An estimated 75 fashionable folks who help make, shake, run and invest in the Austin fashion industry, mingled at the Aloft Hotel at the Domain on Wednesday night. This was the first event of its kind to help connect people with similar interests and fashion needs. The Aloft Hotel provided a fantastic space for the event….if you have not had a chance to check it out, you need to drop by.
Fashionably Austin also partnered with Karavel Shoes and Soles for Souls for the night to collect shoes for the victims of the Haiti earthquake. The container for the drive over-flowed with new or used comfortable and practical footware that will be shipped by Karavel Shoes to Soles for Souls which will deliver them to the Haiti earthquake survivors. To learn more about Soles for Soles at www.soles4souls.org and Karavel Shoes at www.karavelshoes.com.
Cheryl and Melissa thanked the crowd for attending, gave a brief background about Fashionably Austin and how it is their mission to spread the word about the growing Austin fashion community. They also introduced their New York Fashion Week Sponsors.
Chloe Dao – This Project Runway Season 2 winner and successful clothing designer also has created a designer luggage collection. The Dao Chloe Dao for Nuo computer accessory and travel bags can be found at Austin’s Parts and Labour and in specialty boutiques throughout the country. Chloe’s bags will hold all of Melissa and Cheryl’s computer and camera equipment…in style! Nuo is located in Austin, TX (contact is Ty Rarick) www.chloedao.com. www.nuo-tech.com
Giacomo Forbes - Celebrity Hair Stylist for icons such as Sandra Bullock and Sarah Jessica Parker is also a Shear Genius contestant for the spring season beginning February 3! Giacomo’s hair design studio is located in Bella Salon on 6th Street in Austin. Giacomo provided new looks for the New York trip for the gals. Check out his personal hair care line at www.giacomoforbes.com
Cupidz Clozet – Owner Robin Campbell has created a 100% philitrophic online boutique that features vintage jewelry, handbags and accessories from classic designers like Chanel that are hand-selected from the fashion capitals of the world. Robin also announced that $1500 would be sent to the Souls for Souls organization on behalf of the event from her company. Thank you! AND all the happy hour food was sponsored b y Cupidz Clozet. www.cupidzclozet.com
Marnie Cooper – This Austin designer has created the beautiful Marnie Bugs collection of handbag, footware, and leather cuffs. Her collections can be found in boutiques across America and at www.marniebugs.com.
Cynthia Bloom – What’s more original that jewelry designed from antique glass beads found in forgotten corners of the Czech Republic? Cynthia’s unique and eclectic necklaces and earrings can be found in more than 200 locations throughout the United States and at www.cynthiabloom.com.
Kendra Scott - One of Austin’s most celebrated jewelry designers has been featured in national magazines and her designs were recently worn on TV by Rachael Ray, Elisabeth Hassleback of The View, and on the Today Show. Kendra has showrooms in Austin, Dallas, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and New York. www.kendrascott.com
Aldea – This Austin company provides fair trade, wholesale products to stores around the country and sells their handmade scarves, clothing and accessories at their online store at www.aldeaartisans.com.
After the event, folks gathered for more information provided by the Austin Company, NetSpray. This company provides technology to maximize social media marketing and more. More information coming on this and we will provide examples soon.
The next Fashionably Connected Networking event is planned for March 24.
Attendees included:
Rosemarie Frezza – The Agency + ; Bonnie Martin Designs; Sterling Images, Jennifer Victorian – NetSpray; Rachel Elsberry – Pickie Pie Productions; Rachelle Briton Designs; Tracy Tenpenny – Jewelry; Claudia Daniel – ULTA Cosmetics; M. Katelyn d’Estes - Hair Stylist; Giacomo Forbes – Celebrity Hair Stylist; Amy Holton Designs; Cynthia Bloom Collectible Jewelry; Jo Cobb – Formosa Vida; Malissa Long Wearables; Melissa Nicewarner Daly – Fashion Show Producer; Good Libations; Jay Jacuzzi – Karavel Shoes; Julie Taylor – Breeze Salon; Anne Marie Beard – Designer; Brianna Herriott – Breeze Salon; Johnny Stevens – Horizon Film + Video; Rene Geneva – Designer; Spring Castillo – Designer Clearance House; Austin W. Morton – Austin Monthly Magazine; Spot on Style; Lauren Polt – Chicka-D Designs; Amy McMurrough – McMurrough PR and Marketing; Mica Milar – Spot on Style; Ty Rarick, Nuo (Chloe Dao); Jane Rash – Austin Woman Magazine; Rochelle Rae – Rae Cosmetics; Anthony Dominguez – Dominic Anton Models and Fashion; Stephanie Fraide – Colours Marie
