“Dream Pop.” That’s what Crowned Bird designer Priscilla Barroso said inspired her latest collection which she showed on the final night of runway shows at La Zona Rosa for Austin Fashion Week. “I dreamt of what I would want to wear if I went to Sweden” chuckles Priscilla in her unique giggle. Priscilla is no doubt a dreamer, and whenever I am with the Crowned Bird designer, I honestly feel like I am in a dream.
There’s something about this little lady that not only attracts attention (we went to brunch one day and a hair stylist came up to our table and asked to take a picture of Priscilla’s self-cut pixie), but also induces a childlike joy (on that same day we went and rode a little kid rocket ship carousel ride together at the Pecan Street Festival.) Priscilla’s quirky and upbeat nature is infectious and this feeling is definitely reflected in her clothing. Cute, retro inspired, playful, and charming, are all words I would confidently use to describe Crowned Bird.
Just after launching her first collection, Priscilla went straight to reality TV to participate as one of the contestants on NBC’s Fashion Star this past season. The show didn’t do much for Priscilla, as the judges labeled her “too specific” and she was voted off after a few weeks in. But I think the judges (buyers for Macy’s, Express, and Saks Fifth Avenue) failed to recognize that this “specific audience” which Crowned Bird appeals to, is actually a huge one. I think Crowned Bird has the potential to be the modern line for the type of girls who scour online sites like Ebay and Etsy looking for retro clothing that can be worked in with a current wardrobe.
Priscilla’s collection on Thursday night was filled with fun unique prints (tangerine suit, anyone?), and cute retro cut dresses that screamed “1960’s dream girl.” It was my favorite collection of the night, and the one which I believe appeals the most to Austinites who likes to be playful with clothing and look a little different than everyone else.
wardobe stylist Jenny Woys, and Crowned Bird designer Priscilla Barroso showed up in matching bowties and blue blazers completely by chance without coordination!
photos by Waytao Shing
Joanna Wilkinson
keep austin stylish