Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Recap: Austin Threads Exclusive Fashion Show


It was early on a Sunday morning and the banter from the MCs before the runway show was driving me insane forcing me to down my mimosa faster than I should have.  But once the actual fashion show got started, it was a really fun show to watch.  Some of the most talented designers in Austin plus one New Yorker showed off their latest designs last weekend at the Austin Threads Exclusive Fashion Show.  But of course, the show was not lacking some criticism from me.

Malissa Long is talented and I like her designs, but the majority of the dresses that she showed this night were designs that I have seen from her for about a year now.  The one thing I haven't seen from her before was the rainbow dress which I kinda wanted to lick because it looked like a giant popsicle.  The popsicle dress was a really fun new aesthetic from her and I would like to see more from this, which was completely disjointed from her older neutral looks.  I'm excited to see more new stuff from her in the future and hopefully a more cohesive collection.

The one non-Austinite designer in the show, New Yorker Kahrianne Kerr,  had a solid collection of pieces, but I think they lacked a bit of personality.  My favorite look from her was the army green cargo dress which had it been styled a bit differently, I think could have made more of a lasting impression.

Megan Summerville's lingerie never fails to please me.  But, I think her work looks better up close in person.  The craftsmanship and attention to detail was a little lost on the runway and I don't think the styling did anything to compliment the prettiness of the corsets.  I'm more blown away by her work when I go into her store, which I suggest you check out if you haven't before.

When Anslee Connell's curvy creations walk down a runway, it is always a breath of fresh air because it is something different.  This show was no exception as the models strutted their stuff to Lady Marmalade showing off their curves, their personality, and their afros.  Okay, there was only afro, but it made an impression.

Ross Bennett's pieces were hit and miss for me.  A few of the dresses I really liked: the plaid full skirted dress, and the long white cotton summer dress (can we say Austin outdoor wedding? Love!).  But I could have done without the boring satin dresses and the last dress which the model couldn't walk in.  If this was Project Runway and I was Nina Garcia, there would have been some serious discussion about that last dress.  Or maybe the model just had one too many mimosas before she stepped onto the runway.  I can't really blame her.

Check out my photos from the show:







Anslee Connell with Savannahred


Ross Bennett, Megan Summerville, and Anslee Connell's designs can be seen at the Cypress Vanguard House which is also home to many other Austin jewelry and accessories designers.

Joanna
keep austin stylish

6 comments:

Cathy Benavides said...

I'm so bummed I missed it! My little sister was one of Anslee's models- she wore the dress from Austin Fashion Week (with an altered top). Looks like it was a great time!

joanna said...

Awesome! I didn't know that was your sister! Sad you weren't there.

Robyn Grona said...

I completely agree with you... I definitely downed a few mimosas pre show because I was so frustrated. I hate arriving for a show that is supposed to start at 11:00, and then it doesn't start for another hour and a half. Also agree with you about designers showing things more than once. It gets old, and nobody wants to go to a fashion show to see something they've seen before.

Also, I have seen Megan Summerville's corsets up close and they did no justice on the runway. Those leggings would not look flattering on even the thinest of models.

joanna said...

Yep yep yep. I'm actually used to fashion shows not starting on time at this point so the day when one does, I might be screwed. But they should have us around BEFORE the show to do some fashion show consulting.

Unknown said...

Loving the plus sized models!

Malissa said...

Thanks, I know, it's been difficult to create new looks with a 3 year old and a full time job. I've been experimenting with some shorts and tops, hoping to start a lower price consignment collection. Moving 3 times in the last year hasn't helped either. I've got so many ideas swimming in my head hope they can come to life soon.