For 3 nights in the weekend, I got to be a part of the largest fashion event in DFW. I was front row, viewing collections from some of the most talented independent and emerging designers from the U.S. and beyond. FashionXDallas transformed the city center into a runway that even Dallas’ fashion elite are not soon to forget. The crowds came dressed to impress at the F.I.G. (Fashion Industry Gallery) downtown Dallas. From the creators of Austin Fashion Week emerged a catalyst in Dallas for couture designs to be viewed and enjoyed. I was impressed by the forward thinking that each designer brought to the show and the trends that are sure to keep things interesting this season.

Thursday night favorites included Binzario Couture (bridal, formal wear and cocktail design, partners Andre Yabin and Luis Nazario), League of Rebels (epic menswear for the modern-day (warrior) gentleman), Mysterious by NPN (Ethereal dressed that haunt with beauty by Nicholas Phat Nguyen) and Edo Popken (Swiss International Designer known for his limited edition dress shirts, colorful Fashion approach, love for detail and eco-friendly & ethically correct craftsmanship). We saw plaids, we saw fur, we saw halo-topped models teeter-tottering in sky-high heels. There is definitely something to be said about the approach that FashionXDallas brought to the style of showing and the applause in response that Dallas gave.

I also attended the FashionXDallas finale on Saturday that showcased 8 runway shows at Designer All Stars Presented by Bernina from some of the most popular and talented designers featured on the hit television series Project Runway: All Stars (including 3 season winners). Austinite and Project Runway All-Star Daniel Esquivel stole my complete attention. His Bond-esque presentation included stunning Tartan patterns and fur lining that gave me shivers of happiness. Saint Louis designer Laura Kathleen Baker gave us caped looks that stunned and added a bit of drama that only an all-star designer can bring.

This weekend will go down in the history books for Dallas fashion. Congrats to the FashionXDallas team and here’s to next year!

(All Photos by Stephanie Drenka Photography)