It was dark and sultry on the 7th floor of University Park and for a second I thought we were all there for a night of dancing with sweaty strangers instead of a fashion show. But, the culmination of this year’s Tribeza Style Week was indeed a runway show featuring looks from various retailers including several local boutiques, a couple of national big timers, and the couture line based out of Austin, Rare Trends. While a show like this featuring a lot of off-the-rack clothing could have easily been a snore to watch, I enjoyed this show. I have to give it up to the stylists involved because even though there were a lot of different stores with varying aesthetics, the show in its entirety had a pulled together and cohesive look that overall was upscale and eclectic.

Billy Reid started the show off with the simplest and most classic clothing with the most solid colors of the show. As the show progressed things took on a more tribal and southwestern vibe with a mixture of prints and textures thanks in particular to Fawn and Raven, C.Jane, and Wanderlust. Rare Trends brought the most interesting looks design-wise with a Parisian chic feel thanks to not only some strong yet ladylike shoulders, but also in part to some fanciful hats, gloves, and shoes, many of which were the stylist’s own (I’d like to take a peek inside that gal’s closet for sure.) Valentine’s Too and Julian Gold showed looks with a very similar aesthetic to one another which was a mixture of designer streetwear accessorized with Tom Ford sunglasses and glam designer gowns for an older sophisticated gal. Saks Fifth Avenue closed the night showing some expensive furs for the ladies, and the most interesting looks of the night for the men.

And now for the photos!…