Sleigh the Runway at the Double Tree Hilton in Cedar Rapids. Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016. — photo by Zak Neumann.
Iowa Fashion Project and Go Cedar Rapids’ Sleigh the Runway brought over a dozen of local designers together to share their looks on an extraordinary runway in an unlikely space. The foyer connecting the Double Tree Hilton Hotel to the U.S. Cellular Convention Center is usually home to ticket sales, meet and greets or travel from the hotel to a concert and back again. IFP Founders Amanda Lesmeister and Little Village’s own Simeon Tally brought the space to life with music, lights and a runway that incorporated the escalator into the catwalk design. The catwalk and the vendor market featured over a dozen local boutiques and designers including Zach Owens, Jessie Zhao, Dondre Smith’s ALMVGHTY, Melissa Collins and Andre’ Wright’s Born Leaders United.
Emcees Kelly D’Ambrosio and Steve Shriver make their entrance down the escalator catwalk at Sleigh the Runway. Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016. — photo by Zak Neumann.
One of many looks featured during Sleigh the Runway. Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016. — photo by Zak Neumann.
Sleight the Runway incorporated the escalators at the Double Tree Hilton as part of the catwalk. Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016. — photo by Zak Neumann.
One of many featured looks during Sleigh the Runway. Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016. — photo by Zak Neumann.
Sleight the Runway incorporated the escalators at the Double Tree Hilton as part of the catwalk. Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016. — photo by Zak Neumann.
One of many looks featured during Sleigh the Runway. Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016. — photo by Zak Neumann.
One of many looks featured during Sleigh the Runway. Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016. — photo by Zak Neumann.
Sleight the Runway incorporated the escalators at the Double Tree Hilton as part of the catwalk. Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016. — photo by Zak Neumann.
One of many looks featured during Sleigh the Runway. Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016. — photo by Zak Neumann.
Sleigh the Runway at the Double Tree Hilton in Cedar Rapids. Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016. — photo by Zak Neumann.
ALMVGHTY designer Dondre Smith (right) walks the runway with one of his brand’s featured looks. Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016. — photo by Zak Neumann.
One of many looks featured during Sleigh the Runway. Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016. — photo by Zak Neumann.
Sleigh the Runway at the Double Tree Hilton in Cedar Rapids. Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016. — photo by Zak Neumann.
