Austin’s pool of talented fashion designers just got a little bigger. We were introduced to Rachelle Briton at a little gathering of approximately 800 guests at the Cedar Park Center for the Healthy Woman Anniversary Celebration presented by Cedar Park Regional Medical Center.
The second year event included local health vendors, a sit down banquet dinner, a fashion show with fashions from Rochelle and RunTex and the guest speaker was Linda Armstrong Kelly, Lance Armstrong’s mother.
I would like to personally thank my friend Carrie Pitt for the invitation. Fun night with a special friend and mentor.
Enjoy the pictures from the premiere fashion show and be sure to check out Rachelle’s website. Jewelry was provided by Austin jewelry designer Tracy Tenpenny.
Is it just me or does the holiday shopping extravaganza get started earlier and earlier every year? As a kid, it seemed to be the unwritten rule that the holiday decorations appear in the stores right after Thanksgiving, end of story. I also grew up with the don’t wear white after labor day rule too, so I guess rules now are bent.
The inaugural Shop 787 holiday shopping event had to be a bit reorganized due to mother nature’s rain but shoppers on a mission gathered holiday finds for the people on their lists. It was fun to see the many talents of Austin vendors. I had the opportunity to finally meet designers I have known just by the name of their business and found new contacts that I will certainly add to the growing list for the website.
Below are some pictures from the event and be sure to make note of some of the new faces on the Austin Designer circuit.
The newest store in Austin, Teddies for Bettys, is everything a little, quaint and cottage-feeling boutique should feel like in Austin. The renovated home, with it’s hardwood floors, freshly painted walls and eclectic fixtures, has a calm and customer-minded atmosphere. This store offers many afforadble options for beautiful loungewear, frilly bras and panties without breaking your budget. In fact, I would certainly recommend this as a destination shopping spot if you’re a big Victoria Secret shopper for sure.
When you drop in the store owner Ashley Kelsch will more than likely be on hand to help you pick out a little something naughty or something frilly and nice.
I wish the store much success as the new kid on the South first block.
The annual fashion show, Runway to Heaven was an evening of fashion featuring local and international talent. The venue created the perfect atmosphere to explore the new designs. It was an eclectic, but simple backdrop to entertain hundreds of attendees who enjoyed refreshments from local favorites. If you love to people watch, it is worth a ticket. A mighty fine looking group if you ask me!
Four fashion collections were featured for the show. Versace (menswear) from Keepers, Poleci (pronounced Policy), Austin designer Linda Asaf and Alexandra King who debuted her first collection to the Austin crowd. Emcees for the gala were Todd Boatwright, News 8 Austin’s morning anchor and Rachel Elsberry, Pickie Pie Productions.
The host/planning committee include:
Alex Griffin, Barbara Kelso, Brandi James, Connie Bakonyi, Crystal Handy, Dennis Karbach, Donaji Lira, Jill McGuckin, Jo Cobb, Kevin Smothers, Melissa Nicewarner, Linh Nguyen, Mark Mueller, Matt Swinney, Mindy Wong, Nora Comstock, Rachel Elsberry, Robert Brown, Ronda & Kelly Gray, Sara Kennedy and Venus Strawn.
The event was co-sponsored by the Austin American Statesman and its luxury magazine, Glossy. The magazine’s Glossy 8 Style Maker Award winners include Christine Perrault Moline, Trent Thurman, Andrea McWilliams, Coi Burruss, Elizabeth and Benjamin Serrato, Sylvia Orozco, Maria Groten and Nancy Scanlan.
A portion of proceeds will benefit The Austin Children’s Shelter and The Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas through the Children’s Medical Center Foundation of Central Texas.
Video of the fashion show coming soon. Take a look at some of the beautiful collections below.
To get a jump start on your holiday shopping, begin this weekend at the Shop 787 event. More than 50 local business will join together at the Mosaic at Mueller offering you unique holiday gifts.
Your ticket to Shop787 grants you access to the hottest local businesses, designers, artists, salons and some of the most unique gifts from your hometown. Enjoy an open bar and take advantage of the uber-cool local “food court” with inexpensive, upscale samplings from some of Austin’s favorite restaurants.
Advance tickets are $5. Advance ticket-holders will be given line priority if we meet fire marshall capacity, so it’s highly recommend you purchase tickets in advance.
Also, PLEASE bring a book for Dell Children’s Hospital even if you purchase your tickets in advance.
Day-of tickets are $10 (or $5 if you bring a book for the Dell Children’s Hospital). Kids under the age of 12 get in free.
For more information, click here and Happy Holidays.
Sponsored by Launch 787, Time Warner Cable and Mix 94.7
Stars in Your Eyes Optical Boutique celebrated their 10 year anniversary operating on Congress Avenue in “eyewear style” with cake, adult beverages (of course) and an eyewear fashion show. Local media celebs walked the walk and looked the look along with other models to show the latest trends in traditional eyewear and sunglasses. Dresses for the show were provided by The Dress Shop and menswear looks were from Keepers.
Here’s lookin’ at another 10 years making Austin eyes look fashionable from Stars in Your Eyes.
Earlier this month in New York City at the Kendra Scott showroom, a very special collection was added to the already very successful Kendra Scott Jewelry brand. The “I Do” Collection incorporates an elegant look for the bride and bridal party offering soft colors that match current trends for bridesmaid dresses.
Kendra was inspired to design the collection after struggling to find the perfect gems for her own recent wedding. Unlike bridesmaid dresses and being told you can “wear it after the wedding”…well, once you take a look at this collection, these jewels will certainly be worn after the ceremony…really!
I recently talked with Kendra in her Austin showroom and she talked about the new pieces.
When Austin-based Nuo Tech was looking for a designer to help create a “fashion-forward” look for their travel accessories, they found the perfect match AND fellow Texan, Chloe Dao. Dao, Project Runway winner Season 2, was excited about the challenge and has created a dynamic collection of travel accessories for the brand.
The Houston native has brought together function and “toteability” for all of your technology gadgets, laptop bags, totes, sleeves, backpacks, briefcases and more. Chloe is also involved in all aspects of the design process from designing the prints to the where you’re going to store your stuff on the inside.
Nuo Tech is creates eco-friendly carrying cases for laptops, cell phones, travel and many other mobile technology products including womens laptop bags, totes and accessories, laptop sleeves, messenger bags backpacks, professional briefcases and travel gear.
