CFW Emerging designer debuts new work at upcoming fashion show

It's hot. If you are not a tourist, then you realize that in Charleston in July it's unequivocally preferable to go out after dark.

Luckily, Charleston After Dark, a new promotion company, knows just how you feel, and as a bonus, it also knows how to promote local talent. The late-night spotlight is ready to shine on clothing and interior designer Anna Lassiter on July 22 when it transforms O-Ku from fashionable restaurant to fashion runway.

The show is the official after party for The Sale Soiree, an event at the Charleston Center for Photography starting at 7 p.m. Area clothing stores and designers will bring discounted items for sale, and it will include raffles, giveaways and champagne cocktails.

"We asked Anna to be our designer for the after party because we wanted a great designer around town to put on a show after the sale," says Camille Key, a co-founder along with Jennifer Frye of Charleston After Dark. "I love how Anna's designs are so different and specific to her taste."

Lassiter, who was one of the eight 2010 Charleston Fashion Week Emerging Designers, has a distinct style that even she sometimes has trouble putting into words. "It's bohemian, but not what you typically see. There's more of an edge to it, and I've been trying lately (in my designs) to be more true to myself," she explains. "I tried to think of the best way to describe it, and all I can come up with is 'Combat Hippie Princess,' " she says with a smile.

"With my new collection, I am using some of the same things I use in interior design with a mix of patterns and colors in my fabrics. I didn't incorporate this as much with my first collection, using mostly solids and neutrals, but this time I am putting together some more interesting mixes."

At O-Ku, she will debut 10 new looks for Anna Boheme (her clothing line) that focus on a more body-conscious style, so she ordered spandex, bathing suit and activewear material, and many of her new looks use these materials with something she is terming "harnesses."

"The harnesses create versatile dressing, and you can layer something underneath or wear as a tunic," Lassiter says.

These embellished centerpieces will tie the show together, and she plans to style the models with pops of neon colors for the makeup.

Under the lights at O-Ku, she sees the next chapter in her design life unfolding: "I'm anticipating that this show will refine my design vision. I'm really excited about it."