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STYLE FOR MILES ON THE FRONT ROW: AUSTIN FASHION WEEK NAMES DYNAMIC STYLESETTERS FOR FASHIONABLE GATHERINGS FOR APRIL 15-23 EVENTS.

What’s not to love about a fashionista’s dream come true…to see Austin Fashion Week’s 2016’s inaugural Style Setters that were just announced this week? Who are the lucky recipients? Laura Craddick, Aida G. Dieck, Andrea McWilliams and Bobbi Topfer will be honored, one each evening of the fashion show events, during Austin Fashion Week on Friday, April 15 — Saturday, April 23.

We love that in its eighth year, Fashion X Austin’s Austin Fashion Week, the brainchild of founder Matt Swinney, has added a new component of honoring these dynamic Style Setters. These four influential women in the region have been selected not only for their iconic style, but also for their tireless work and dedication to non-profit organizations. We also love that Austin Fashion Week will be donating a portion of all “Style Setter” tickets to each recipient’s designated non-profit organization. Here’s how you can become a style-setting guest yourself…

It all kicks off with a beautiful brunch. Community advocate Aida G. Dieck has devoted her life to inspiring and supporting women in their professional and personal endeavors. As a board member for the American Heart Association, Capital Area Division, Dieck works to build happier, healthier lives in the community through education and advocacy of key health issues. Austin Fashion Week is proud to honor Dieck’s diligent work in the community with an elegant brunch featuring 130 years of fashion at The Driskill on Sunday, April 17th at 1:00 pm. A portion of all “Style Setter” brunch tickets will benefit the American Heart Association, Capital Area Division.

Let’s get to the evening festivities, shall we? Laura Craddick is a longtime supporter of Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas. Over the last several years, she has co-chaired its annual gala and formed the “Kendra Scott for Kids” jewelry line benefitting Dell Children’s. Her volunteer efforts raised over a million dollars for Dell Children’s and Seton, enabling Dell Children’s to advance with the best doctors, equipment and resources. In addition to being on the Dell Children’s Council, Craddick has also served on the Elizabeth Ann Seton Board, and was a committee member for Seton’s Celebration of Life Luncheon benefitting Seton Breast Care Center. Craddick loves Austin’s local designers and will be pulling the best gala looks from her closet - from Daniel Esquivel to Katie Kime - to showcase at Runways & Gallery on Thursday, April 21st at JW Marriott Austin. Help support Dell Children’s by purchasing “Style Setter” tickets for Thursday.

For Friday Funday, event planner, fundraiser and philanthropist Bobbi Topfer does it all – with style. After more than 15 years in the event industry, Topfer re-focused her efforts on cultural endeavors and over the course of her 12 years in Austin, she has raised over $18 million in funding. She worked closely with ZACH Theatre to unveil the Topfer Theatre in 2012 and she continues to support ZACH in creating an intimate theatre experience that engages the Austin community. Austin Fashion Week is thrilled to honor Topfer and provide a glimpse into her amazing wardrobe, which includes Linda Asaf and Escada, during Runways & Gallery on Friday, April 22nd. A portion of all “Style Setter” Friday tickets will benefit ZACH Theatre.

To cap off a week of extraordinary events, Andrea McWilliams is a lobbyist, political strategist and national political commentator in her hometown of Austin. Her unique bipartisan firm works to support various legislative goals on behalf of her clients. In addition to her essential work at the Capitol, Andrea is proud to have served as a board member for Ballet Austin, Texas Lyceum, Preservation Austin, Mexic–Arte Museum, Arthouse, and the Elizabeth Ann Seton Hospital, among others. Austin Fashion Week honors McWilliams and will highlight her best looks ranging from Oscar De La Renta to Carolina Herrera at Runways & Gallery on Saturday, April 23rd. Help support Ballet Austin by purchasing “Style Setter” Saturday tickets.

So, what are you waiting for to see these dynamic women, key style influencers, as well as the best designer-driven fashion shows in the country here at Austin Fashion Week? Count on us to be a part of all the festivities. Style Setter Tickets to the Brunch can be purchased for $300, and Runways & Gallery including one front row seat, VIP lounge with open bar and gifting suite for $500, available at: http://afw.fashionxaustin.com/tickets/style-setters/. Also, stay connected with Fashion X Austin and Austin Fashion Week on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/fashionxaustin, Follow us on Instagram and Twitter @FashionXAustin, or visit us at http://afw.fashionxaustin.com for more information.

Photography courtesy of Austin Fashion Week.