colours marie » Dallas

Glorious Texas Sky

Stephanie — Sun, 24 May 2009 15:55:03 +0000

The Texas sky was breathtaking on the way to Dallas! Since this Memorial Day weekend is rather cloudy, I thought I should share some photos of some of the finer summer days. Each of these photos can be enlarged to show their true beauty. The first photo was taken before reaching the city, the second is a structural gem that offers it’s own vision of the sky and the third photo is completely insane. The glass building looks more like a building rendering – it almost looks like it’s see through from the clarity of the mirrored walls.

I hope everyone has a great Memorial Weekend!

Following a Designer’s Dream : The Final Installment

Stephanie — Sat, 23 May 2009 00:19:07 +0000

Although the website did not provide an exact address in the 75 acre Victory Park, one could tell there was a fashion commotion at Avalon Salon last night. Sushi, cucumber and pomegranate sake-tinis provided by Ty-Ku calmed the crowd where everyone patiently waited for the show to begin. Swaying to the beat of DJ’s and live indie rock performers, the ladies wore ensembles in the summers’ trends of nudes, bright pinks, yellows and oranges alongside the infamous LBD’s without batting an eye. Men were also dressed in the latest fashion reemergence of wingtips, both in the classic burnished brown and more audacious black and white. Pink pants (there were multiple), and brightly colored gingham dress shirts and pants were played down with black seperates. A fair share of finger pointing and hushed conversations were heard through out the room but, in this crowd, it was a genuine appreciation of the unabashed fashion sense. The smattering of photographers covering the event completed the scene, snapping away for publications like the Dallas Morning News and Womens Wear Daily.

The event started with an interpretive dance performance designed by Texas’ own Project Runway winner Elisa Jimenez. A story about a traveler entranced the crowd as a group danced around the stage creating a mystical journey that transported the audience to a far away imaginary land.

After the interpretive dance, Bret McKinney, a board member of TNTD, gave a short speech thanking the crowd and congratulating all participants of the Texas Next Top Designer 2009 contestants. And then the show began . . .

RBC Mini-dress

RBC bustier and wide leg pant

August Alexander white military jacket and black jean

August Alexander black military jacket with stripe tshirt and blue jeans

One Duey Kingsley Red Gown

The proud winner of the night was Austin’s own intimate designer Megan Summerville of Sew Sisters! I have some great footage I’m in the process of editing that I will post as soon as I can!! This is such a fantastic experience that provides great exposure for the up and coming talented fashion designers of Texas. Congratulations to all of the participants of the 2009 Texas Next Top Designer.

Texas Next Top Designer 2009 Gala

Stephanie — Thu, 21 May 2009 00:42:35 +0000

It’s finally here, the day before the fashion show. I’m nervous about my chosen outfits for the night; I can’t even begin to imagine what the design finalists are feeling. I was able to check in with Ross from Ross Bennett Collection who is in Dallas finishing the final details of his designs. Ross, along with the other finalists, have been booked with appointments this week conducting model fittings and creating the hair and make-up design to complete their looks.

Tomorrow, May 21st, finalists will present their showcase at Victory Park. Included in the festivities is Elisa Jimenez, Project Runway designer, who will be unveiling a new musical project designed especially for this gala, the Rock Fashion Opera. The winner will receive a prize package estimated at $40,000, which includes production assistance and promotional media support as well as a one year styling contract with Tony & Guy for all public appearances. Celebrations and libations to follow at the Ghost Bar - a rooftop lounge at the W Hotel Dallas – Victory Park.

silk and bamboo mini-dress

Congratulations to all of the 2009 Preliminary Nominees:

August Alexander, Dallas • Eddie Nelson Barrett, Dallas •Ross Bennett, Austin • Beth Greer, Dallas • Patricia Harless, Austin • Jessica Head, Frisco • Ashley Heathcock, Austin • Ann Hoang, Grand Prairie • Chance Jackson, Wichita Falls • Stephanie Jimenez, Austin • Shawn Kinglsey, Houston • Amber Liggon, Dallas • James Martinez, Dallas • Jennifer Martinson, San Antonio • Nilmin Momin, Sugarland • Amber Perley, Dallas • Elizaneth Pool, Richardson • Casey Smith–Logan, Austin • Megan Summerville, Austin • Darien Thomas, Dallas • Sharron Valk, Dallas •Doug Voisin & Andrew Bayer, Dallas • Courtney Warren–Slye, Dallas

Direct Link + Texas Next Top Designer & Victory Park, Dallas