Highlights from Driskill Runways and Market Place (PHOTOS)

Wednesday, August 15

Ten-year-old veteran superstar, with a classic but youthful take on feminine design, Isabella Rose (Austin, Texas).

Bobby Kelley of BobbyK Design (Gainsville, Flordia) A contemporary take on 60’s mod styling, utilizing form fitting accents and on trend color pairs of grey and neon yellow, mixed with royal blue and rich blacks.

Mint green accents mixed with bright colors and fun patterns make up Ashley Zaba’s swimsuit collection from Ontario, Canadian.

The vision of local designer/seamstress Theresa Kopecky, comes to life with this elegant collection of career and summer pieces in Tess Dress (styled by Leonardo de Almargro).

Learn more about Jacksonville, Florida’s swim suit artisan, Lisa Kaminski in this Q and A.

Under Sue Webber Productions, senior design student Bri Johnson walked the runway with an intent stare and graceful ease. “Modeling gives you a feel for how clothes fit on the body,” said Johnson, who balances her time between sketching a wedding dress for UT’s own annual fashion show, and producing content for the online vintage Etsy shop, Love Charlie J she co-founded with her sister Nicole.

Market Place Designers include: headband accessories by Jahanna Martinez, children’s apparel -- Over the Moon, and Valentina Shoes.

Thursday, August 16

Our next evening radiated a constant collection of fine craftsmanship. With the eccentric sophistication of fashion week regular Boudoir Queen, timeless wedding dresses sought for immaculate presentation by Sarah Eileen, gothic inspired elements from House of Krimson, and crowd favorite, plus-sized line Savannah Red – there was something for every taste. Second half continued with worldly fashions from Nigerian based House of Victoria and Argentinian sister duo Rare Trends (styled by Edith Henry).

On hand for both shows, was former Los Angeles turned Austinite blogger, Heather Petrey of LA Fashion Snob. Her effervescent style caught attention from House of Victoria Designers, who featured Petrey’s headpieces within their showcase. “Every time I go out I try to make a statement,” she said, wearing puffed polka dotted sleeves. “Why conform? It’s boring.” Attendees found that at the Driskill, fashion is anything but boring. -Audrea Diaz

Information set list of all participants may be seen at this Austin Fashion Week link.