Local fashion designer Deborah Roberts won this week’s 2014 Independent Designer Runway Show during Fashion Week at The Bellevue Collection for her collection Silvae. In addition to the title of this 3rd annual event, Roberts also received a prize package including $5,000 provided by The Bellevue Collection and the Kemper Freeman family.

Her designs are now being featured in seven free-standing Fashion Frames located throughout Bellevue Square through the end of October.

Roberts was one of 10 local designers who were selected to compete in a five-month long mentorship program, where local fashion leaders coached and offered their insight on creating a sellable 10-piece collection.The panel consisted of Laura Cassidy of Seattle Met magazine, Dana Dickenson, Bellevue Collection Merchant Representative, Bruce Pflaumer of Michael Bruce Image Consulting, Patricia Wolfkill, a 20-year veteran of the fashion industry, Marj Turner of Fashion Group International and Terri Morgan from TCM Models and Talent.

According to the judges, Roberts was selected because her “designs best represented the Seattle look.” Silvae, which means “of the woods” in Latin, is a Seattle based, ready-to-wear line that is produced domestically. She is inspired by her surroundings throughout the Pacific Northwest, resulting in a collection that includes feminine silhouettes, organic shapes and a love for the surreal, which can be seen in her fabric prints developed with artist Olivia Knapp. silvaeofthewoods.com

Lu, by Jenny Fort, was awarded the runner-up position earning a $1,000 cash prize. The other designers who also competed include Cuddy by Brian Cuddy, Boho Republic by Tina Witherspoon, Fioravanti by Mia Fioravanti, Calotype by Kristie Metcalf, Klad Apparel by Melanie Trygg, April Pride by April Pride, Tom Ordonio by Tom Ordonio, and Rebekah Adams by Rebekah Adams.

Dsigns by Deborah Roberts