Mayor Carolyn Goodman Declares “Dapper Factory Day” at Grand Opening of The Dapper Factory
The first and only garment manufacturing company in Nevada, The Dapper Factory, opened its’ doors to the public for the first time on Thursday evening, May 8, 2014 (Photo credit: Zach Adam Photography).
Dapper Factory Ribbon Cutting with owner Derek Smoot, designer David Tupaz and Mayor Goodman
Photo credit: FashionFeedLV.
The Factory opened promptly at 6 pm, when Mayor Carolyn Goodman pronounced May 8, 2014 “Dapper Factory Day,” and presented an inaugural endorsement speech along with a proclamation certificate to Derek Smoot, the owner and designer for Dapper Industries and founder of the Dapper Factory.
Dapper Factory Ribbon Cutting with owner Derek Smoot, designer David Tupaz and Mayor Goodman
Photo credit: FashionFeedLV.
“Derek Smoot …had a vision, not only to create a hub that would bring awareness for local designers and provide for better quality control of the making of his products for Dapper Industries, but that would alleviate the need to outsource manufacturing, keeping sales revenue in the state of Nevada,” said Mayor Goodman. More than people 250 people attended the brand new garment manufacturing company at 2325 Western Ave. in downtown Las Vegas, located just one block northwest from the Las Vegas Strip off of Sahara.
Photo credit: FashionFeedLV
Photo credit: Zach Adam Photography.
After the Mayor presented at the ribbon cutting ceremony, the runway fashion show kicked off, where twenty posh female and male models showed off looks of six of the resident designers who displayed products for sale at the Dapper Factory.
Design by Vegas Couture & Louisa Voisine Millinery
Photo credit: Zach Adam Photography.
The fashion show took place outside on the elevated catwalk stage and featured the following designers in order of appearance:
- Kate Swim women’s swim wear / Rhinestones & Razor Blades hand-crafted jewelry
- BlueFit Clothing yoga & athletic apparel for women
- Sabra Kadabra swimsuits, cover-ups and dresses
- Student Showcase featuring CRC
- Vegas Couture women’s sophisticatedd classics / Louisa Voisine Millinery Kentucky-derby-style hats
- David Tupaz Couture high-end women’s formal wear and ready-to-wear
- Dapper Industries men’s accessories
Freak Show Dance Group
Photo credit: Zach Adam Photography.
Closing out the last act of the fashion show was a breakdance group from San Diego, Freak Show, who entertained guests with a special 5-minute guest performance complete with upbeat back flips, contorted twists, backbends and headstands.
Freak Show Dance Group
Photo credit: Zach Adam Photography.
Additional event highlights include:
- Music performances by the band Almost Normal and singer Josh Benitez
- DJ Mike with High Flyin’ Entertainment accompanied the fashion show & party
- Complimentary Hors d’oeuvres provided by Chef Kas
- Southern-style BBQ served with proceeds to benefit the Fashion Hope Charity
- Complimentary drinks provided by Body Shots Tequila
Dapper Factory Owner Derek Smoot with Freak Show Dance Group
Photo credit: FashionFeedLV.
“Las Vegas thrives on style, high fashion and class. I wanted to create a home for local fashion brands to showcase their talent and add some flare to the Las Vegas retail district. I couldn’t feel more thrilled about the dynamic new clients we’re servicing and our ever-present capacity for growth,” said Derek Smoot, owner of Dapper Industries and the Dapper Factory.
Chef Kas’ Complimentary Hors d’oeuvres
Photo credit: Zach Adam Photography.
Catherine Treu of FashionFeedLV posing with Dapper Factory owner Derek Smoot
Photo credit: FashionFeedLV.
Derek Smoot and his garment manufacturer Lupe Calderon founded The Dapper Factory. The opening of the Dapper Factory is a product of the vision of the Vegas Fashion Project and The Las Vegas Fashion Design Council as well as the collaboration of a team including: David Tupaz – contributor, Derek Smoot owner, Josh Dismond – organizer, Christina Roman – fashion show coordinator, V-Asian TV’s Carl Magno and Bill Bon and the Dapper Factory designers.