Fashion Forward to Houston By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photos by: www.zimbio.com, ABC

Fall Fashion Fever is catching on these days. New York City may be the place to be in September but as the leaves begin to take on their autumn colors, fashion fans flock to Houston, Texas to take part in Fashion Houston, also known as Audi Fashion Week. This 4-day designer spectacular is brought to you by such prestigious sponsors as Audi, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue along with so many more prominent industry leaders. It takes place from October 10th through October 13th.
Designers bringing us their impressive collections include Aries Milan, Barbara Tfank, Carmen Marc Volvo, Cesar Galindo, Chloe Dao, Douglas Hannant, Fabiola Arias, Jerri Moore, Norman Ambrose and Project 360.
Barbara Tfank has designed couture gowns for Uma Thurman, First Lady Michelle Obama and most recently designed a custom dress and coat ensemble for Grammy award-winning artist, Adele. She is a proclaimed costume designer for feature films.

Multi-talented Carmen Marc Volvo’s fashions can be seen on Beyonce and Kate Winslet and even on the big screen. He branched out from clothing to evening bags, home decor and best-selling sexy swimwear at Victoria’s Secret. He has designed for Nina Ricci and Christian Dior. Volvo devotes time and money to supporting Colon Cancer Research.

Aries Milan has launched an exquisite brand known as ‘Kate Kills Pretty’ capturing youthful rebellion and a unique sense of femininity.
Cesar Galindo can be called the genius behind some of the collections of Calvin Klein and Dolce and Gabbana. He has collaborated with Seth Cohen on cocktail and evening wear. His work is showcased on television and in films.


A winner of Project Runway, Chloe Dao has had the good fortune to be a part of New York Fashion Week at Seventh on Sixth, Elle Magazine and a mentorship with Banana Republic. Her expertise has landed some of her designs to be featured in the Smithsonian Museum. She is a spokesperson for a Dove Campaign and she not only designs clothing but also travel accessories.

Douglas Hannant holds the key to luxury and sophistication. He understands what a woman wants in her wardrobe. His collections have been admired by many a socialite and his success is evident by his stores that have opened in The Plaza in New York City and in Neiman Marcus in Palm Beach.

Fabiola Arias prides herself on her rich textures. At such a young age, she has climbed the ladder of success quickly and played a part in Tokyo Fashion Week in March of 2010. Her evening wear has been tremendously well received around the globe.


Houston native, Jerri Moore, holds glamour as the treasure for her efficacious collections. Her inspirations come from her years as a model, actor and film producer. She custom designs gowns no matter what the occasion. Her goodwill and charitable contributions give her a great sense of pride and she is a Silver Circle Member of the Dream Foundation.


Norman Ambrose’s refined sense of fashion has given him a solid reputation and he has dressed some of the world’s most powerful and fashionable women. Under Bill Blass and Cristobal Balenciaga, his ambition and drive has taken him so very far.


Project 360 makes a fashion statement. It is a collaboration of Patrick Schwarzenegger, Nick Sheinberg and Kimberly Barth. The brand has gained momentum and been featured in Glamour, People Magazine, Access Hollywood and more. They stress the importance of social awareness of global issues such as Alzheimer’s Disease. Their merchandise ‘goes green’. The team’s charitable efforts are admirable.


The culmination of the event will be a Style Icon Award presented to Becca Cason Thrash.
The level of talent contained within the Wortham Theatre Center is unsurpassed in the industry. That warm Texas hospitality will draw attendees right in.

In 2010, exuberant glamour and magnificence filled the runway. The fashion event generated 300 million media impressions and sold out within a short period of time. There were showings of Haute Couture styles and featured Lauren Bush. Lynn Wyatt was awarded the Style Icon Award. The last evening marked a tribute to Eileen Ford, a legend in the modeling industry. It was a very memorable experience.

For the second year in a row, Fashion Houston is building momentum, rivaling New York and Paris Fashion Weeks and stepping to the forefront of fashion very quickly. Houston will deliver what promises to be a winning presentation once again.
To find out more about Fashion Houston/Audi Fashion Week, go to http://www.fashionhouston.net.







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