Fresh Snapshots: Seattle Fashion TV's Shalonne Foster

Fresh Snapshots is a new feature at FreshJess.com, highlighting some of the best and brightest talents that I've encountered here in Seattle and beyond. In a few brief questions, you'll find out a little more about what makes these fabulous people tick - what lights the fire that inspires them to pursue their passions.

My first subject is none other than Shalonne Foster, founder of Seattle Fashion TV. Read on...

1) What inspired you to create Seattle Fashion TV?

I have always been interested in fashion and been aware of the role that personal image plays in life. However it wasn't until I returned from Europe, where I watched this magical channel- Fashion TV (which plays nothing but designer runways shows); managed my way into Paris Fashion Week and shopped in Paris and Milan did it become an obsession. Seattle Fashion TV started out as a blog that focused on spotlighting local designers and their collections. I was curious to see what Seattle designers had to offer and after scouring the internet realized there wasn't an effective way to find them. Vision and demand has allowed it to evolve into what it is now.

2) What can we expect when we visit the Seattle Fashion TV site*?

Seattle Fashion TV will cover the people that make up Seattle's Fashion Industry: designers, photographers, models, make-up artists, hairstylists and bloggers. We will also provide: trend reports, make-up/hair tips and how to's, hosts various events and cover any fashion related event/party. We will produce editorial shoots, translate national trends for Seattle's up and coming market and host a multi contributor blog. Essentially, we are an online magazine that hosts 60-75% video. I have very big plans for Seattle Fashion TV and really want to elevate Seattle's fashion scene.

*Note: Becasuse we are a new site, we are playing a bit of catch-up, so please be patient with us as we manage the transition and content. Please join our mailing list at seattlefashiontv.com, follow us on Twitter or join our Facebook Fan page.

3) What is your favorite thing about Seattle fashion?

I have two favorite things about Seattle fashion- first is the diversity. Because Seattle's fashion scene has flown under the radar for so long, designers here don't feel the pressure to conform to the national trends. Therefore, we have designers that are designing from their heart and imagination rather than following board selected trends. We have designers that look like they were transplanted from Tokyo, Paris, NY and Beverly Hills, we even have designers that still draw inspiration from Seattle's Goth and Grudge days. The selection is incredible, yet hidden. Seattle Fashion TV wants to provide them all with a platform to shine.

Secondly, I think Seattle is going through a bit of a fashion revolution right now, people are stepping out of the fashion freeze that once defined Seattle fashion and creating their own image. Seattlites are beginning to care about what they wear. They are paying attention to trends, adopting a sense of personal style and incorporating a bit of glamor and sophistication, it is a wonderful to see. With the opening of The Shops at The Bravern, I think the Seattle Metro Area may finally shed it title of being the fleece and flannel capital and demand to be taken seriously in the world of fashion.

Our first event is a Fashion Industry Networking Party. The goal is the bring together the various different pockets of Seattle fashion and rally around the idea of elevating Seattle's fashion scene.

Thanks Shalonne!

Don't miss the Seattle Fashion TV launch party

Thursday night, October 8th

starting at 7:00p.m. at Neodandi Couture in Pioneer Square.