Lauren Morgan -Simple Shapes, Couture Details – Fashion Inspired by Martha’s Vineyard

unnamed-1There’s a chill in the air and Fall is upon us. With that comes Martha’s Vineyard Fashion Week –  a week dedicated to Island fashion.

Whether local retailers showing their buys, local artists showing their creations, or local designers with an entire collection, you’re sure to be inspired.

Each year I like to see who or what is new to Martha’s Vineyard Fashion Week. It’s founder, Trena Morrison, brings in new surprises each year.

When I looked at the line-up for the week, I was pretty impressed. A week of all things fashion, trunk shows, movies, runways, and more.

Watch out Bryant Park — well maybe in a couple of years.

Designs By Lauren Morgan

Lauren Morgan Label Martha's Vineyard Fashion Week

A new name added to the list for Saturday’s An Extraordinary Night of Fashion at Dreamland, Designs  by Lauren Morgan caught my eye.

I have actually known Lauren Morgan since she first moved to the Island. Her husband Nate works with my husband, and she and I actually worked together for a bit at Martha’s Vineyard Interior Design (where she still works).

Lauren Morgan & Black DressLauren is pretty much one of the kindest, most beautiful and talented people you’ll ever meet. She’s wanted to be a fashion designer since she was 16.

She made her own clothes, and even her prom dress, which was a hit. She was committed to making her passion a career.

Military dress ByMartha's Vineyard Clothing Designer Lauren MorganLauren attended the University of Cincinnati’s DAAP program which is Design Architecture Art Planning. This highly competitive and coveted program really helped Lauren cement her love and desire to be a clothing designer.

While at DAPP, she had a number of co-ops with some seriously cool brands including J.Crew, Target, Macy’s, DKNY Jeans and more.

I would love to have been a part of the scene at J.Crew. Seeing collections first, and for her, actually helping design. Pretty amazing.

When Lauren graduated, she moved to Martha’s Vineyard with her then boyfriend.

She and Nate got married here, are building a home together here in West Tisbury, named Blackberry Farm, with Nate as the architect, and Lauren as the designer.

It’s a wonderful place to be in life. In love and doing what you love.

Lauren Morgan Military dress BackThough Lauren works in interior design by day, what she learns carries over into her world of fashion. She is so much more knowledgeable about fabrics, and finds a lot of inspiration in what she sees, that translates to clothing design.

She is also very much inspired by the beauty of Martha’s Vineyard. How could one not be?

For the collection she’s showing at Martha’s Vineyard Fashion Week, she was inspired by the stonewalls and lichens that grow on them.

The pattern and structure of the walls and the colors, and softness of the lichen work so well together, a great source of inspiration.

The collection has bright colors and fun shapes and the attention to construction and details is simply remarkable.

For Lauren, her design aesthetic is all about simple shapes with couture details and fine fabrics. She also loves pops of bright colors. Clothing that is wearable but also special.

It’s for women who like fashion, attention to detail, and like pieces that can translate from day to night.

Lauren Morgan ss 2015 inspiration_reducedLauren Morgan will be showing eight pieces of from her Summer 2015 collection, each of which is totally wearable, and soon to be available for stores on the Island.

She also hopes to add two truly couture pieces that would not be for resale to the show.

Lauren Morgan in Dressed MVThe eight pieces from Martha’s Vineyard Fashion Week are actually in production right now. Lauren has partnered with a consultant in New York City, and has been working for a while on getting her clothing ready for the racks so to say.

However, her designs will be at higher end, specialty retail shops, pieces ranging in price initially from $500 – $900.

All the clothing is made in the USA and is made of quality fabrics. It was important for Lauren to know that each garment is made with care, like when she herself makes them.

With clothes in production, it means that her dreams could very well come true.  Lauren Morgan could be in stores like Barney’s or Neiman Marcus in the near future.

Getting Started In Fashion On Martha’s Vineyard

How can a gal get her own collection in production? Well, it’s Martha’s Vineyard and fate is pretty kind here.

When Lauren first moved to the Island, she worked briefly at a high end inn. It was here she met a woman who was a guest, who was very interested in Lauren’s designs.

Having just graduated college, she had her whole senior thesis collection with her. She brought it to the island when she moved here.

Lauren Morgan JumperThe woman wanted to see it, and expressed interest in purchasing an item or two. Lauren priced everything out, took the VTA bus to Edgartown on her day off (she and husband Nate share a car), and showed the woman her collection.

The woman bought every single piece. There was Lauren’s seed money to take create her business. Isn’t that awesome?

What are the chances of everything fitting and liking every piece?

Lauren Morgan LeatherPantsBut it happened, and this woman is still one of Lauren’s clients. Five years later, the woman has Lauren create her custom designs, many of which are couture which delights Lauren.

Lauren enjoys creating clothes that women will want to wear, but the chance to really explore her creativity without limitations in couture fashion is really rewarding.

Lauren Morgan Wedding DressSpeaking of creativity, Lauren made her wedding dress, and it was as if it was right out of a magazine.

It was stunning, and fit her and her style perfectly. The intricacy and details would make any bride to be, love this dress. I can’t wait to see all of her collection in person.

Lauren in her wedding dressThis Saturday, September 20th at 8:30 p.m. the doors open at Dreamland for a fashion show that will truly inspire and amaze you.

This is actually the premier of Lauren’s collection. Guests will be able to see it before it goes to retail stores.

So exciting for us fashionistas! Lauren is so proud to be premiering her collection at this event, and is thrilled to be doing a runway fashion show!

Martha's Vineyard Fashion WeekIn addition to Lauren Morgan, Mikel Hunter of PikNik, designs by Karen Trotier, of Menagerie, The Green Room, and NRO will be showing some fabulous fashions on the runway. Doors open at 8:30 p.m., models hit the runway at 9:00 p.m.

Tickets are $10 for general admission, $20 for seating and $40 for VIP. There will be treats provided by Chilmark Chocolates, DJ Pretty Ninja will be spinning, and of course cocktails and fun a plenty.

DJ Pretty Ninja

Martha’s Vineyard Fashion Week is not only a fun week of fashion and celebration but it’s also a fundraiser for Angel Flight North East. Attend each event for fun but know that you’re doing some good too.

Thanks for reading the On Point Blog. You can learn more about Lauren Morgan Facebook. Remember there are lots of things to do for those with a passion for fashion, big or small, all week during Martha’s Vineyard Fashion Week. Be sure to check out their website for a full listing of events.

And speaking of social media, don’t forget to “Like” us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter, Linked In, Google+, Pinterest and Youtube.

 

 

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