Issue date: 11/10/09 Section: Entertainment

[Click to enlarge]

[Click to enlarge]

[Click to enlarge]

New York. London. Paris. Milan.

What do they all have in common?

Fashion!

But Fashion in San Antonio, Texas?

The dirty south has finally traded cowboy boots for stilettos. San Antonio hosted its first ever fashion week from October 5th through October 10th. This revolutionary event gained plenty of buzz and sponsorship. This event incorporated fashion shows by well known designers and education on textiles, design, and style. Every day was jam packed with activities, from "Gaining Fashion Inspiration from the Arts" to the International Academy of Design and Technology (IADT) student-organized "Betsey's Ball" fashion show. This Fashion Group International (FGI) and IADT sponsored event fused networking and style, as well as brought a new "flavor" to San Antonio; something we can all appreciate.

Unfortunately, we weren't able to cover every single event, but it goes to show how much of a variety this fashion week had to offer. The "Betsey's Ball," featuring Betsey Johnson's new Fall line, took place October 8th outside of Brasserie Pavil, a French cuisine restaurant, in their beautiful old French country courtyard, filled with fashion mongrels. With people lined up on both sides, the red carpet stretched out from one end to the other. French wine, cocktails, and hor d'oeuvres (light appetizers) were available to sustain guests and drive social interaction. A DJ mixed popular hits as models rocked the runway, strutting first in Dillard's new fall line, then Betsey's.

Immediately, the audience absorbed an atmosphere of organic vogue. The "Betsey's Ball" collection included sweet polka dot red dresses, leopard print leggings, rose print skirts, cocktail dresses, and stripe print sweaters, showing the signature BJ style but in terms of the fall season. The show also included models showing off Johnson's signature "tea-party & cherries" look by holding balloons and big lollipops to emphasize the playful, vibrant, and craziness that make Betsey Johnson. The runway show was shorter than expected, but the energy brought by the crowd and the models themselves made this student production worthwhile.

"Gaining Inspirations from the Arts," an education session blending fashion and history was held on October 6th at the San Antonio Museum of Arts (SAMA), featuring a tour of SAMA only consisting of apparel design. Segments of the tour included a stop at the Ancient Egypt art and Ancient Rome statues. Students were able to study the fabric draping and hairstyle of those periods. On another stop students were able to view Ancient Chinese Kimonos and shoes with hand-embroidered details. Students were then taken to a workshop area, where IADT Instructor Mrs. Martha Villarreal spoke of getting inspired by art and showcased her designs as evidence of this. She sketched a Piet Mondrian graphic linear artwork dress and an Andy Warhol Campbell's soup can printed dress. Since students paid in advanced for reservations, they were also provided sketching materials and instructed to design a look on how art is incorporated into fashion based on their SAMA tour and Mrs. Villareal's speech.

On October 9th, Custo Barcelona's Fall 2009 collection runway show was held at Club Rio, with only a $10 cover charge which went towards scholarships for IADT. Sephora and Smooth Lines Salon & Spa sponsored the event, both giving a complimentary gift bag with little goodies for the ladies (or men if they feel so inclined). The intoxicating aroma of cigarettes and Jack Daniels filled the air, along with flashing lights of colors from the runway stage. A giant screen projected Spanish music videos, giving off the "Taste of Spain" feel they were aiming for. Unlike the Betsey Johnson show, this runway actually had a stage. As the show began, one could feel the keen energy of the models; this energy bouncing from the stage to the audience throughout the whole show. But this energy couldn't be fueled without Custo's use of bright and sequined leggings, short and sophisticated colorful dresses (both casual and cocktail wear), and high leather boots. This collection also features clothing for men such as graphic t-shirts similar to Ed Hardy's. An after-party at Maroc took place next to Club Rio, sustaining the high fashion atmosphere on a more intimate social level.

San Antonio's first fashion week, a small but major step, put San Antonio as well as Texas onto the fashion map. Michael Quintanilla encourages the need to bring fashion to the women and men in San Antonio, and that fashion reflects our culture as well as our lifestyle(s).

For more information on past and future SA Fashion Week events, please visit www.fashionweeksa.com.

Don't forget to see our slideshow.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools