Austin Fashion Week is over! I was debating whether or not to even do a recap of the Austin Fashion Week Awards show that went down on Saturday night because, let’s face it, award shows are a snoozefest (also I myself need a snooze). The only reason anyone ever watches or reads coverage of an award show is obviously to see all the glamorous outfits on the red carpet, right? But, as an entire group, the red carpet looks on Saturday night weren’t all that impressive. There were a few pairs however that glammed it up and stood out the most:
Austin Fashion Week founder Matt Swinney & wife Kara Swinney wearing some custom Ross Bennett Collection pieces
Stephen Moser wearing his own design
The Boudoir Queen Dawn Younger-Smith wearing her own design with husband Mark Younger-Smith
LeonardoD’Almagro making a statement in a tulle skirt and bold jewels by Sugar Gay Isber
There were some hits and misses with the fashion collections that showed during the awards. I really wasn’t too enchanted by anything, and was left to reminisce about the collection by Gail Chovan that walked during last year’s awards show. Some fun parts of the show included seeing the Mash Up Team photos come to life and strut their stuff, and seeing Kendra Scott amp things up for the runway. While Kendra Scott jewelry may be popular amongst the sorority girl crowd, not a single look that strutted the runway looked like something a Kappa Kappa Gamma (I have no idea if that’s a real sorority or not) girl would wear.
Kendra Scott Jewelry:
photography by: Patrick Meredith
I had been anticipating seeing Ross Bennett’s collection walk the runway all week, and maybe my expectations had been set too high because I was left slightly disappointed. Ross is known for his classic, custom tailoring and no doubt looks up to classic American designers such as Ralph Lauren. While there were a few hits in Ross’s collection (the floral print silk dress was my favorite look), I can’t help but feel he was rushed to put out this collection. Usually Ross lives up to his reputation of putting out impeccably tailored clothing. With some wonky hemlines, and dare I say fit issues, it seems like maybe Ross has gotten too used to being on a fashion reality TV show where sometimes construction takes a back seat when pressed for time. I did love what Ross and his wife Erin were wearing at the event though, they looked great. I’d like to see Ross make a full collection based off his wife’s look from that night, the skirt he made for her was beautiful and fun! Regardless of what I thought of this particular collection though, Ross walked away from the night with a “Rising Star” award, so it was a happy night for Ross.
photography by: Patrick Meredith
Usually known for her bridal line Ciarla Bride, designer Jessica Ciarla showed a collection consisting of mainly evening gowns and cocktail attire. I liked the concept of the Ciarla collection, especially since metallics are on trend this year. But what the collection was lacking was the right kind of fabric. The choices of fabric frankly made the whole collection look inexpensive. The fit of many of the gowns was also questionable as the fabric hung awkwardly on several of the models. I’ve really liked a lot of Ciarla’s designs in the past, so this collection had me scratching my head. Maybe she should just stick to bridal wear.
video by: Patrick Meredith
The final collection of the night was by New York based designer Margarita Saplala whom I was previously unfamiliar with. Saplala’s collection was actually my favorite of the night because it was a cohesive and well made collection with a clear vision. The clothes were all about an easy loose fit, that still looked put together and rich. The collection did get a little repetitive because of the use of print, but it was still my favorite collection of the night as a whole.
photography by: Patrick Meredith
I can’t believe Austin Fashion Week is over! It was a crazy week and this year’s Austin Fashion Week was my favorite so far. It gets bigger and better every year, and I already honestly can’t wait for next year. What did I even do with my life before Austin Fashion Week? It’s hard for me to remember at this point. Congratulations to everyone who was a part of it and especially to all the Award winners of the night who walked away with a coveted golden boot! :
Rising Stars:
Christian Ramirez
Michelle Weisman of 81 Poppies
Kirsten Dickerson of Raven and Lily
Lauren Poly of Chickadee
Ross Bennett
Trailblazers:
Dawn Younger-Smith of Boudoir Queen
Alyssa Bayer of Milk and Honey Spa
Patty Hoffpauir
Sue Webber of Sue Webber Productions
Gail Chovan of Blackmail
Mash Up Team Photo People’s Choice:
Step Gold
Timothy White Photography Award:
Step Gold
Step Gold
Joanna Wilkinson
keep austin stylish