Austin’s record heat was no match for the heat generated at Wednesday’s Austin Fashion Week Resort & Swimwear fashion show at the Driskill!
The evening brought out Austin’s fashionistas for their first taste of the Driskill’s runway shows and fun events all over the city like Kendra Scott’s Girl’s Night Out, East Side Cycle Soiree, Bella Bridesmaid, Moss Designer Consignment and more.
Austin Fashion Week Day 5 Video Recap
Swim & Resort Collections at the Driskill
The third night of Austin Fashion Week was all about looking fabulous under the sun with Resort and Swimwear presentations from La Perla, James Tudor, Everything But Water, and Tikini Hut. Hannah Jones from America’s Next Top Model Cycle 16 strutted down the runway along with other models from the Wilhelmina Brown Agency. Our Fashion Reporter shares all the details in her report from the runway on FashionablyAustin.com.
A fashionable crowd turned out to celebrate Austin Fashion Week at Kendra Scott Jewelry. Kendra has created a very successful business from her days of walking Austin’s streets selling her designs store to store. Now Kendra’s designs can be seen on celebrities, in magazine layouts, and on TV shows such as Rachel Ray. Kendra recently opened a boutique in Beverly Hills – so you must stop in her Austin boutique to see her glamourous collection sold coast to coast.
Artists, musicians, and fashionistas joined together to support the Austin Cyclists Association at Wednesday’s Austin Fashion Week event. The event featured clothing designs by John Castro of Kastro Kills, jewelry by Green Goat Designs and hair and makeup by Method Hair.
Drinks were furnished by Treaty Oak Distilling Co. and food was provided by Freebirds World Burrito. Entertainment for the evening was provided by DJ Lord Pyro and Best Best Best Friends Band.
Fashion Reporter Soloni Behl stopped by Bella Bridesmaid, owned by Caycee Harris and Kim Spardelin, who hosted a beautiful Austin Fashion Week event complete with champagne, a band, and featuring bridal designer Jessica Ciarla of Ciarla Bride and hat designer Lana Chu of Lana Chu Designs.
Ciarla has a bridal showroom in Austin in addition to her collection at Bella Bridesmaid. Ciarla offers brides a custom design service for the woman who wants a one-of-a-kind creation for their wedding day.
Millner Lana Chu showed off an impressive hat collection featuring the finest materials that she sources herself from exotic places such as Paris and India. Lana Chu is sold at Bella Bridesmaid and takes custom made orders.
Photography Provided by Andrea Wong
Moss Designer Consignment Features New Designers Petrecia & Monique
Soloni also attended an event at MOSS Designer Consignment on South Lamar Street. It was held in their boutique and hosted Petrecia & Monique Fashion Designs who started designing in February and were showcasing their first collection. Petrecia & Monique are based in San Antonio and are now selling their designs which are inspired by military and rocker bands.
Photography Provided By Andrea Wong
Designer Beth McElhaney Shows New Collection at Austin Fashion Week
Beth McElhaney is a very inspirational, artistic woman. From her hard work ethic to her flamboyant personality, she was the first person in a crowded room that our Fashion Reporter Elizabeth Butler wanted to strike up an insightful conversation with. Beth is the owner and creator of her own company, Personal Adornments and she has designed a line of carefully crafted fine silver, sterling silver, and gold-filled accents in a sophisticated creation.
Ms. McElhaney often uses gemstones, freshwater pearls, as well as vintage and contemporary glass in her jewelry designs from materials all over the world. Beth has recently created a new line called HautewIre structured in what she describes as an “organic” design. HautewIre is a design which includes very thin silver strands, almost like fishing line, which ties in stones onto the silver base in which she creates her pieces. Another line which seemed to spark the interest of many was the ethnic line which were comprised of large beads from all over the world, strung together and fastened to cuffs, chains, etc.
Austin Fashion Week Sale at Dress Shop
The Dress Shop boutique at 315 Congress Avenue had a great accessories sale throughout the day on Wednesday. Shiny necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings, handbags and more were buy one, get one 1/2 off! Great opportunity to complete your fall looks with this once-a-year event! Fashion Reporter Noemi Ortiz stopped by to see what goodies owner Leslie Gandy had on hand.
UT Inspired Make-up and Fashion
Dolce Salon hosted an evening filled with makeovers by Joelle Maryn, makeup artist and owner of Cattiva Cosmetics, fashion by Jodi Sehwaben, designer of Bolsita Bebe, and jewelry by Gretchen Grimm of Black & Bluebird Studios. The evening presented a lovely compact palette from Cattiva Cosmetics that was inspired by University of Texas colors, appropriately titled “Game Time”. Stylist Nikki Hodgkins covered the evening’s event for Fashionably Austin, click here for her full article at the University of Texas inspired cosmetic color palette by Cattiva.
On Tuesday night, designers from around Texas and the Unites States came together to show off their designs at the beautiful Driskill Hotel; and our Fashion Reporter Rebecca Gonzalez had the privilege of talking to some of these amazing jewelry designers. Designers from Austin, Houston, Laredo, Dallas, and even New York and San Francisco presented gorgeous creations made from brass, silver, and gold ranging in such unique items as stingray skin, guitar strings and nylon-coated stainless steel.
Tracy Tenpenny showed us her edgy side with designs inspired by her very own name! Models strutted down the runway wearing a shawl, belt, anklets all made out of tenpenny weight nails. A very unexpected and delightful concept for the evening’s runway show.
New York designer Meghan Patrice Riley’s showcased works inspired by the flexibility and strength of nylon- coated stainless steel to weave and crochet bracelets and necklaces with a lightweight voluminous feel. She said, “I love the volume and bold look of these pieces, but they are so lightweight and airy!” Also creating jewelry from metal wire is Dallas designer Abbie Chesney for Eye on the Sparrow Designs. She uses guitar strings to create funky and bold jewelry. She uses the reclaimed strings to create a “restoration” piece as a way to connect music lovers to musicians.
Creating bold and daring pieces is Laredo designer Patricia de Leon for Leonatti. She has spent much of her time learning and getting inspiration from Jewelry Capitol San Miguel deAllende, Mexico. And although her pieces are bold and chunky, her use of pearls and ribbons keeps them young, fresh and feminine. Another bold, daring designer is Austin-based Leighelena. Her use of exotic skins like stingray, anaconda, and python make some very unique and exciting accessories!
Photography By Dark Flame Studios
La Belle Vie Soiree
Mirror Mirror Salon created a French Carnivale inspired Austin Fashion Week event that was a visual and sensual delight. The soiree featured headpieces and accessories by Megan Pinto Designs and bridal fashions by CiarlaBridal. The evening featured fabulous entertainment with carnival games, adult Italian icees, a balloon artist, and photo booth.
Musical entertainment was provided by Ava Arenella, drinks from Cinco Vodka, Waialua & Dos XX, food from Kurant Catering and Sarabelles, fun and fashion including the latest styles from CiarlaBridal,
Hill Country Galleria Events
On Tuesday, Austin Fashion Week circled the wagons around the Hill Country Galleria with all but three events focused in the beautiful shopping destination. Fashion Reporter Soloni Behl hit the pedestrian-friendly upscale fashion boutiques and share’s her Austin Fashion Week evening on the town.
Thanks to Gregg Cestaro Photography for providing event coverage of the Hill Country Galleria events.
Runway Ready by Milk & Honey
” The Hill Country Galleria events were creative, amazing, and a lot of fun. The first showcase I attended was “Briolette Jewelry” hosted by Milk + Honey Salon with food provided by Sugar Pop Sweet Shop. It was an intimate affair that was semi casual it felt like a dessert party! Guests got a chance to look at the newest jewelry designs by Nicole Martinez and Jayne Malasko. The designers were best friends who started their business in 2009 and have quickly began to expand their business. The jewelry is made in Austin and Los Angeles the pieces were trendy, whimsical, and unique.”
Francesca’s – Little Bit of Glitz and Glam
“The second event I attended was hosted by Francesca’s Collections featuring “Jewelry by Ally” designed by Allison Schwaba which was handcrafted jewelry and hair accessories. The afternoon started off with sparkling champagne, beautiful clothing, and trendy accessories. The event gave off a stylish, and youthful vibe. The clothes were fun, on trend, and the accessories were colorful with bit of a vintage vibe. Ally was a 24 year old designer who started out making earrings as a hobby then had requests from tons of friends and eventually she turned it into a business. “Jewelry by Ally” created beautiful colorful earrings, feather hair extensions, it was very playful, and hipster looking jewelry perfect for the younger generations!”
Apricot Lane
“Apricot Lane was the third event I attended which was promoted “Gabs Bags” designed by the talented Gabrielle Ledesma. Gabrielle designed new bags and even took old vintage bags and adding new materials, and twists here and there to create all new handbags! Gabrielle does custom orders and sells her bags on etsy.com”
Toni & Guy
“Last but not least, I attended the Toni & Guy showcase, a runway show featuring intricate hair designs, and elaborate makeup on the models. Store manager Sara Fuentes gave us a tour of the gorgeous and modern salon and gave away generous swag bags containing hair products and coupons! Lucky me!”
Monday night of Austin Fashion Week was busy with our reporters all over the city attending a variety of events. The events for the evening were all centered in downtown Austin which is the best place to be during Austin Fashion Week. From charity fashion shows, amazing accessory designers to making your own screen print tee – the evening was an essential Austin adventure.
Daily Video Recap – Austin Fashion Week Day 3
Waterstone Aesthetics Presents MODE-KEI
Fashion Reporter Laura Hamilton attended charity fashion show Monday night at Waterstone Aesthetics. The full-service medical spa and hair salon teamed up with the Japan American Society this year for a charity fashion show benefitting the victims of the earthquake and tsunami victims in Japan.
The runway show featured three categories of Japanese-inspired looks: harajuku, origami, and traditional geisha. The harajuku looks had an Austin-inspired punk rock feel with models wearing trends seen around the city such as skinny jeans paired with tank tops designed by Alchemy, fishnet tights, ripped jean shorts, combat boots, and of course, fabulous hair and makeup done by the Waterstone Aesthetics team. Jennifer Ayers constructed the origami looks which featured intricately crafted origami pieces attached to gorgeous flowy dresses, while the geisha models displayed traditional geisha wardrobe, hair, and makeup.
As part of Austin Fashion Week, The WonderCraft, located at 1601 E. Cesar Chavez, is offering two events this week. Our Fashion Reporter Noemi Ortiz attended Monday nights event titled Re:Fashion w/Screenprinting. The event gave people an opportunity to bring in a t-shirt, a bag or other item and screen print it to add a little oomph! Some screens included tools, a princess crown, a Texas shape and a sewing machine. I took a simple zebra tote bag and had one of the gals screen print “Be Awesome” in hot pink letters. Other gals and guys upgraded their items and had a chance to try sample of soda by Rollerfeet, samples of chocolate by Chocbite and take a glam picture by Ultralicious Photography. Also, Teresa Basa, a local Austin jewelry designer, was on hand to show her unique metal pieces.
The WonderCraft is a great place to come and do something fun and meet new people. They have a Craft Bar with vast supply of paints, tools and other items. So you can come and make a cool new item out a used one or buy something that’s totally handmade and unique. The next event will be Thursday, August 25, called Get Hammered where you can make personalized hammered jewelry.
Photos Provided by Noemi Ortiz
VIP Happy Hour at The Studio in Austin
The Studio, which opened in June, is an accessories and apparel boutique featuring many talented Austin designers. Owner Paige Nelson Murphy, has a background as a wholesale buyer and provides space for vendors of apparel design, gift and accessories. Our fashion photography Sparky Anderson was on hand for the Austin Fashion Week event and had a chance to speak to several of the businesses associated with The Studio. FaceKandy, make-up by Kandy Glass is a partner and the main reason she chose this location was to take advantage of the 2nd Street District destination shoppers. Most of her customers are wedding parties and happy repeat customers. Milli Starr by milliner Laura Del Villaggio has her collection based there as well. Her custom designed hats and fascinators are well-known and loved in Austin. The Austin Yarn Company has a selection of felted wool handbags designed by Cathie Hutchins. Cathie’s bags are “rinse, dry, & go” and come in a variety of colorful designs. Simmang Design by owner Jillian Summang makes one of kind jewelry designs and sells on Esty as well. The VIP Happy Hour was an enjoyable event with music provided by The Judith Miller Band.
Blo Dry Bar Features Vintage Fashions on the Runway
As Austin is abuzz this week with all things stylish, there’s no shortage of inventive designers trying to stake their claim in the vast, voguish world they hold so dear. Some boast more avant-garde tastes; others opt for a blink into the past. Eric Renteria of Etiquette Vintage Design wished not merely to express his adoration of a time when doo-wop groups dominated the airwaves, but also to combine various creative talents into one, bold event. Whether it be the inspired jewelry collections of Rene Guest, the informative digital artwork of Brandyn Balmos, or the retrospective flare of Renteria’s own college-sweater line, there was definitely something for every eye to enjoy at Blo Dry Bar’s Austin Fashion Week event.
Last night, as our Fashion Reporter Elizabeth Butler stepped into Austin’s Driskill Hotel to find her seat, a bystander came up and asked what kind of crazy, loud, and over-the-top event was being held the last couple of days in town. He claimed to have never seen as many creative and eclectic characters in one setting. Elizabeth replied “Well that’s Austin Fashion Week for you!” At that moment, she realized that that man was right; these crazy, eclectic designers have used their cultures, personal history, and keen sense of fashion to inspire us all during Austin Fashion Week
During the Driskill’s first accessory presentation, hats, jackets, couture, evening, and cocktail attire were presented. My Gigi, a “keepsake” clothing line for little girls, presented by designer Kathy Scoggin, were innovative styles for Spring 2012. The “I go places” and “Flower Power Dress” are just two of many dresses named after the intricate detail and embroidery on the dresses.
Next up, came LSD Hats, designed by Lydia Sullivan. This Oklahoma City designer hand makes her creations. Her look is a fusion of modern colors, lines, and shapes and appeal to all ages and events. An Austin-based hat designer, Laura del Villaggio, owner of Milli Starr, works with hand-woven straws, silks, feathers, and more to create her intricate designs. The label produces headwear for competent, powerful women who love wearable art. Villaggio borrows a few timeless ideas from history, while putting a modern twist on her creations.
Following Milli Starr was Janie G’s collection. Designer Caroline J. Smith wowed the audience with her custom bridal designs. Handmade, with silk and sheer fabrics, Caroline gets her inspiration from the 1950’s-1960’s Audrey Hepburn, and Jackie O styles. Lastly, Susan Hollingsworth of SuKaz showed-off her gorgeous cropped jackets. The designer creates one-of-a-kind jackets consisting of original back panels made in Kazakhstan. Susan’s jackets have a simple, sophisticated style until they are opened up from the back and a handmade image appears from beneath, almost like an optical illusion.
Our Fashion Reporter Gabby Daniel went downtown Monday night to cover an event at Dress Shop, a chic boutique on Congress Avenue owned by Leslie Gandy. Dress Shop’s selection ranges from casual to cocktail and can be worn women of all ages and sizes. The boutique features accessories to complete your look with great designs in handbags, jewelry, belts and jackets.
The Austin Fashion Week event featured jewelry from Rene Guest creater Cristin Guest and Rene and clothing by 81Poppies among others. The collaboration between the designers and making a masterpiece was done by stylist Laurel Kinney of Trophy Boutique. The jewelry by Rene Guest was a spectacular and an original collection with a variety of white and peacock-eye feathers between microscope slides transformed onto bracelets, necklaces, and stunning earrings that completed the model’s dresses. The pieces for the evening were timeless and classy and ranged from casual to classic, with a touch of the unique Austin style. The event included giveaways from local designers along with music by John Branch. The event was a very elegant and casual evening and left you looking forward to your next visit to Dress Shop for more! Leslie and her team created a great way to introduce us to the Fall season’s trends.
On Monday night at the ND 501 Studios , our Fashion Reporter Sheridan Butler was on hand to cover Dean Frederick’s “The Heist No. 2” in association with Gypsy Sun.Models were dressed in 1920’s attire wearing hat designer Lana Chu’s state of the art hats.Those who gave a five-dollar donation to Dress For Success Austin were entered in a drawing for the black diamond give away!Mulberry, Frank, Tito’s, and Maine Root provided food and drinks.The show went on all night with trapeze dancers in the air and live performances by White Ghost Shivers, legendary guitarist Eric Johnson, Smoke and Feathers, and Graham Wilkinson.
Maison d’Etoile is a style collective that is home to Coco Coquette, Charm School Vintage and Salon d’Etoile. Located on Cesar Chavez in an star-studded building, you immediately know you’re about to have a very unique shopping and styling experience. The Austin Fashion Week event featured Austin lingerie designer Megan Summerville of Sew Sister. Her fashion show of drop dead beautiful creations would make any woman thrilled and men swoon.
Austin Fashion Week officially started events on Sunday with a brunch at Fleming’s which I co-hosted with Amy Schalk of Soigne Style Consultants. The informal and casual modeling format gave attendees a chance to get an up-close and personal view of the clothing from several venues. Atelier 1105 provided beautiful vintage jewelry, Anne Fontaine, and Betsey Johnson showed off new fall collections, Charming Charlie had models covered in fun bobbles for the trendiest fashion tastes. Local fashion designer Rochelle Briton unveiled her new coat collection which was clean, simple and elegant.
The evening ended with “Glitz.Glam.Betty” held at Urban Betty Salon and was a smash! Our Fashion Reporter Sheridan Butler and photographer Sparky Anderson was there to see the stunning models showcase Lizabeth & LeAnn Clothing by designer Meredith Oltmann. Hair and make up was provided by the talented ladies at Urban Betty Salon. Decorative cupcakes that were immediately devoured and were baked by Lick It Bite It Or Both. Vitamin Water and Tito’s Vodka teamed up to create the fashionably delicious pink cocktails.
Designer Meredith Oltmann established Lizabeth & LeAnn in 2010 “to create clothing for women by integrating unusual fabrics, eye-catching designs, and flattering styles.” The models walked the runway in the Urban Betty garden in Lizabeth & LeAnn’s flirty and fun designs. Ranging from sparkly to chic, there’s a design that will fit everyone! Lizabeth & LeAnn’s mixture of fun style will even customize your next party dress suited for your needs. Urban Betty Salon is located in the 26 Doors shopping center at 1206 West 38th Street.
Our Photographer Sparky Anderson covered Austin Jewelry Designer Cynthia Bloom‘s event at Estilo Valdez Salon which was attended by a crowd that was three times the expected RSVP list. Carmen Paz is the new owner of the salon and told Fashionably Austin photographer Sparky Anderson that she is “living the dream“. The salon is a Redken Elite Salon and specializes in Curly Cuts. Cynthia’s new resort collection features garnet, amethyst coated in titanium. Ducati bikes were also featured at the event…which for the guys was the featured accessory for them.
The Austin Fashion Week Kick-off Party rocked out and was true to the event name Style, Speed and Glory. The Cowboy Harley Davidson showroom was transformed into the ultimate fashion venue complete with a fabulous runway, flagged by easily accessible bars for everyone’s sipping entertainment and the second floor accommodated more guests for sitting and smoozing.
The red carpet and photo opportunity for the event was in a beautifully air conditioned space, a much-appreciated improvement over last year’s outdoor venue. After talking to Kristen Chin of POM PR and Launch 787′s Matt Swinney, the space was so accommodating, it’s likely to be used in the future for more Austin Fashion Week Kick-off parties.
CW Austin Star Mandy Dugan kicked off the Austin Fashion Week fashion show, wearing a Betsey Johnson pink ballerina strapless dress perfectly accessorized. The models took to the runway and wore collections from the MotorClothes by Harley David and from the Betsey Johnson collection. A break in the fashion festivities lead the crowd to a rockin’ music concert by Austin’s LC Rocks. Hair and makeup for the runway shows were provided by ROAR salon. The models hit the runway again from the 19 mash up teams. You can vote for your favorite Austin Fashion Week mash-up team on-line throughout the week.
Food was provided by Cantina Laredo, Judges Hill Restaurant, Frank, Suga Plump Pastries and Cornucopia. Complimentary cocktails from Tito’s Vodka, Corzo Tequila, Rebecca Creek Whiskey, SANS Soda, Neuro, Vitamin Water Zero and more.
Fashionably Austin has covered Austin Fashion Week for three years and each year we launch new ways to get fashion-minded consumers interested in Austin Fashion Week and help boutiques and designers attract new customers.
As part of our NEW digital media marketing services for the Austin fashion industry, Fashionably Austin has launched a commercial promoting Austin Fashion Week and our Daily Video Calendar that will air on Time Warner Cable throughout the week.
Fashionably Austin’s Daily Video Calendar and Daily Video Recap will be posted each morning by 9am and promote the evening’s Austin Fashion Week events and a recap of the festivities from the night before.
View Our Austin Fashion Week Commercial
Austin Fashion Week Digital Media Marketing Services
Fashionably Austin is launching new digital media marketing services this year and we’re kicking off our new marketing services during Austin Fashion Week. We’re offering easy and exciting ways to get your event or business in front of Austin’s most fashion-minded consumers during Austin’s most FASHIONABLE week!
Promote Your Austin Fashion Week Event:
Graphic in Daily Video Calendar, Facebook and Twitter: Cost $100
Article on FashionablyAustin.com, Email Blast, Graphic in Daily Video Calendar, and social media promotion on Facebook and Twitter: Cost $450
Promote Your Business to Austin’s Most Fashionable Consumers:
Logo and web link in Daily Email Blast: Cost $50 per day
Banner Ad on Fashionably Austin during Austin Fashion Week through September 2nd: Cost $250
Austin Fashion Week Style Video Sponsorship – Cost $75
A mash-up of the week’s most stylish fashion trends.
Driskill Runway Show Video Sponsorships – Cost $75 per night
Highlights of the evening’s event in a video recap.
Austin Fashion Awards Video Sponsorship – Cost $150
Complete coverage from the red carpet to the award presentations.
Professionally Produced DVD of Driskill Fashion Shows & Austin Fashion Awards
Driskill Runway Show DVDs
Purchase the entire Driskill runway show plus your collection – $65
Professionally produced video of the entire night’s event in DVD format featuring all collections shown that evening plus a separate file of your collection only for use on your web site or YouTube.
Purchase your show only – $45
Professionally produced video of your collection in DVD format for use on your web site or YouTube.
Austin Fashion Awards DVD
Professionally produced video of the Austin Fashion Awards in DVD format – Cost $45
FEATURED EVENT: Start your Austin Fashion Week activities off right by supporting a good cause at Sunday’s Fashion Brunch benefitting Dress for Success.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar will host the Fashion Brunch and runway show benefiting Dress for Success at their Domain location this Sunday, August 21, 2011, as a part of Austin Fashion Week.
Brunch begins at 11:30 a.m. and will be held in the restaurant’s main dining room and will feature fashion shows from Domain retailers Atelier 1105, Anne Fontaine, Betsey Johnson and Charming Charlie. Local fashion designer and Austin Fashion Week Award winner Rachelle Briton will also show her latest collection. Hair and makeup for the models will be provided by Salon at the Domain. Cheryl Bemis of Fashionably Austin and Amy Schalk of Soigne’ Style Consultants will co-host the event.
Tickets & Reservations Required
Tickets are $30.00 and only 60 seats are available, so you must hurry to purchase your tickets for Sunday’s event. Fleming’s will donate $25.00 dollars from the sale of each ticket to Dress for Success.
The ticket price includes appetizers, a choice of one brunch entree (vegetable quiche’ or filet mignon eggs benedict), creme brulee’ for dessert and two cocktails (Bloody Mary, Mimosa or the Russian Prom Queen). There will be gift bags and raffle tickets for sale for a variety of fun items from Domain retailers.
Attendees must call and purchase a ticket to this event by calling the Private Dining Director, Dawn Lewis or Richard Pyle at (512) 835-9463 or send an email to PDthedomain@flemingssteakhouse.com.
Feature Your Austin Fashion Week Event on Fashionably Austin
It is hard to believe that we are in the third year of Austin Fashion Week. For Fashionably Austin it also marks our third year to cover the event and we are excited to bring you all the fashion action from the week’s events. Our team of reporters and photographers is bigger than ever and coverage will include pictures and video recaps from the venues. I am excited to not only be covering the events, but Fashionably Austin will also host the Flemings Fashion Week Brunch event on Sunday to benefit Dress for Success.
Join Us at the Austin Fashion Week Kick-off Party!
One of most anticipated highlights will be the fashion show featuring the Mash Up Team models. A Mash Up team is comprised of a model, designer, make-up artist, hair stylist and photographer. Teams were chosen at random asked to create a final “look”. The photographs are ready for voting and you can vote here!
I caught up with Matt Swinney of Launch 787 , the event production company responsible for Austin Fashion Week. Check out what he has to say about the new features of Austin Fashion Week on our Daily Video Calendar.
Five Nights of Fashion at the Driskill Hotel
One of the newest attractions that will add more fashion excitement to the week, will be five days of fashion shows at the historic Driskill Hotel. Starting on Monday and running through Thursday night at 8:30pm, local and international designers will be showcasing their collections on the runway.
Monday – Apparel and Accessories
LSD Hats (Edmond, OK)
LNE (Houston, TX)
J Caniel (Fayetteville, NC)
SuKaz (Houston, TX)
Janie G. Couture (Panama City Beach, FL)
VASTRA By Namrita Chettiar (San Francisco, CA)
Petrecia & Monique (San Antonio, TX)
Roy Hayes Studio (Grand Rapids, MI)
Rene Geneva Design (Austin, TX)
Milli Starr (Austin, TX)
De Petra Art & Jewelry (Houston, TX)
My GiGi (Austin, TX)
Tuesday – Jewelry
Dean Fredrick (Austin, TX)
Heather Henry Jewelry Designs (Lubbock, TX)
Ana Reign (Austin, TX)
Andrea Montgomery (San Francisco, CA)
Manic Trout (Millbrook, NY)
F is for Frank (Dallas, TX)
Leonatti (Laredo, TX)
Tracy Tenpenny Design (Austin, TX)
Mark Kalen (Austin, TX)
Femailler (Austin, TX)
Sikara (Austin, TX)
Leighelena (Austin, TX)
Eye on the Sparrow Designs (Dallas, TX)
Third Culture Jewelry (San Francisco, CA)
Meghan Patrice Riley (New York, NY)
Raven + Lily (Austin, TX)
Janet Leigh Jewelry (Houston, TX)
Wednesday – Swim and Resort
9:00 pm: La Perla (Italy)
9:00 pm: James Tudor (London) (mens)
9:40 pm: Tikini Hut (Houston, TX)
10:20 pm: Everything But Water (Florida)
There’s an exciting new way to liven up your wardrobe, indulge in your hat-wearing fantasies, and support a great local cause! Local milliner Laura Del Villaggio of Milli Starr has created Fascinator Fridays to help you indulge your passion for hats and express your individuality while supporting local charity, Swan Songs. The first Fascinator Friday will be held this week on July 22nd.
A fascinator is a small cocktail hat or feathered headpiece that has become popular greatly because of Catherine Middleton, the new Duchess of Cambridge and member of the Royal Family. Humorously dubbed the “gateway drug to hats,” fascinators are a small, creative way to complete an outfit and reflect your personality. Laura has been making fascinators for almost a decade and is constantly adding new designs at Studio Downtown and The Hatbox. She believes fascinators “should be exquisite, wearable art.”
Milli Starr presents two major seasonal collections each year, in the Spring and Fall. For Fascinator Fridays, Laura will debut new collections of five or six one-of-a-kind headpieces. July’s collection is entitled Les Boutons (buttons). Each new collection will feature a common theme or color scheme. With this event, Laura hopes to encourage “an appreciation for true artisinal millinery as opposed to mass-manufactured fashion.”
At Fascinator Fridays, attendees will receive complimentary makeup touch-ups from Kandy Glass of Face Kandy, while Laura gives tips on how and when to wear a fascinator. Cocktails and treats from The Pie Society will also be available. You can purchase a $5 raffle ticket for a chance to win an item from a local designer or boutique. All proceeds from the raffle and a portion of the evening’s sales will benefit Swan Songs, which provides private concerts for terminally ill patients.
Austin’s own Jeannie Vianney of ByJeannie Jewelry was chosen as the 2011 winner of Texas’ Next Top Designer competition. One of only three finalists from Austin in the competition, Jeannie is the first jewelry designer to win the title. The winner was announced June 29, 2011, at the Announcement Gala in Dallas.
Jeannie Vianney at her Cypress Vanguard showroom
The evening included a fashion show featuring looks from the top twenty finalists, speeches by previous finalists who have achieved great success, and a speech from previous winner, Austin’s own Megan Summerville. The Career Achievement award was presented to Geoffrey Henning, Vice President of Design at JC Penney. Along with the title of Texas’ Next Top Designer, Jeannie won a grand prize valued at $40,000. The prize includes financial and business development assistance, a trip to either New York or Los Angeles Fashion Week, and a funded showroom or work space.
Jeannie Vianney graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 2003 with a degree in Computer Science. Craving an artistic outlet, Jeannie turned to jewelry design and launched her first line in 2005. Soon she was selling in many boutiques across the US, and was featured in numerous publications like Lucky Magazine and the Washington Post. Jeannie handcrafts all of her pieces and aims to give each one a unique feeling. She works with sterling silver, 14k gold-filled and other metals, and pairs them with semi-precious stones, freshwater pearls and other natural elements. Her lines feature unique pieces that are whimsical, yet elegant and modern. Her newest collection, called Dentelle, uses vintage lace, sterling silver, freshwater pearls and semi-precious stones. The result is highly detailed and textured, with a look that is both classic and contemporary.
Her designs can be found online at ByJeannie.com, locally in many Austin boutiques like, Eliza Page and Mana Culture. Visit Jeannie’s web site at www.byjeannie.com or see her collection at the ByJeannie Jewelry Showroom at Cypress Vanguard in Austin.
Austin’s record heat was no match for the heat generated at Wednesday’s Austin Fashion Week Resort & Swimwear fashion show at the Driskill!
Fashion Reporter Laura Hamilton attended charity fashion show Monday night at 
FEATURED EVENT: Start your Austin Fashion Week activities off right by supporting a good cause at Sunday’s Fashion Brunch benefitting Dress for Success.
