New York, London, Milan and Paris are known as the fashion capitals of the world. But on Friday, 
Nov. 8 Cleveland became its own fashion capital as close to 600 people flocked to the Screw Factory in Lakewood for the second annual Hullabaloo.
Hullabaloo is a fashion event put on by Yellowcake Shop, a clothing boutique located on Detroit Avenue in Cleveland’s Gordon Square Arts District. Owner and fashion designer Valerie Mayen was a contestant on Season 8 of “Project Runway” and is taking Cleveland by storm with her unique and contemporary pieces of clothing.
This year’s Hullabaloo featured the Companion collection, completely designed and produced by Mayen. The collection honored the memory and legacy of Lisa Luciano, Mayen’s friend, mentor and champion who recently passed away after a five-year battle with cancer. The collection was divided into seven chapters, each representing a different moment in Luciano’s life. The pieces utilized Luciano’s favorite colors, textures and silhouettes to symbolize her life and memory.
When asked about this year’s event, Mayen said she was most proud of all the support she received from the community.
“The support we received from Clevelanders was really overwhelming. We didn’t expect to fill the house that much. The show went off without a hitch. I’m proud we were able to accomplish our goal,” she said.
Between the chapters of the fashion show, two sisters from The Movement Project performed short, modern dance routines.
“Dancing is something I’ve always loved, I’ve always loved modern dance. I love the art of it and wanted to incorporate that into the show,” Mayen said.
The event also included food and dessert from local restaurants, live and silent auctions featuring pieces from the collection, an a capella performance by girls from the West Side Community House Sisterhood Program, and a post-show dance party.
Mayen added that more than $3,000 was raised from bar proceeds that night, which will benefit the PMP Cancer Research Foundation. She was also able to raise some money to help with repairs at Yellowcake Shop.
After surviving Black Friday and the holidays, Mayen will start planning for next year’s Hullabaloo come February. She said her ideal goal is to have up to 1,000 people at next year’s event and is always looking for volunteers and interns to help out.
Check out a gallery of photos from Hullabaloo 2013 below:
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- Hullabaloo 2013 collection sketches / Kristen Mott
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- Chiffon and faux leather blouse with chiffon palazzo pants / Kristen Mott
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- Chiffon and lace gown / Kristen Mott
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- Ivory chiffon and georgette gown / Kristen Mott
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- Double cape made of ivory and black wool with leather collar on under cape / Kristen Mott
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- Pink chiffon and silk striped tunic / Kristen Mott
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- Mustard knit romper with striped tee / Kristen Mott
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- Teal short set of leather inset sweatshirt and shaped skort / Kristen Mott
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- Gold dotted chiffon blouse with faux leather inset denim pants / Kristen Mott