Ooh la la! We don’t know whether it was the Style Lounge cocktails, Ayoka Lucas’ outstanding Sarah Parrott turquoise cut-out mini-dress, or the sexy moves of opening performers DanceFX, but something had the crowd super turned on at last night’s day three of Charleston Fashion Week. Suffice it to say, the tents were positively sizzling with energy.

Having procured a drink amongst the throngs of beautiful people checking out Stella & Dot accessories and Nicholas Lane Jewelry in the Style Lounge, it was time to take our seats. There on the runway sat one folding chair. Stymied, I anticipated a leggy model sitting down for a rest, but oh no, pulsing beats took over and the evening began with DanceFX girls taking the stage. The phrase “buns of steel” came to mind as the beautiful threesome bopped it out, working the crowd into a hot and bothered frenzy.

A frenzy perfectly timed I must say, as retail participant Copper Penny stormed the runway as the first retail collection of the night. Barely there garments with chic pops of color was the theme. Tangerines, neon pinks, and bright yellows blazed in blouses and a bedazzled pair of shorts. Sleek ponytails on each model kept the focus on the clothing, which was all about preppy.

King Street fave V2V was the next retailer on deck, and they didn’t disappoint with bouffant hair and summer wear dialed up for a sultry night out in the Holy City. A floor-length double-slit red skirt with an off-the-shoulder black top ignited applause. Expect to see local fashionistas ditching the mini skirt this season in trade for the peek-a-boo look of this thigh-high-slit hemline.

While Ayoka graced the screen for the Last Look beauty segment, I scoped out the judges across from me. Mycheal Knight, K. Cooper Ray, Cameron Silver, Lindsey Carter, and the stunning Real Housewives of Atlanta star Cynthia Bailey sat sentry—CFW’s posh supreme court.

Luckily the judges were all smiles as the first of five Emerging Designers, Nancy Faw Crowell’s clown-inspired children’s collection walked out. We might have to create an entire kids’ fashion week next year, because 2012 has been all about the tiny tots. And how could it not with one of Crowell’s adorable mini-models sporting a felt elephant vest, newsies cap, and lunch pail wandered the runway looking like little boy lost. Hearts melted as an older model (his big sister perhaps?) guided him back in line for the final walk.

Charleston’s own Vartika Vikram brought us out of the big top with her self-proclaimed “modern soft-sculpted” aesthetic. And it was all about the tailoring. An exquisite sheer white stunner opened the collection. Ruffled ballerina skirts paired with crisp off-white blouses with deep V cuts and scoop backs had the audience in awe. A few pops of forest green made appearances in a flowing mini skirt and plunging sundress. Should a plane ticket to the French Riviera arrive in my inbox today, this is the collection I’d wear on the trip.

For Jordan Lee Brooks, color-blocking was key. The 23-year-old designer implemented custards, grays, blacks, and golds in fresh short bubble dresses and skirts, along with a very Sandy from Grease-style black legging with crop top ensemble. The color scheme certainly felt fall, and his winter white driving jacket would be perfect for a chilly autumn walk on the Battery.

Ready-to-wear pair Amy Cochran Quinn and Kelly Elizabeth Ruehlman came next with an eclectic collection. Furry puce shirts and skirts paired with plum prints were juxtaposed against a lime, white, pink, and blue color-blocked dress. The dueling visions of these two young designers were clearly at play, though perhaps also a bit at odds.

Closing out the Emerging Designer shows was Hazel Bae. I was reminded of last year’s winner Charlotte Hess, as Bae debuted knit sweater dresses complete with furry headbands. But the show departed from an entirely wool collection using white jersey, black leather, and possibly a little rainbow airbrush detailing in a full-length dress and hot biker pants.

As if that wasn’t enough fashion sensory overload, the audience got the ultimate treat. NBC Fashion Star contestants and the night’s Featured Designers Sarah Parrott, Luciana Scarabello, and Nikki Poulos arrived. And boy did these made-for-TV designers bring their A-game.

Argentine beauty Luciana Scarabello debuted Bebe-worthy bandage dresses in black and gray. If one was looking to make an impression, this would be the collection to wear. Hello! Every curve popped from these tight, tailored numbers, reminding me of the saying, “If you got it, flaunt it!”

Aussie native Nikki Poulos was all about festive color—think beach-party chic. An off-white with red patterned blouse and pant felt 1940s sophisticated. And the designer’s sleek floor- and knee-length dresses looked both comfortable and super stylish. Post beach burn, these would be the perfect dresses to throw on for a summer rooftop cocktail.

Finally, CFW 2011 alum Sarah Parrott took the floor. She did her classmates proud, with a tailored, tummy-flashing zip-up suit jacket and pants, leather mini dress, and fringed skirt and hoody with leather elbow detailing. Soffe-esque shorts done in maroon leather were my personal favorite, think track shorts gone wild. Clearly, this rock-n-roll-ready, designer mom has a future in fashion, be it on television or otherwise.

And the Winners Are…
• Vartika Vikram won last night’s Emerging Designer competition to move onto the finals Saturday night!
• Nancy Faw Crowell won Thursday night’s People’s Choice award.

Today!
• Don’t miss the last day of the Marion Square Pop-Up Shop, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Coming Tonight!
• Pre-partying at the Style Lounge starts at 6 p.m. DJ Paradime will be spinning tunes.
• Watch models face-off in the Rock the Runway Competition.
• Check out Featured Designer: Chris Benz.
• Plus, see five Emerging Designer debuts and shows from Gwynn’s of Mt. Pleasant and Mary Mojo.
• After the Style Lounge closes at 11 p.m., the festivities continue at The Music Farm, featuring McKenzie Eddy, Damon Dash, Boogie DJ, and Sean O’Connell.

For the schedule, click here.

For tickets, click here.

To check out photo galleries from last night’s shows, click here.