Always dreamed of designing your own pair of shoes and handbags or fantasized about winning Project Runway? Never had the resources (cough Design School cough) to make those dreams a reality? Well have we got news for you! Open Runway is teaming up with The Swapaholics to bring to you a Design It Yourself competition!  To submit designs to The Boston Fashion Week Swap Design Contest, simply visit our site, www.OpenRunway.com and enter the code, SWAPAHOLIC to get things started!  The winner of this competition not only gets bragging rights, but $100 towards your completely custom handbag or shoe.  There is really no downside to this ladies (and gentlemen)!  Check out The Swapaholic’s blog, for step-by-step instructions, or follow below!

1. Go to OpenRunway using this link http://www.openrunway.com/PrivateSales/Restricted/CreateAccount/

2. Create an account and password and then input the following invitation code: SWAPAHOLIC

3. Once you”ve created an account, click on the Open Runway logo to go to our home page- feel free to explore our site, and then start designing via the “create” button

4. When you have a handbag or shoe design you feel is a winner, click the “SUBMIT TO SWAP CONTEST” button at the bottom of the page. The Swapaholics will be posting daily submissions on their Facebook page until October 15th.  The Swapaholic’s favorite handbag and favorite shoe design will each receive $100 gift card!

Submissions have already started strutting in- check out what the competition is bringing to the runway below…

Inspired? Determined? Then get those creative juices flowing and enter today!

THANK YOU to all that attended our Design-Your-Own Pre-Launch Fashion parties on May 5th and 7th at the Mass Challenge Incubator space in Boston! We had a blast with our friends, family, volunteers, and special guests Thread Tradition, Zyrra and stylist Naomi Mirando. These events celebrated our latest shoe and handbag samples and our soon-to-be-launched design tool.

With the first party falling on Cinco de Mayo, we were more than happy to kick-off the events with tons of food, yummy margaritas, and even shoe-shaped chocolates. Guests were able to browse our array of shoe and brand-new handbag samples, as well as try their hand at design with the latest version of our design configurator.

Open Runway Sample Collection

Testing the Design Configurator

This was a great opportunity for us to get some key user feedback about the designs and functionality of the new tool. It was also really fun to see which shoe and handbag templates and colors people liked the most. Thanks to all for the suggestions – we’re working furiously behind the scenes to make the site as intuitive and easy-to-use as possible.

We ran a contest on each day for best designs for both shoes and handbags, and had party attendees vote on their favorites using – what else? – a shoe stamp! Congratulations to Shirley Shen and Judy Downey for their designs! Each winner gets a $100 Open Runway gift certificate  – we’re excited to see what you come up with next!

Guests deciding which designs to vote for

The pre-launch parties an exciting way to celebrate Open Runway’s progress thus far and uncover fresh user insights. Being in the Mass Challenge space helps to keep our momentum going, especially as we stare down the next phase of the competition. Stay tuned for more updates and our launch this summer!

Open Runway Founders Monika Desai and Eric Estabrooks

Open Runway, along with special guests Thread Tradition and Zyrra, are excited to invite you to one of two “Design Your Own” fashion parties. These three hot up-and-coming mass customization fashion startups are looking for an opportunity to show off their latest collections and get some feedback on the customization experience. This free event is open to as many guests as you would like to bring (just make sure to RSVP in advance). Join us for free drinks and appetizers, fashion, and fun.

Chose from two dates because we’re all about you!

Thursday, May 5 at 6:30pm
or
Saturday, May 7 at 4pm

Location: Mass Challenge Incubator Space, One Marina Park Drive, Boston, MA 02210, 14th Floor

LADIES – Create your own customized handbags and get a sneak peak of Open Runway’s upcoming custom shoe collection. Discover you inner designer and design your own luxury leather handbag with our interactive online design studio. While you’re at it, get measured for your very own custom made bra. Zyrra takes 10 measurements in 10 minutes and guarantees a perfect fit.

GUYS – Get measured and order your own custom-made Thread Tradition luxury dress shirts from lead eTailor and Style Advisor: Jack Reyer.

To top things off, Boston Globe acclaimed Stylist, Naomi Mirando will be on hand at the May 5th event to share the latest fashion trends and help you create a unique, one-of-a-kind fashion statement. You’ll even have a chance to win a free wardrobe consultation.

THE SCOOP

Open Runway will have sample bags on display and an endless assortment of leather swatches. Mix and mingle and have a few drinks while you mix and match handbag styles and leather combinations to create the perfect handbag that truly matches your style.At the end of the evening we’ll have a little design contest where you can show off your designs to win a prize. You’ll be able to order anything you design, should you choose, but there is no obligation to buy. We just want you to have fun, be creative and share your feedback on this truly unique customization experience.

Thread Tradition will have samples from their product lines including two brand new fabrics! You will be able to feel the quality and inspect the craftsmanship of each of our products. The samples, as well as each of our sold shirts, come standard with: mother of pearl buttons, metal collar stays and monograms. We believe in providing the best shirts posisble are honored to show our custom-made products and would sincerly appreciate your feedback.

Zyrra will have certified fit specialists on hand to fit you for the perfect bra. Bring your girlfriends. Bra shopping just got easier, quicker and more fun. We hope you’ll come and enjoy a fashioanable night out and enjoy a few drinks wtih us! We’ve got 2 dates planned. Choose whatever works for you. Just make sure to RSVP in advance.

We hope you’ll come and enjoy a fashionable night out and enjoy a few drinks with us! We’ve got 2 dates planned. Choose whatever works for you. Just make sure to RSVP in advance.

To RSVP,  visit: http://designyourownfashion.eventbrite.com/

Do you love shoes as much as we do?

Tell us about your favorite pair for a chance to win $100!

Remember The Cobblettes we recently did a blog about? Well they are taking their shoemaking expertise on the road to Atlanta (well Athens). The 2 day Beginner Shoemaking Workshop will take place October 30th and 31st in Athens, Georgia.

This is a really unique opportunity to learn how to make a pair of custom shoes from NYC’s own shoemaking guru Emily Putterman-Handler. If you have any interest in shoemaking, this workshop is highly recommended.

Listen to what Rhae, a former student of Emily’s, had to say about her experience in the class:

“I am a shoenista, but it can be hard to find shoes that fit. After taking Emily’s class I’ve learned to make my own custom shoes. I love making unique designer quality shoes with my own hands.”

There’s only a limited number of spots and registration closes 7 days before the seminar so you better sign up soon. For more information on the workshop and to reserve a spot head over to The Cobblette’s website.