The Fashion PR Firm works with over 75 Runway Shows and Producers all over the world - but one show we had not come across yet was Hartford Fashion Week. Once we sat down with the show's Creative Producer, Travis Bivans, we learned why.
"This is our first year presenting Hartford Fashion Week. Hartford Fashion Week is a product of Fashion Week Connecticut which supports all of Connecticut in October. Hartford Fashion Week the title was used back in 2017/18 and then stopped operating. We took over the brand. Now Hartford Fashion Week has new owners, new life and seasoned industry veterans from CT and NY who are the artists behind this NEW Hartford Fashion Week" says Bivan.
The show had not been on our radar as the title of the show... "Hartford Fashion Week" had not been used for many years. Yet, after learning about the show and its Creative Team, we can definitely see this show is here to stay. From their professionalism, to already showcasing 32 designers their first year, to an owner with a beautiful story - it all felt Runway Ready!
Bertha Angelo, a Hartford-area fashion designer, has taken over the reins of the style institution.
Let's get to know Hartford Fashion Week and the details on their Runway Show this April 20th-26th in Hartford, Connecticut.
INTERVIEW WITH TRAVIS BIVANS, CREATIVE PRODUCER
1. How many designers will present their designs at Hartford Fashion Week over the course of all days?
For our launch, 32 designers have been confirmed for our runways stretched out over 5 days. It's going to make for amazing visuals.
2. What are the dates of your Runway Shows at Hartford Fashion Week?
Sunday April 20th-Saturday April 26th
3. Do you have a list of the designers who will also be showcasing?
Here is a short list and preview of the designers who will grace the Runway.
High fashion/Cultural
La'Moo Designs
Cloud9hanfu
Threads by Tea
Urban
Survival 815
Stonington Clothing Co
Artistic
Soul of Art
Sublime by Clo
Just to name a few
4. How many years have you been presenting at Hartford Fashion Week?
This is our first year presenting Hartford Fashion Week. Hartford Fashion Week is a product of Fashion Week Connecticut which supports all of Connecticut in Oct.
Hartford Fashion Week the title was used back in 2017/18 and then stopped operating. We took over the brand. Now Hartford Fashion Week has new owners, new life and seasoned industry veterans from CT and NY who are the artists behind this NEW Hartford Fashion Week.
5. Address / location and Time of the Runway Show:
Parville Art Gallery, Suite 204 (Sun)
1429 Park Street
Hartford, Ct
Artspace Hartford (Mon-Tues & Thurs)
555 Asylum Ave.
Hartford Ct
Warehouse 860 (Wed)
85 Airport Rd.
Hartford Ct
"private studio" (Fri-Sat)
30 Bartholomew Ave.
Hartford Ct
All fashion shows begin at 7pm
6. What is Hartford Fashion Week's goal for their production?
The goal is to amplify the creatives from all genres and skill levels of the greater Hartford area and at the same time draw in outside artistic and small business commerce to generate new growth in our fashion ecosystem. We would also like to amplify and elevate Connecticut to make it more visible not only nationally but internationally as well. Diversity is the natural state of being for Hartford Fashion Week or any production of Fashion Week Connecticut. Cultural to artistic diversity is the only way fashion will thrive in any region of the world. The business minds behind Hartford Fashion Week represent different countries, social and economic brackets, different genders, different types of artists and business minds. The model of achievement is something that will forever evolve as demand and excitement for fashion flows on. But we would like people to understand how vital fashion creatives can be in any society. Visual arts and hundreds of small businesses of all calibers participate in fashion weeks. Fashion is art and art is for everyone.
7. Biggest accomplishment to date as a production and runway company?
Discovering and helping people rediscover their love of fashion. A lot of people are excited for Hartford Fashion Week. We had models as far away as France, sending in runway submissions. Physically a model "fly in" from Texas to try out for our runways. We have designers and brands who will be driving hours to participate in our fashion week. Which is amazing!
8. What makes Hartford Fashion Week stand out compared to other shows globally?
That our energy, knowledge and skill level will match and sometimes exceed bigger fashion platforms. Even though Hartford Fashion Week may not be global, the creators are internationally traveled and experienced. I myself am from Connecticut but I've lived in New York for 10yrs. I've traveled and have been on location for both London and Paris fashion week and have worked in NYFW and other fashion weeks for over 20yrs. The owner Bertha Angelo whose 50th birthday is actually next week, has traveled overseas as well and has been in the fashion industry longer than I. WE will stand out because we pack a lot of punch and our energy is pure.
9. Details about the venue:
This year we wanted to dedicate part of this fashion week to the visual creatives of Connecticut.
We will have our shows in Art studios as well as photo studios to bring awareness to these businesses as well as exchange and share in our form of art.
Meet the owner of Hartford Fashion Week, Bertha Angelo
