In its ninth year, Austin Fashion Week 2017 kicked off May 12 with lively soirees and mixers in downtown Austin. The event’s runway shows debut Thursday, May 18, at the JW Marriott and will continue through Saturday, May 20. Each evening features eight full-length runway shows and nine mini-collections from Project Runway stars, independent designers from around the country and local designers on the rise. ORANGE compiled a list of designers to look for at Austin Fashion Week based on their previous work.
Story by Ethan Elkins
THURSDAY RUNWAYS
Amanda Valentine
A two-time Project Runway veteran, Nashville-based Amanda Valentine has a reputation for her bold color-blocking and whimsical prints. The womenswear designer also serves as rock band wardrobe stylist.
Photo courtesy of The Krakens.
This is Sloane
Run by 21-year-old Sloane Lenz, this avant-garde brand is known throughout the Austin community for its use of generally unconventional materials such as plastic or canvas, according to online marketplace Nineteenth Amendment. This will the brand’s third time at Austin Fashion Week.
Photo courtesy of Fashion X Houston.
University of Texas Fashion Students
With pieces pulled from last month’s Synthesis Fashion Show at the University of Texas, this collection will give the 22 graduating UT designers another chance to grace Austin runways. The show will contain wedding gowns, activewear and three-piece cohesive collections.
Photo by Mary Pistorius and Maya Coplin.
FRIDAY RUNWAYS
Brittany Nicole
As a design professor at the Art Institute of Austin, Brittany Nicole enriches the Austin community with her fantastical silhouettes. Often neutral-colored, her larger-than-life designs have dressed celebrities such as Bon Jovi and Lady Gaga, according to Austin Fashion X.
Photo courtesy of Fashion X Austin.
Hopeless + Cause Altier
As self-proclaimed ethically conscious brand, this line prides itself with its simplistic concepts and bold beauty. Many two-piece formal looks are expected based on the brand’s collection shown at Los Angeles Fashion Week.
Photo courtesy of Fashion X Austin.
Miles David
A Houston-based designer, Miles David brings his intrinsic and one-of-a-kind prints with him to Austin Fashion Week. Each garment he produces is individually cut and tailored, according to Fashion X. Throughout his career, David has dressed Lauren Conrad and Taylor Swift.
Photo courtesy of Houston CultureMap.
SATURDAY RUNWAYS
Something by Sonjia
Another Project Runway veteran, Sonjia Williams avant-garde womenswear brings eclectic style to Austin Fashion Week. Her designs have incorporated animal-inspired prints, faux-fur and striped-variations. Williams’ has previously exhibited her collections at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.
Photo courtesy of Fab Fashion Report.
Big Bertha’s Paradise
Though not a designer, Big Bertha’s Paradise is a local vintage shop with exclusive designer pieces that will impress any shopper. The storefront resides on the North Loop in Austin and has been in business since 1996.
Photo courtesy of Big Bertha’s Paradise.
Abi Ferrin
Focused on empowering women, Abi Ferrin aims for transparency throughout her entire design process, including with abroad manufacturing. By ensuring safe work environments and liveable wage compensation, Ferrin supports women on and off the runway. Her collections usually feature a different approach to professional-wear by incorporating smooth and sleek fabrics.
Photo courtesy of Fashion X Austin.
