The prestigious Council of Fashion Designers of America's board of directors comprises fashion notables Diane von Furstenberg, Michael Kors, Marcus Wainwright, Selima Salaun and Vera Wang. When they support an emerging designer, we pay attention.
Last year, W Hotels partnered with the CFDA Fashion Incubator program, which fosters promising fashion talent by helping them grow their businesses. Select designers are currently touring W cities across the country to gain exposure to new retailers, media and fashion elite.
Dallas made the list of stops, and we were there, along with a few fashionable folks who braved inclement weather to catch a glimpse of the designers and their collections.
Hosts Roopal Patel, Joyann King and Nasiba Adilova mingled with guests such as Sue Gragg, Maxine Trowbridge, Pamela Martin-Duarte, Chuck Steelman, Krystal Schlegel, Anais Assoun, Lauren Preston, Christen Wilson, Kristie Ramirez Hoistma and Jackie Bolin before all were ultimately evacuated to the basement due to tornado threats.
These are the highlights before the weather stole the show:
Ari Dein, from lingerie designer Arielle Shapiro, caught our eye immediately. Shapiro's luxurious handmade silk sleepwear can be worn outside of the bedroom — if you dare. The designer's attention to detail (i.e., hand-pressed gold leaf and handmade ribbon) had us coveting a new trousseau.
Kristen Stewart is a fan of Jonathan Simkhai. He designs for the girl on the go who wants a no-fuss, high-fashion look. Simkhai's silk track shorts and easy dresses were crowd pleasers. Find it locally at V.O.D.
Reece Solomon's collection of exotic bags and clutches has attracted the attention of stars like Beyonce (she carried one at the Grammys) and luxury retailers like Barneys. Solomon's uniquely detailed Reece Hudson treasures include the day-to-night "Bowery" oversized clutch and the "Bondage" minaudiere with removable cuff.
Timo Weiland and Alan Eckstein are the design duo behind the Timo Weiland collection for men and women. Their chic and simple pieces are easy to wear, while the innovative prints speak to fashion risk-takers. Shop the line at Piermarini in Dallas.
(Back to front, left to right) Arielle Shapiro, Jonathan Simkhai, Alan Eckstein, Reece Solomon, Max Stein and Timo Weiland at W Dallas Victory hotel.
