Nolcha Fashion Week kicked off  with shows featuring up-and-coming fashion designers from across the globe. The first show included looks by Tess Johnson, Mikailee Alton, The Vanity Project and Dos Caras Swimwear.

Tess Johnson sent her models down the runway wearing a kaleidoscope of prints in bright, eye-catching colors. The vivid patterns were toned down when worn with neutral outerwear like a black cape, leather jacket, or fur-trimmed coat. Johnson, winner of Lifetime’s 24-Hour Catwalk, has loved fashion since she was a little girl playing dress up. Now that she’s dressing people in real life, her style has a very grown up appeal.

Next up, Mikailee went goth glam with rouched satin pants, fingerless gloves, and a hooded long-sleeved minidress. The catwalkers showed a lot of leg while strutting down the runway in hot pants and long skirts with even longer slits. With high-heeled booties and dark tinted lips, this sultry look totally worked.

The Vanity Project followed with a casual range of t-shirts and hoodies from designers Omri Bojko and Jason Sochol. Taking traditional graphic tees to a new level by creating eco-friendly, sustainable wares that are comfortable and have meaning behind it is what this line is about. And that became evident with their funky logos and various hues, among them a skull and crossbones and guitar shaped as a heart.

Finally, San Diego natives, Syncletica Maestas and Aida Soria of Dos Caras Swimwear brought their cool California vibe to the runway with a selection of bathing suits in pretty pastel colors. There was a 50s retro look to the high-waisted two pieces and maillots as well as cute cover-ups for the more modest consumer. With these swimsuits, Maestas and Soria really made a splash.

– Angela Thomas

Images via Nolcha Fashion Week