Full Tilt Fashion Show RECAP

The Formula 1 weekend combined many accessible and fun events and there was no excuse for anyone not to attend at least one function.  The W Hotel combined charity, fashion and flavor with an impressive feast at the Full Tilt Fashion Show during F1 Weekend.  Proceeds from the show benefited The Center for Child Protection.
Designer Linda Asaf showed off her racing inspired collection and several pieces she originally premiered at Austin Fashion Week.  Keepers featured menswear suits and casualwear from Zegna, Versace and Hugo Boss.  Elegant eveningwear was shown by St. Thomas.  The edgy collection by designer Paola Moore of Rare Trends was also featured.  Melissa Shoes and the collaborations with Jason Wu, Vivienne Westwood and others provided high-fashion footwear presented by Houston luxury retailer, LENNY e CIA.
Blu at the W was a great venue filled with amazing food and fabulous fashions worn by Ausitn a-listers.   The emcees of the night were YNN’s Todd Boatwright and Anne Hudson. The show was perfectly styled by Edith Henry and the Rae Cosmetics make-up team was cohesive and the hair styles were effortless and on trend for the collections.  The models were coiffed and polished to perfection.
In spite of the great setting and delectable treats, the lighting did leave something to be desired. At the end of the runway photographers (including myself) were unable to see the emcees looking like dark figures at the end of a hallway.
Click here to see more pix from the end of the runway.
In order to become a major contender in the fashion world, Austin events have to exceed expectations and be on par with something one would find in other fashion capitals. While the lighting was perfect for creating an ambiance and setting the scene for a high ticket event, it was challenging to photographers.  Without a properly illuminated runway, the details in the clothing, the hair and makeup and beautiful styling were all lost in the shadows.
Let’s hope future shows are styled and presented in top-notch fashion like this one was and address some minor details.   Then Austin will be ready and primed for international fashion coverage.