Lone Star Runway Show Features Texas Designers
Written by Bri Thomas
Austin fashion lovers enjoyed a fashionably early fashion event that kicked off a series of events planned for 2018 by event house Fashion X Austin. The event titled Lone Star featured high-end couture-like collections from three Texas designers representing, Dallas, Houston and Austin. The avant-garde show featured Austin’s Gail Chovan, hosted by Lance Avery Morgan, Houston’s Mysterious by NPN, hosted by Staci Henderson, and Dallas’ Nha Khanh, hosted by LeeAnne Locken.
Since the inception of Austin Fashion Week in 2009 founder, Matt Swinney has expanded the fashion event brand to Dallas and Houston under the Fashion X brand name. Swinney and his team wanted an event that would show off the style of the three cities and the Lone Star show was born.
“We wanted to really merge the art side of fashion with the local fashion community and show Austinites what Dallas and Houston are up to,” Swinney said. “In all three cities, there’s a lot of sibling rivalry, but the fashion in all three is really similar.”
As the attendees took their seats at the 800 Congress event center last Friday night, each featured designer was introduced by a close fashion friend. Lance Avery Morgan introduced Austin’s Gail Chovan, Houston’s Mysterious by NPN, introduced by Staci Henderson, and Dallas’ Nha Khanh, introduced by LeeAnne Locken for the Real Housewives of Dallas.
Mysterious by NPN – Houston – Sequins. Over-the-top shapes. Fur. Ruffles. Toga-like suits. Bubble-like dresses. This was the excitement seen in Mysterious by NPN’s first outfits. Next came garments with flairs of vintage romance, with peek-a-boo cutouts, with dramatic trains. There were new textures, new colors and new shapes, but from start to finish, the collection was the perfect mix of romance, whimsy and drama.
Nha Khanh – Dallas – This collection started with little black dresses done right. Each of Nha Khanh’s pieces was beautifully structured yet still light and airy, with luxurious evening wear and fun touches such as metallics, velvet, feathers and pockets. The models also all donned beautiful statement earrings.
Gail Chovan – Austin – The final portion of the night started with the all-black looks Gail Chovan does so well; each piece was unique and interesting, flowy yet edgy. As her collection progressed, bold floral prints were seen, as were barefoot models in hippie-esque items that featured lace, fringe and knits.
All three collections also featured dramatic sleeve details, showing that drama is always in style this season and that Texas knows style!
Fashion X and Austin Fashion Week is celebrating their 10 year event year this year with a line up of events planned through Fall. It’s an exciting milestone for Austin.
“If you asked me 10 years ago, I would’ve been the shrugging shoulders guy emoji,” Swinney said, when asked about how it feels to be celebrating this huge milestone. “It’s definitely a pinch-me moment.”
Mark your calendars!
March 29 – Austin Fashion Week Kickoff – LIVE! @ KLRU Studio 6A
April 5 – AFW Fashion Fund Showcase @ Vault Space
April 6 & 7 – AFW Runways Show
May 2018 – ACTIVE
October 2018 – Fall Fashion Weekend – MashUp, Golden Boots and Moda X
