Austin In The City – Local Designers Show at Fashion Week

I know we’ve talked black and white to death, but thankfully, Mara Hoffman showed us that we CAN wear color this spring! Her show brought about high-waisted swimsuits, tribal prints on streetwear, and adorable cocktail dresses, all while the models sported extra-extra-long braids, with more colors weaved into them.
But then… Hervé Leger happened, and we were back to B&W, but since it was a Max Azria collection, we’ll let it slide. Plus, these sexy, tight outfits – trimmed in gold zippers were quite enjoyable to watch. Giuliana Rancic, Nikki Minaj and The Real Housewives of Atlanta’s Kenya Moore were also in the crowd.

But then… Hervé Leger happened, and we were back to B&W, but since it was a Max Azria collection, we’ll let it slide. Plus, these sexy, tight outfits – trimmed in gold zippers were quite enjoyable to watch. Giuliana Rancic, Nikki Minaj and The Real Housewives of Atlanta’s Kenya Moore were also in the crowd.
Designer Katya Lenovich brought something different by showing coral, tan, blue and hot pink in leather and ruffled textures. The highlight of this show was that our own Johnny Cardoza got to sit in on it for the very first time!
And really, that’s what our trip was about – Austin connections – especially today.
We traveled off-site to Small Boutique Fashion Week; now in its fourth season, this event allowed 40 designers to present in the city, and with that many different designs and concepts entering the runway, the hair and make-up teams went for cohesive top-knots and similar beauty styles on the models.
And after beginning her career in 2003, Austin’s Megan Summerville finally got a chance to show her lingerie line at SBFW! Click Here to See the Runway Pix
Summerville, who covers women beautifully, whether the lady be a size 28A or a 52N, was so excited to show a line we’re familiar with from Austin Fashion Week. The soft satins seen in the lingerie were inspired by the touch and feel of the beautiful fabrics used.
“I have the designs I’m known for, and I’m just bringing them here!”
Beth McElhaney’s Personal Adornments accessorized Megan’s collection, after the two worked together on an AFW mash-up team. This was also McElhaney’s first trip to the Big Apple! A New Yorker – Jewel High – was thrown into the fab mix, too, as her gunmetal heels were worn by the models.

Overall, the soft colors, adorned garments and bauble-y jewels looked like they definitely belonged on a New York runway.
The Austin success continued that evening as Laisa Macias of LaLa presented her first reproductive line, inspired by tropical storms. Locals helped her out, too, as Limbo Jewelry Design did the simple geometric necklaces, and Frankie Handbags made the leather/studded purses the models carried.   Click Here to See the Runway Pix
Macias launched at the 2011 SXSW and knew this was what she was meant to do. She’s been featured in the Austin American Statesman and Austin Monthly, so we’re glad NYC was next!
We’re also glad Sarah Merrill-Sampson was able to be a vendor at SBFW, with her gorgeous SMS Jewelry Designs!
So, yay for Austin, and yay for LOTS more NYFW fun, coming straight from us to YOU!