The Austin Fashion Week Runway shows kick off tonight, marking the event’s ninth year to present the fashion industry’s latest trends to the Austin community. The event will be divided into five categories based on designer and collection: Stars, 512, Discover, Capsule and Gallery.
Story by Kristina Nguyen
STARS
If “Make it work!” is your mantra, then the “STARS” section is perfect for you. This category of the runway shows will feature two collections per day from some of Project Runway’s most notable contestants. From Kelly Dempsey’s graphic streetwear pieces to Daniel Esquivel’s more elegant ensembles, there will be something to tickle everyone’s fashion fancy.
Thursday: Kelly Dempsey, Amanda Valentine
Friday: Gunnar Deatherage, Daniel Esquivel
Saturday: Melissa Fleis, Something by Sonjia
Photo courtesy of Kelly Dempsey.
512
For those looking to explore the local fashion scene, the “512” category will feature three to four Austin-based designers each day. You can come support fashion students from UT or take a peek at Ballet Austin’s whimsical wardrobes. This category will have a range of pieces from swimwear to suits and feature designers both established and emerging.
Thursday: May Designs, University of Texas Fashion Students, THIS IS SLOANE, Ballet Austin
Friday: Boudoir Queen, Harry Rex, Lee Merritt Swimwear, Brittany Nicole
Saturday: Big Bertha’s Paradise, Ross Bennett Collection, Austin School of Fashion Design
Photo courtesy of THIS IS SLOANE.
DISCOVER
Seen it all so far? In the “DISCOVER” category, you’ll be sure to stumble upon something new. With three to four collections presenting per day, this portion of the runway shows will feature award-winning and international designers bringing innovative fashion to the Austin stage. Check out the Daniel González D.G. Clothes Project show, an experimental collection questioning the boundaries of art and fashion, or support the ethically conscious brand Abi Ferrin, whose designs are both feminine and philanthropic.
Thursday: Becky Hollands, shalyguo, Rong Zhang
Friday: Miles David, Hopeless + Cause Atelier, Daniel González D.G. Clothes Project
Saturday: Allie Lunt, Abi Ferrin, Lizna, Nomzee Designs
Photo courtesy of Becky Hollands.
CAPSULE
In the “CAPSULE” category, local designers will show three-piece collections featuring fun and fresh pieces. Come see Adeárá’s African luxury prints, CA$HMERE MAFIIA’s over-sized silhouettes or Pinup Houses’s vintage styles.
Thursday: Adeárá, Ellis Bell, Tashumbra, House of Cynthia ‘Huron Collection’, Pinup House, Megan Fullerton, SixChel, megMORGAN, Jacqueline Bergeron
Friday: My Boyfriend’s Briefs, La Lo La Clothing, Sydney Morris The Label, HAUS of Heirs, LALA, MariAscoli, Day Avery
Saturday: J. Ewing Designs, Masha Osoianu Design, FERRAH, Nina Means, Monks & Mavericks, Aplomo, Mansion Rose, CA$HMERE MAFIIA, GWENIVX
Photo courtesy of Aplomo.
GALLERY
Once you’re done looking over all of the runway collections, shop the “GALLERY” section to see some of the best apparel and accessories designers. With over fifteen collections of items ranging from shoes to skincare, you’ll be able to buy some of the most interesting and intricate pieces.
Thursday: KYARI, Bykowski Haderashery, BERNINA of America, Betty Alida, CassandraCollections, Dawn Franklin Designs, Molly Phillips, Penny Luck, Basal, Daniel González D.G. Clothes Project, Gunnar Deatherage, King and Rose Opticals, Koh Gen Do, Something by Sonjia, Janika, FYU Designs, Bernina
Friday: KYARI, BERNINA of America, Betty Alida, CassandraCollections, Evangeline Clothing, Molly Phillips, A.S. Styled Life, Penny Luck, Basal, King and Rose Opticals, Koh Gen Do, Something by Sonjia, Kelly Dempsey, Janika, Amanda Valentine, Bernina
Saturday: Nina Means, KYARI, BERNINA of America, Betty Alida, CassandraCollections, Molly Phillips, A.S. Styled Life, Penny Luck, Basal, Gunnar Deatherage, King and Rose Opticals, Koh Gen Do, Kelly Dempsey, Amanda Valentine, Bernina
Photo courtesy of CassandraCollection.
