The world of Dallas fashion is an evolving enigma — ushering designer greats from around the world and catapulting exceptional talent to the next level. From star-studded affairs to celebrity attractions to numerous press-worthy mentions, Dallas raised the bar for the local fashion industry in 2015. The beauty of this city is encapsulated by this wonderful fashion display. With such wonder around the city and a constant stream of weddings in our beautiful city, it really is no wonder that DFW Photographers are so in-demand.
With the rest of the world “on watch” for just what the Big D has in store, let’s raise a glass and toast to what was — and prep our minds and wardrobes for what is to come, cause baby in terms of what Dallas can and should do, you ain’t seen nothing yet!
1) Wall Street Journal Dubs Dallas as High Fashion Hub
It was the nod heard ’round the world this year when the Wall Street Journal published a report citing Dallas in the top 20 for high fashion hubs on a global scale. Ranking in at number 12 on the list, Dallas came just behind New York (no. 5), Los Angeles (no. 8), and Paris (no. 1) as one of the top global markets in fashion, predicted to soar high in luxury sales by 2025.
2) House of DIFFA Celebrates 25 Years with Musical Medley Meets Runway Mash-up
From Madonna to MC Hammer to the Spice Girls and more, House of DIFFA pumped up the volume this past March with a high fashion meets musical medley to celebrate its 25th anniversary. Co-produced by Rhonda Sargent Chambers of RSC Show Productions and Brian Brothers of Planet Productions, the packed out charity event still sets the standard and holds the title for one of the best runway events annually held in Dallas.
With the upcoming 2016 theme of Circo Rouge, our senses tell us that DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS) will up the ante once again as one of the best fashion events produced in Dallas for guests to marvel and attend.
3) Dallas Does it Big for New York Fashion Week
It’s the bi-annual event that gathers fashion enthusiasts from around the world. Though lately seeing its ups and downs in dramatic changes, New York Fashion Week still hails as one of the Big Apple’s top revenue generators, and as a highly attended event for industry professionals worldwide.
Dallas brands Binzario Couture, Ese Azenabor, and Allison Mitchell were amongst many who made the trek to Fashion Week this past September, with most receiving rave reviews. Only time will tell who else will take it to NYC, as there are many more rising stars now ascending from the Dallas crop.
4) Bigger, Badder, Bolder: Pin Show Soars at The Bomb Factory
Another annual must-see in Dallas fashion, the Pin Show, returned this year even bigger and bolder than before with its new, larger-than-life location at Deep Ellum’s Bomb Factory.
Packing out the house with editors, bloggers, designers, and more, industry insiders mark their calendars early for this ultimate in indie designer showcases. Highlighting an eclectic mix of 22 brands this past year, the Pin Show remains as an Inspire N Style fave and one for sourcing the best in local designer talent.
5) To Paris with Love: Dallas Designer Venny Etienne’s French FĂȘte
It was all but a dream for the Dallas community to faithfully follow Dallas designer Venny Etienne of LeVenity on his 30-day excursion to Paris this past summer. Fresh off of his victory as the winner of FGI’s Paris American Academy Couture award, all eyes were upon Etienne to live vicariously through his Parisian adventure.
As the winner of an all-expenses paid trip to Paris, many onlookers watched in amazement as Etienne attended Paris Fashion Week, studied at the Paris American Academy, and learned from the best of the best in haute couture. Much lies in await for the emerging designer for 2016, and we’ll be keeping a watchful eye to report on what’s ahead for this shining Dallas star.
6) Do you NeoBantu? The Not-Your-Average NeoBantu Nandi Cape
It was the ultimate show-stopper for 2015 when we stumbled upon this two-sided reversible Nandi cape by Dallas-based label NeoBantu. Undoubtedly one of our top fashion finds for the year, the multi-printed and versatile design was conceivably one of Dallas’ heavy hitters in the indie label realm, and one gracing the wardrobes of sophisticated women around the world.
From top-notch CEO’s to moms on the go, NeoBantu takes fashion to supernatural heights with its quality and expertly crafted designs. It reminded me of certain boutiques near me that focus on the same. Do yourself a favor for 2016, and keep an eye out for more jaw-dropping aesthetics from this coveted brand.
7) Prabal Gurung Receives Highest Honor at FGI’s Night of Stars Awards
Last year it was Zac Posen, and this year FGI raised the stakes again by honoring internationally renowned designer, Prabal Gurung, with its highest honor: the 2015 Career Achievement Award in fashion. Honored for not only his incredible marks within the fashion industry, FGI recognized the noted designer for his charitable efforts in aiding earthquake victims in his native home of Nepal.
8) Teri Agins Tells All in Dallas
When veteran fashion journalist Teri Agins speaks — you listen. The no-nonsense Wall Street Journal reporter headed to the Big D on August 26, to dish on all things celebrity fashion-related and her much buzzed about book, Hijacking the Runway. Keeping the audience amused, FGI filled the Neiman Marcus space with respected peers, fans, and many who wanted the Teri tell-it-like-it-is scoop on why celebrities have deemed to have “hijacked” the runway in their quests to be designers in fashion.
9) Iris Apfel and Jan Strimple Emerge as Dynamic Duo at USA Film Festival
Style icon and the legendary “rare bird of fashion,” Iris Apfel descended into Dallas in April, to chat all things fashion inspired and to candidly screen and discuss her hit documentary, Iris at the USA Film Festival.
Pairing as a surprising yet entertaining dynamic duo, Dallas fashion maven Jan Strimple led the outspoken Apfel in an awe-inspiring Q&A that hailed as one of the best fashion discussions that Dallas witnessed for 2015. A woman of many words, Apfel hit on rarities in her lifelong experiences, fashion faux pas, self-appreciation, and the uniqueness of just being you.
10) NorthPark Center Celebrates 50 Years, Introduces Extraordinary Art Meets Fashion Exhibit
Run, don’t walk while there’s still time! In honor of its 50 year milestone anniversary, Dallas shopping destination NorthPark Center, unveiled its Art Meets Fashion Exhibit featuring 29 designer looks that have spanned the last 50 years of fashion.
Curated by Myra Walker, the exhibition showcases works by past and current designers from Halston to Pierre Cardin. An epic sight to see, this collection from the Texas Fashion Collection is one for the record books. On display until January 3, 2016, this exhibit hails as one of our must-sees in fashion for 2015.
Teri Agins image credit Leah Frazier for Inspire N Style Magazine. All other images credit the individual designers and/or retailers.
