Austin Fashion Week – Runway Shows – Night One
The Austin Fashion Week organizers transformed the eclectic downtown venue, La Zona Rosa, into a fashion house Wednesday night and kicked off the first of three nights of fashion shows. The event included eight fashion shows and a marketplace, as well as a GILT City pop-up shop. Fashionistas shopped, mingled and enjoyed a night of fashion-fun in Austin.
“I love the authenticity of Austin Fashion Week. I think it is really cool how they are bringing local designers and national designers to Austin,” said John Aquino, social media intern for Crowned Bird, speaking of what makes AFW so unique and exciting.
Austin designer Isabella Rose Taylor sent her collection down the runway first. Her take on a grown up look but keeping it “girl friendly” was refreshing. Most girls just want to dress way too old and this designer walks the walk, in this case she also walked the runway, and designs clothing even a mom likes. This was the second time this “tween” designer has showed her collection on the runway.
Other designers included an avant-garde line of evening gowns from Katherine Michael, Tropic Couture from Houston, and New Orleans’ designers Cricket and Leigh for Libellule.
Local jewelry designer of Grey Parachutes, Lulu Hamissou appreciated the fashion shows which allows her to discover new fashion brands. “Austin is such a vibrant city and I feel like this is a perfect way for people to discover local and up-and-coming designers.”
The second portion of runway shows continued to wow audiences with collections from University of Texas design student Catherine Carter Hite. Her summer red leather skirts complete with lazer cutouts was amazing. A sleek line from Young & Fabulous’ L.A.M.B, and a feminine, punk inspired collection from Ragg Dahl which was a crowd favorite. The evening ended with a vibrant and flirty collection of fringe skirts and sparkly cut out dresses from the Argentinean brand, designed by Austin designer Paola Moore for Rare Trends.
The Spring trends shown on the international runways back in September were super strong and I saw plenty of lace, sequined fabrics, bold colors and black.
A major addition to the Austin Fashion Week runway shows was the innovative “text-to-buy” interactive system. Audience members could text a number if they loved the look and the message would be sent directly to the designer for a follow call or email. A great addition for potential clients…afterall it is all about selling the clothes too.
Fashion enthusiast Melissa Tait said it best at the end of the night of how the remaining nights of fashion week will be. “It can only get better from here.”
Click Here to see the Tropic Couture Collection
Click here to see the Isabella Rose Collection
Click here to see the Ragg Dahl Collection
Click here to see the L.A.M.B. Collection
Click here to see the Rare Trends Collection
Click Here to see the Catherine Carter Hite Collection
Click Here to see the Libellule Collection
Click Here to see the Katherine Michael Collection
