http://blog.chron.com/coolkids/2016/10/15/fashion-x-houston-stakes-its-claim-to-fashion-crown/

(Photography: Fashion X Runway, Carolyn Farb and Lance Avery Morgan)

Bringing its successful fashion show franchise to Houston for the first time, founder Matt Swinney introduced the Bayou City to a different kind of show at Silver Street Studios. There seemed to be something for everyone at the opening night of Fashion X Houston (said as Fashion By Houston…not the letter X). From avant grade to elegant, the designers who showcased their collections left no one wanting.

The star of the night was Nicholas Nguyen of Mysterious by N.P.N, who closed out the show to a well-deserved standing O. He designs for both women and men, and I don’t think there was a single menswear item in his collection that I didn’t want. The women were equally “wowing,” with each piece looking more stunning than the last, especially the show-stopping (literally) wedding gown. It was truly a magical way to end the first night on the runway.

The opening designer was Houston’s own David Peck with his Miles David line that exuded elegance and sophistication. His pieces were so well made and tailored, as usual, and went over well with the crowd that included many of his regular clients.

One aspect of Fashion X Houston is that each night has a dedicated beneficiary, with Heroes for Children being the recipient from Thursday night. Style Setter for the night, Caroline Harper Knapp from HOUSE of HARPER, introduced the charity and the attendees to a show of clothes straight from her personal closet.

The most interesting award of the night must go to 20-year-old Austin designer Sloane Lenz of This is Sloane. Matt (my husband–not the founder of Fashion X) kept referring to her collection in terms of “fashion is art,” and if that’s true (I believe it is), then she would be the Andy Warhol of the night. She used somewhat unconventional fabrics and had pieces that said things like “We’re Not Ready” on the front and “Do Not Look at Us” on the back. Another piece had “We’r” (assumed to be We’re but not enough room for the length of the dress) on the front and “Open” on the back. They were edgy and modern but would take someone with some guts to wear in a “I wear what I like and don’t care what anyone else thinks” kind of way. Fashion is a way of expressing personality, and her line has LOADS of personality.

There were also two “Project Runway” designers who showed their wares. Daniel Esquivel, from Austin and “Project Runway” season 11 and All Stars, who might best be remembered from his mustache on the show (he still has it) had a somewhat Mexican/southwest feel to his clothing. There was a jacket that I wanted to grab off the model and put on that moment. I didn’t feel the same animal print worked as well when he used it in a pair of pants, but it had interest. Sean Kelly, who won season 13 of “Project Runway,” also showed his fall 2016 collection. It was very different from what I remember from watching his designs on the show. You almost wouldn’t understand his fashion until you read his description of this season’s line, which is “based on the idea of transplanting cultures and religion to remote foreign locations.” As esoteric as that might sound, it actually puts it into perspective and makes me understand what he was doing better than when I just saw the show.

The opening designer was Houston’s own David Peck with his Miles David line that exuded elegance and sophistication. His pieces were so well made and tailored, as usual, and went over well with the crowd that included many of his regular clients.

One aspect of Fashion X Houston is that each night has a dedicated beneficiary, with Heroes for Children being the recipient from Thursday night. Style Setter for the night, Caroline Harper Knapp from HOUSE of HARPER, introduced the charity and the attendees to a show of clothes straight from her personal closet.

The most interesting award of the night must go to 20-year-old Austin designer Sloane Lenz of This is Sloane. Matt (my husband–not the founder of Fashion X) kept referring to her collection in terms of “fashion is art,” and if that’s true (I believe it is), then she would be the Andy Warhol of the night. She used somewhat unconventional fabrics and had pieces that said things like “We’re Not Ready” on the front and “Do Not Look at Us” on the back. Another piece had “We’r” (assumed to be We’re but not enough room for the length of the dress) on the front and “Open” on the back. They were edgy and modern but would take someone with some guts to wear in a “I wear what I like and don’t care what anyone else thinks” kind of way. Fashion is a way of expressing personality, and her line has LOADS of personality.

Among those in attendance for the inaugural edition of Fashion X Houston were Carolyn Farb, Rob Giardinelli, Lance Avery Morgan, Beth Muecke, Miya Shay, Jennifer Roosth, Beth Cassidy, Shannon Hall, the rarely seen Erik Bechtol, Mike Mahlstedt and Kyle Dutton, Magen Pastor and daughters Mila and Maddie, Joshua Omar Johnson, Neal Hamil, Jerri Moore, Anika Jackson and John Newinn, Maggie Noel, Joy Sewing, Clifford Pugh, Todd Ramos, Michael P. Broderick, Deborah Elias, Libby Cagle and Lauren Taft, Chloe Dao, and Jaquel Andrews.

Other designers at opening night were Jimmy Burner, SixChel: Sexy Chic Cool Chick, and Rask. Carlos Castillo and Shehla Rana showed capsule collections, which were both lovely, if too brief.

Two of our favorite pop-up shops in the Gallery were Donae and Rob Chramosta‘s The Vintage Contessa, from which I have personally shopped for many years…and might have been ogling a few items that night. I even had the opportunity to try on a HUGE diamond ring that I waited until after the evening was over to post on social media. If Kim Kardashian has taught me one thing… Well, in addition to Donae and Rob, we were also pleased to see Union & Fifth in attendance with its “Shop For Good” concept where people may send gently pre-owned clothing to Union & Fifth, which will sell the items and then give 75 percent of the proceeds to the charity of your choice. The donor is able to write off 100 percent as a tax deduction though. It’s a win-win-win.

We even had a familial connection to the show because Matt’s sister’s husband’s daughter (if you can keep that straight) Allison Mitchell was showing her amazing handbag and accessories collection in one of the pop-up stores. They were made from materials such as pirarucu (a large Amazonian fish), springbok (an African antelope) and dyed calf hair. The bags were really well thought out though, as she certainly used her marketing background to showcase and demonstrate the various ways to use the bags.

The second night lineup includes Project Runway alumni Amanda Valentine and Gunnar Deatherage, as well as locals Tropicouture, Shalon B and Becky Hollands, who we hear will impress the audience. “Emerging” designers Abi Ferrin and Chavon Shree and capsule collections from Arrogantly Elegant, Erica Dawn Woodmore and Flawless Honey. Friday Runways will honor Style Setters Hannah McNair and Joanna Hartland Marks, with a portion of proceeds benefitting The Periwinkle Foundation.

Third and final night of shows will feature Michelle Lesniak (who we loved on her season of “Project Runway”), Sonjia Williams, and Korto Momolu from the hit reality show. Locals Paola Contreras of Inclan (who is adorable), Alantude, and Chloe Dao, who is one of the big success stories from “Project Runway,” will all be ready to take in the praise from an adoring audience. The emerging designers for this night will be Manam, Caycee Black, and Bentley + Lace. The capsule collections to be presented will be from Deanna Santiago and Vicren. Saturday Runways will honor Style Setter Lucinda Loya with a portion of proceeds benefitting the Children’s Assessment Center (CAC).

This may have been Fashion X Houston’s first time in Houston, but it certainly won’t be its last. You may find out more by visiting http://houston.fashionx.co.