Austin Fashion Week premiered a new men’s night event at the 2014 lineup and it was so well received founder Matt Swinney decided to craft another event for the guys but with a twist for 2015. With a newly branded name, Fashion X Austin, the new Fashion X Austin: MEN was created. And instead of planning the event within the AFW lineup for April, Swinney decided to move the event to an exclusive, swanky venue and set the date to June, just in time for Father’s Day. With most of the events geared to fashion for women, Swinney felt the men should have a night of their own.
“Men’s style has evolved dramatically over the last few years in Austin. We have been working for more than a year with Cadillac to put together an elegant, yet approachable event that speaks to all elements of men’s style, said event founder Matt Swinney.
Duxti leather designer ~ Joe Richardson
At an undisclosed event address, attendees were welcomed to the beautiful Central Austin estate with several Cadillacs that were showcased in the circular driveway. As photographer Gregg Cestaro and I made our way to the back of the home, set up from participating vendors was in full swing. The lush gardens, pool and expansive space was a perfect venue and the picture perfect weather added to the ambiance for the night.
From grooming products, liquor, and accessory and fashion, vendors got to show off their trades to a captive audience. This was also a good opportunity for me to do a meet and greet with some new Austin designers.
Austin based – The Sock Club
Austin sock designer (yes, a sock designer) Layla from The Sock Club explained how the Austin-based business works. “We are a subscription based service and every month we design a different sock. We are inspired by different things, the city we live in, the holidays, art, fashion, those types of things”, said Layla.
Billy Fairley of Sinister Brand Clothing is a cultural based clothing. “I wanted to mix culture and fashion and that’s exactly what I’m doing”, added Faraly. Billy is an artist by trade and showing his work on shirts seemed to be a natural fit. Fairley hopes to expand the collection in the near future.
The sunset presentation style show featured summer looks from Andre Phillipe, M Andrews Sartorial Luxury, United Apparel Liquidators, Ross Bennett Collection and Soto and Company. Models appeared on stage showcasing each designer’s latest designs. From classic tailored jackets to casual summer looks
Interactive vendors included Beardbrand, In My Closet, Duxti Leather, Grandbury, Moo Chila, Rae Cosmetics, Potigy, Sock Club, Cadillac, Circuit of the Americas, Sinister Brand Clothes and Duxti. Attendees enjoyed wardrobe styling, and exclusive shopping discounts. along with heavy appetizers from Catering with a Twist and craft cocktails provided by local brands Deep Eddy Vodka, Goose Island, Rebecca Creek Whisky and dessert by Rio Bites.
A beautiful night that featured Austin fashion at its finest. The next Fashion X event will occur in Dallas in the fall.
Photos: Cheryl Bemis / Gregg Cestaro