For three nights the Mezzanine level of the Driskill Hotel has to be called “Runway Central” for designers and vendors to show off their newest collections.  Not only did the runway preview some of the most refined collections I have seen in this town to date, it also brought out Austin’s highest heels, short dresses and was just a good reason to dress up.  And the guys were stylin’ pretty nicely too!  The highlight of the night was young “tween” Austin designer Isabella Rose.  Take notice about this little fashion firecracker!

During her video interview (coming) she was a poised as anyone twice her age and I had to remind myself she was only 12.  She rattled off answers on camera like she had done it forever.  There is a bright fashion future for this designer and it was nice to see the addition of a girls line add to runway  line up.

For the next night of runway shows Texas made a big showing and the finale was from Rare Trends from Argentina.

On the final night, friends of designer Ross Bennett and three of his NBC Fashion Star co-stars Sarah Parrott, Nzimiro Oputa and Nikki Poulos premiered  their collections…and it was certainly fun to talk with them backstage to find out the scoop about Ross!

Enjoy the pictures from the Fashionably Austin photo team who managed from a very crowded press riser.

August 15, 2012
Runway Collections  - Lisa Kaminski, Jacksonville, FL,  Ashley Zaba (Barrie, Ontario)  IsabellaRose Fashion (Austin), BOBBYK Design (Gainesville, FL) Tess Designs (Austin)

Marketplace Collections –  JaHanna Martinez (Astoria, NY) Over The Moon (Lubbock, TX) Avione’s Little Boutique (Kileen, TX) Valentina Shoes (Austin)

All Hair by Bella Salon – Josh Martin Lead Hair Stylist and Makeup by FaceKandy.

August 16, 2012 –
Runway Collections  - Boudoir Queen (Smithville)  Sarah Eileen (Georgetown)  House of Krimson (San Antonio)  Savannah Red (Austin)  Rare Trends (Argentina)

Market Place Collections – Projectncy, Cynthia Bloom, Jeannie Vianney, Bombshell, Alondons

Hair by Azia Salon – Makeup by FaceKandy

August 17, 2012
Runway Collections – Ashley Nicole Maternity (San Antonio) Ken Tyler (Richardson, TX) Herff Christiansen (Austin) League of Rebels (Dallas) Vian Hunter (Seattle) Parrott by Sarah Parrott (Georgia) Nzimiro Oputa (NYC)  Nikki Poulos (Florida)

Hair by Salon by milk + honey – Makeup by FaceKandy

To view the pictures below,

Click on the picture, it will take you to our Smug mug gallery, click on the large picture again,  the thumbnails will pop up displaying the entire gallery.

You can save the Austin Fashion Week memory by ordering prints taken by Gregg Cestaro or Sparky Anderson.  (the watermarks will not be shown on ordered prints)

August 15, 2012	August 16, 2012

August 17, 2012