes in getting an education, not just model, model, model. She is so diverse and friendly and beautiful, and an amazing model! I really love them both.

Who is your favorite designer and why? 

My all time favorite designer is Alexander McQueen. His work just blows my mind every time. Half of the things he designs you really can't even wear, it's just eye candy. I love the meaning behind his work also. It's not just a piece of fabric he throws together, there is something that inspires that dress, or scarf or a growing garden on a dress. It's the emotion and passion I love that he had.

Are you going to walk in New York Fashion Week? 

My portfolio wasn't big enough this past show, and we ran out of time, but it's okay I'll just wait till next year! In January I'm prepping for Fashion week in February! So hopefully you'll see me in that! 

Fidel Montoya of SILVERFLY

Fidel Montoya of SILVERFLY

It is Charlotte Fashion Guild's mission to support, promote and acknowledge individuals and businesses that positively impact the fashion industry of Charlotte, North Carolina.  We are interviewing these individuals about their businesses, life and the industry.

• 1111 Metropolitan Avenue, Suite 150
• Charlotte, North Carolina 28204

For our first published interview, Charlotte Fashion Guild is featuring Fidel Montoya, owner of SILVERFLY.  SILVERFLY is Charlotte's favorite all men's boutique, catering to urban professionals who have confidence, class and style.  Shoppers will find anything from wallets and belts to blazers and bow ties in the well design SILVERFLY. I had the pleasure of meeting Fidel a little over six months ago when my company was producing an event at Label, Charlotte's biggest and baddest nightclub.  I was not sure what to expect when meeting with Fidel.  I had heard his name mentioned a countless number of times at different social events and had even spotted him across the room surrounded by a crowd of people.  Fidel was always carrying himself with class, had amazing style and he was always sporting a warm smile. When we finally had the pleasure of meeting face to face, I was glad to see that his warmhearted nature was not only his professional persona but it was in his nature.  Fidel is the model of how every boutique owner needs to carry themselves.  He is kind, supportive and provides Charlotte with amazing clothing that he is proud to carry.  I got the chance to interview Mr. Montoya himself.  Here is what he had to say:

1. How long have you been actively working in the Charlotte fashion industry?

We opened SILVERFLY a little over a year ago on November 1^st.  It’s hard to believe it’s been a year; but in that year, we have become entrenched in Charlotte fashion and love every aspect of it.

2. What do you enjoy about working in Charlotte?

The aspect I enjoy most in working in Charlotte is the people.  Everyone in Charlotte is supportive of the community and supportive of the businesses. Charlotte is growing and there’s a lot of opportunity in fashion.  People are moving here from not only from the North East but also from all parts of the country.  They bring new ideas, new talent, and push the envelope in fashion.

3.  What is the most challenging thing about owning/operating a boutique?  How have you overcome this obstacle?

The biggest challenge in owning a boutique is defining yourself as a business.  You want to be everything for everyone, but that does not always make sense.  By listening to our customers, asking questions and trying different things, SILVERFLY is learning who our customers are and evolving along with them.  

4.  When did you realize that you were passionate about fashion?

My passion for fashion was realized when I began working with all the people behind the scenes.  It not just about the products we sell, it’s about the people. I enjoy working with the vendors, the photographers, the models, the marketers, the producers, the designers, the stylists, and of course SILVERFLY’s customers. 

5.  Who is your favorite designer and why?

One of my favorite designers is parke & ronen.  I’m partial to designers I get to meet in person.  I’ve met Parke on several occasions during the buying shows and it’s interesting to talk with him and learn the inspiration behind the lines.  

6.  What accomplishments are you most proud of?

Our brand is the accomplishment I am most proud of.  We started SILVERFLY from the ground up     -everything from the name, the interiors, the website, the overall look and feel.  When people come in for the first time and tell us how much they love the store, I really have a sense of accomplishment.  

7.  Do you think that Charlotte would benefit from a fashion district closer to center city? Why or Why not?

It would only make sense that Charlotte would benefit from a fashion district closer to the center of the city.  The center is the heart of the city bringing people together in business, sports, arts and fashion. 

8.  You are very active in the community.  How do you show your support for locally owned and operated businesses?

We are supportive of all things local to North Carolina.  SILVERFLY offers items designed, manufactured or have ties locally.  We carry socks made in High Point, we carry Raleigh Denim, made in Raleigh.  There are two women here in Charlotte that makes some of SILVERFLY’s jewelry.  I carry a line of jeans made near the University area and a line of bags made in NODA.  Another example of this is the Electric MVMT company was started from three guys that went to App State, we sell their electric hoodies.  Supporting local is the best way for SILVERFLY to be active in the community.  

9.  What changes would you like to see in the Charlotte Fashion Industry?  

A change I would like to see in the Charlotte Fashion Industry is greater consolidation of events and promotions.  There are so many great ideas, good promoters, and creative designers and awesome boutiques.  If we could combine efforts, ideas and interests, we could make a bigger splash for Charlotte.

Published by;

Ryan Philemon

Co-Founder of Charlotte Fashion Guild.

CFG gets AMPED!

                                                        http://www.amped4acure.org

Charlotte Fashion Guild is getting AMPED! AMPED 4-A-Cure is a non-profit organization with a mission of supporting cancer research, early detection and prevention, through the universal language of music.  Everyone know's that music heals;  A4AC is the definition of that philosophy.

Their mission is to become the worlds leading charity in the funding of cancer research.  What better way to reach all walks of life than with the power of music.  While that is AMPED 4-A-Cure's main goal, their are so many other programs that they have put into place to help cancer patients and prevention.

Music That Heals, a program started by AMPED 4-A-Cure, has partnered up with Best Buy to provide patients undergoing chemotherapy with music players to provide them with a form of escape during their treatment.  GetPluggedIn, is a program aimed at educating individuals on how to reduce their risk for cancer and prevent it all together.  Practicing a healthy and active lifestyle often helps with cancer prevention.  AMPED 4-A-Cure has a program for that as well!  Their mission is grand and the way they will achieve there goals is melodic.

Over the past few months Charlotte Fashion Guild has grown close to the President and Vice President of A4AC.  Without these two wonderful individuals, Charlotte Fashion Guild would not have the support that we have today.  CFG believes in their mission and is honored to partner with A4AC to help them achieve their goals.