Project Runway Report

Project Runway has plus-size moment but will Texan make finals?

After 14 seasons, Project Runway had a plus-size moment, and it felt good. Although this season of the hit reality series is far from over, with 10 contestants still remaining in the competition, the work of only six were shown September 11 at New York Fashion Week. Their names weren't revealed because, with the magic of editing, only three will be featured as "finalists" who show at fashion week in the final episode later this fall.

But — spoiler alert! — fans of the show could easily determine whose collection was whose, based on what went down the runway.

It wasn't hard to pick out the work of Ashley Neil Tipton, the zaftig contestant who is easily the most compelling personality among them, surviving snubs by a trio of mean girls and other slights thus far. Tipton has been a strong advocate for plus-size women, and her collection featured 10 curvy models not usually seen on New York runways because of their size.

Tipton boldly sent out the models in sheer shirts and lace crop tops that expose the midriff, form-fitting gowns, patterned shorts, and Carmen Miranda fruit headdresses. Despite some spotty sewing, it is a free-spirited collection, which clearly won over the audience that included celebrity judges Carrie Underwood, Kelly Osbourne, and Glee's Matthew Morrison, now starring on Broadway in Finding Neverland.

Fans of the show could also spot the Indian influence in contestant Swapnil Shinde's work, with sequined sari-like gowns; the Goth vibe in Candice Cuoco's leather collection; the sexy forms of Edmund Newton; and the '80s looks of questionable taste from Kelly Dempsey.

Cheryl Bemis, editor of Fashionably Austin, and I are not sure if Austin contestant Lindsey Creel has made the final six. Creel's aesthetic is clean and minimal, and only one collection, featuring fitted trousers and crisp white cotton shirts that flow longer in the front, fit that definition. But they were accessorized by red hats on each model — a trademark of another contestant, Merline Labissiere.

Viewers will have to stay tuned to find out.

Ashley Neil Tipton featured plus-size models on the runway.

Project Runway runway show at New York Fashion Week

Photo by Cheryl Bemis/Fashionably Austin

Ashley Neil Tipton featured plus-size models on the runway.

new-york-fashion-week

Shopping News

Where to shop in Dallas right now: 7 zany new stores to check out

Thrifted Threads

Thrifted Threads chill vibe

With the holidays on the horizon, shopping is on the rise. This November edition of Where to Shop, CultureMap's monthly roundup of new shops, sales, and alternative shopping, has five unique new openings, ranging from fashion to skin care to sports apparel.

The roundup also includes two non-traditional entries, including a new benefits program at an area mall, and a place to get your passport — in case you're planning on shopping abroad.

Here's where to shop in Dallas for November:

Baseballism
Baseball camp that transformed into an off-field baseball clothing brand is now open at Allen Premium Outlets. The store offers baseball-themed clothing, hats, and accessories. Their collection features collaborations with several big league names, including MLB, Babe Ruth, Vin Scully and Field of Dreams. Caps and hoodies are especially popular items, such as the Junior's Silhouette for $36 or the short Sleeve Yankees hoodie for $79.

Firewheel Town Center
Garland shopping center is in the giving spirit with its latest Shop, Dine & Save program. Visitors can shop or dine at select stores, including Buckle, DSW, and Razzoo's, Ferah Tex-Med Kitchen, and receive a $25 Simon giftcard when they spend $150 or more. To get the giftcard, receipts have to be shown at the mall management office and include at least one shop and one restaurant from the same day. The special lasts through November 27.

Hill House
Originally a bedding company that launched in 2016, Hill House has extended their collection to offer home, accessories, baby & kids, bridal, and apparel. They opened a location in NorthPark Center at the end of October — their first in Texas and only their fifth store. Hill House is best known for the "Nap Dress," a flowing dress made for day or night wear. There's also a short version of the dress, such as the Scarlett Long Sleeve Mini, a plaid dress for $188. Just in time for season, they've launched holiday pajamas, featuring pajama sets, robes, and children's sets.

Glossier
Skincare, beauty, and fragrance concept just opened a 1,000 square-foot store at NorthPark Center, featuring its trademark whimsical displays that one might mistake for an art supply or paint store. They sell fragrances, scented skin creams, balms, cleansers, moisturizers, makeup, eyelash curlers, and other beauty products, a little on the pricey side, but they make the shopping experience fun with an immersive shopping experience. That stuff doesn't come for free. This is their 12 location in the U.S., joining Atlanta, Boston, Brooklyn, Chicago, DC, Las Vegas, London, Los Angeles, NYC, Philadelphia, and Seattle.

Rally House
Sports apparel chain opened a location at Rockwall Crossing Shopping Center in Rockwall, with merchandise — headwear, accessories, collectibles — dedicated to Dallas-area teams including Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, Dallas Stars, and college teams like the Texas Longhorns, Texas Tech Red Raiders, and Texas A&M Aggies. They also offer locally-themed apparel and accessories that celebrate Dallas destinations and landmarks, such as an Uscape Pom Mens Knit Hat with a graphic of the Dallas skyline for $30 or a long sleeve Dallas sweatshirt for $42. This is the 22nd location in Dallas-Fort Worth.

Thrifted Threads
Houston-based vintage clothing reseller just made its debut in Deep Ellum at 2646 Main St. #620, next to Vidorra. Thrifted Threads was founded by Laith Awad, who began reselling clothes in 2017, initially as an online store until he opened a location in 2022 in Houston's Montrose District when he was only 18. He opened a second store in College Station in 2023. Deep Ellum is the third. They're known vintage apparel from jerseys to sweatshirts and hats, as well as collections of color-sorted clothes from the 70s to the 2000s. It's more than a store, with arcade games that don't require coins to play, a motorcycle display, and ice cream.

Collin County Passport Office
If you're "shopping" for a passport, a passport office just reopened in the Collin County Courthouse at 2100 Bloomdale Rd., McKinney. The new passport acceptance office will initially be appointment only, with bookings available through the District Clerk's website. Plans are underway to introduce same-day and walkup services in the near future.

openings where to shop