Binzario Couture Wows At NYC Fashion Week

photos c/o Fashion X Dallas and Benzario Couture


(Press Release) Before Binzario Couture debuted its Spring/Summer 2017 collection, “Daydream” at New York Fashion Week last month at the Affinia Hotel, Manhattan, they let local fans get a first look at Fashion X Dallas. A few days later, their NYC appearance drew a crowd nearly three times larger than expected. The room was full of fashion enthusiasts, celebrity stylists, celebrities, including D. Smith and Mimi Faust – cast of “Love and Hip-hop”; Darnell Thibodeaux and Ashley Roberts – cast of “WAGs Miami”; Natalie Eva Marie – WWA Wrestler; Bianca Espada – E!’s “Rich Kids of Beverly Hills”; Marissa Jade – American model turned actress who is best known for VH1 reality television show “Mob Wives”. "The Fitzgerald Ballroom was turned into a designer runway and as Binzario's first model took her place at the head of the runway, the crowd was mesmerized," said a representative from Benzario Couture. "The stillness of the room was evident as everyone seemingly held their breathe so as not to allow anything from interfering with their ability to take in the extraordinary detail and beauty of each of the 20 pieces."

Oh So Fashionable: Fashion X Dallas 2016

Scroll through the photo gallery for visual delights:

photos by Danielle Ellis, Shana Anderson, Thomas Garza and Todd White

Fashion X Dallas is our version of “fashion week” and features 3 nights of runway shows each Fall. The event was created in 2014 by Matt Swinney, creator of Austin Fashion Week and each night featured at least 9 full runway collections from local DFW-based designers, Season Winners and All Stars from the hit Lifetime Television show Project Runway, and emerging designers from across the globe. FXD also gives opportunities to the youngest of designers through CAPSULE, mini 3-look collections allowing for an accessible runway experience. Finally, over 20 curated Gallery spaces will feature the best in emerging jewelry and accessories designers each night. This September 8-10, Fashion X Dallas returned for its 3rd year and to keep things fresh, the event is adding a new component called "Style Setters". Linda Gray, Steve Kemble, LeeAnne Locken and Heidi Dillon were selected not only for their iconic style, but also for their tireless work and dedication to nonprofit organizations. Fashion X Dallas donated a portion of all “Style Setter” tickets to each designated nonprofit. I've been a supporter of the event since its inception and can attest that every year, Matt and his team elevate the level of fun and sophistication higher and higher. I encourage you to peruse through this photo gallery of fabulous fashion and save the date for next year's FXD. www.fashionxdallas.com

Fashion X Dallas 2016 Announces Style Setters

Fashion X Dallas is the premiere “fashion week” in the DFW market and features 3 nights of runway shows each Fall. Each night in 2016 will feature at least 9 full runway collections from local DFW-based designers, Season Winners and All Stars from the hit Lifetime Television show Project Runway, and emerging designers from across the globe. FXD also gives opportunities to the youngest of designers through CAPSULE, mini 3-look collections allowing for an accessible runway experience. Finally, over 20 curated Gallery spaces will feature the best in emerging jewelry and accessories designers each night. This September 8-10, Fashion X Dallas will return for its 3rd year and to keep things fresh, the event is adding a new component called "Style Setters". Four influencers in the local community have been selected not only for their iconic style, but also for their tireless work and dedication to nonprofit organizations. Fashion X Dallas will be donating a portion of all “Style Setter” tickets to each designated nonprofit. This year's Style Setters are...

Dallas Takes It All In Fashion X Austin's BLANC competition

Fashion X Founder Matt Swinney, Venny Etienne, model wearing Etienne's winning look, Neil Marek, model wearing Marek's winning look and Bernina representative

On November 6, Bernina Presented Fashion X Austin: BLANC. The event was a one-night fashion spectacle with live fashion presentations and photo shoots from stunning Texas-based designers and pop up shops hosted by over 40 top brands in the local Texas fashion scene as an early “holiday shopping” experience. Each brand offered a unique “blanc” item with a portion of proceeds benefitting the Austin Fashion Fund. 59 entrants had been curated down to 12 garments that were all inspired by the Swiss Alps (BERNINA’s home country). Dallas-based Neil Marek was named the winner of the first ever BERNINA Blanc Design Challenge and was awarded a prize package valued over $20,000. Marek is co-designer of the Marek + Richard line, known for its "funky fresh" line of mens tops, underwear and swimwear. I understand this competition was his first foray into womenswear and it's clear he is headed in a positive direction with this win.

Fan Favorite was Dallas' own Venny Etienne who received a Bernina 1300 MDC serger and coverstitch valued at $2,300. Sweet.  Other finalists included: Alisha Contreras, Hannah Leonard, Amanda Scarlett Smith, Dina Chavez, Kassie Carrell, Kraig Pieper, Marissa Marsh, Samantha Plasencia, and Stefanie Bell. I asked Etienne how he came up with his winning design. "I was particularly inspired by the shapes of the Swiss mountains. That is where I came up with the idea of the triangular motif through the garment. I also knew I wanted to create a piece that was strong but yet still clean. She had to look in charge and tall so I decided to create a 2-piece crop top look." Etienne has had quite a year, from winning RAW artist designer of the year, a Paris scholarship from FGI Dallas along with a serger and cash scholarship, showing his LeVenity SS16 line during Style Fashion Week in LA and now this accolade. So, what's next for this emerging Dallas designer? "I must say this has been an amazing year for me and for my brand LeVenity," muses Etienne. "We are currently starting the pre-order process for our new SS16 line for LeVenity and will be working on the next collection. Soon you will see the LeVenity line on the racks of major luxury boutique stores in major cities near you!"

Click here to head over to Facebook for photos from this fashion competition. Click for more information about Fashion X Austin or Fashion X Dallas.

Haute Happenings Are Anticipated at Fashion X Dallas 2015

Many have tried to create a Fashion Week in Dallas and all have failed. Until last year, that is, when Austin Fashion Week creator, Matt Swinney, swooped into town with a mini-version of this big dream. Fashion X Dallas was a smash and I am thrilled to once again be on the Host Committee for this year's haute happenings! From Thursday, September 10th to Saturday, September 12th, Fashion X Dallas will showcase collections from independent and emerging designers and nationally recognized contemporary brands at FIG (1807 Ross Ave.) in Downtown Dallas. “Fashion X Dallas 2014 was such a resounding success and we are incredibly excited to bring it back in 2015,” says Matt Swinney, Founder of Fashion X Dallas. “Dallas, as a mecca for style and fashion, is the perfect city for established and emerging designers to showcase their collections. With quality production, we hope to give Dallas a 'fashion week' it has always deserved." One of the main goals of Fashion X Dallas is to support emerging and local talent through a program dubbed the Dallas Fashion Fund. Partnering with BERNINA of America, Dallas Fashion Fund will provide one local designer with grants in products and services to help expand their careers and strengthen the Dallas fashion industry. For tickets please visit: http://fashionxdallas.com/tickets

Thursday, September 10th 

Doors Open 6:00 pm, Runway Shows STARS 8:00 pm

Presented by Bernina returns to Fashion X Dallas with eight standout designers you know and love from Lifetime’s hit television series Project Runway. Take advantage of a rare opportunity to meet and greet your favorite designers after the show with your VIP ticket! Arrive at 6:00pm to walk the red carpet, browse twenty stunning jewelry and accessories lines in The Gallery, shop Vintage Martini’s “Formals and Furs” Pop Up, and sip cocktails while mingling with DFW’s most fashionable. Runway shows begin at 8:00pm. Upgrade your ticket to VIP for access to the swank VIP Lounge with complimentary cocktails and a gift from the VIP Gift Wall. Meet and greet with STARS designers after the show.

Oh So Obsessed: FINELL Handbags

The AXIS bag from FINELL

One of the best things about Fashion X (a 3-day fashion event that launched last fall attempting to answer our need for some sort of Fashion Week), was that it brought the show's creator Matt Swinney into my life. Matt founded Austin Fashion Week and he knows everybody in fashion. Particularly in Texas and he has introduced me to some amazing people, including the delightful Rebecca Finell, creator of Austin-based FINELL.  The modern lifestyle brand just launched its first collection of luxury handbags and small leather goods at shows this past fall and look how incredible her line is! I am completely obsessed! The collection introduced eye-catching geometric silhouettes, drawing from origami to create folding, faceted forms. Crafted of premium leather, the bags are made using a unique process to create rigid yet flexible angular panels. They feature durable microfiber interiors and matte black hardware details. This initial collection offers five bag styles and several accessories, available in a range of neutral colors and a cobalt blue. In addition to handbags, FINELL also plans to show selected samples of a new jewelry collection which will roll out this spring.

Fashion X Dallas: The Project Runway Finale

Fashion X came to a close last night at f.i.g. The previous two evenings had, for the most part, focused on local designers but for Saturday's grand finale gave fans of Lifetime's hit television show Project Runway had a rare opportunity to watch runway shows from fan favorites Anthony Ryan Auld, Daniel Esquivel, Jeffrey Sebelia, Korto Momolu, Laura Kathleen, Melissa Fleis, Michelle Lesniak, and Mychael Knight.

Among those who turned out for this all-star experience were Vintage Martini's Ken Weber, (my date) Courtney Kerr, Marie Reyes, Charles Smith, Ese Azenabor and like every fashion blogger in a 50-mile radius of Dallas.

I have to admit, I had my doubts that anyone could pull off a 3-day fashion extravaganza of this magnitude but with 6 years under his belt running Austin fashion Week, Matt Swinney was just the man for the job. If the whole point was to shine a spotlight on all of the amazing talent this city fosters and to bring a little awareness to consumers about the brands that live and work here, then I feel like Fashion X Dallas founder Matt Swinney succeeded. Are there things I might suggest they do a little differently next year, sure. But overall, I have to give a tip of the hat to Swinney for his efforts. Below are some highlight's from Saturday's show:

Fashion X Dallas: Day Two Brings Twice the Fashion Fun

Project Runway in the house!!! Holla!

After the variance of designers that showed at the debut of Fashion X Thursday night I couldn't wait to get back to f.i.g. last night to see what Round Two held.  I was not disappointed. In the VIP lounge, Kendra Scott was giving away baubles and I scored a great pair of Madina gold filagree earrings. In the house to watch some fashion magic was jewelry designer Shona Gilbert of SHONA, Shannon Yoachum, Leah Pasant, The Fashionistas sent LeeAnne Locken to represent, D'Andra Simmons, andDFW Daily's Leah Frazier. I was totally star struck to see so many of my favorite Project Runway designers milling about. Even though this talented group isn't slated to show their collections until Saturday's finale performance, almost everyone came in on Friday and attended Friday's show as guests. You know I totally had to snap pics with my faves! Here's a little snippet of what you missed:

Fashion X Dallas Debuts with Ruffles, Flounces, Sparkle and a Whole Lotta Bling

Flounce and ruffles and fun from Austin's Adrienne Yunger

Fashion X Dallas debuted Thursday night at the Fashion Industry Gallery (F.I.G.) in downtown’s Arts District. Design talent on the runway ranged from bridal and after-5 designer Binzario Couture to free spirited swimwear line Curlee Bikini to fresh men's suiting label League of Rebels. In The Gallery, guests browsed pop up shops from emerging designers by Laura Pierson and Mitchel Primrose showing fine jewelry, sumptuous leather handbags by Consuela, global chic footwear by Teysha, and feathered bow ties by Brackish. Prominent Swedish menswear designer Edo Popken closed the Thursday night runway show. Fashion X still has two more nights of shows: Isabella Rose Taylor, 13 year old teen sensation who has just launched a juniors line with Nordstrom, will serve as the finale on Friday night. On Saturday night, fans of Lifetime's hit television show Project Runway have a rare opportunity to watch runway shows presented by fan favorite designers at Designer All Stars Presented By Bernina. With the VIP experience, you can even meet and take photos with the All Star designers: Anthony Ryan Auld, Daniel Esquivel, Jeffrey Sebelia, Korto Momolu, Laura Kathleen, Melissa Fleis, Michelle Lesniak, and Mychael Knight. Explore all of the FXD designers on the fresh new Fashion X Dallas website at http://ow.ly/Cs4Tp and snag tickets to see your favorites. Tickets range from $20 for standing room to $195 for front row. Reserve the best seats in the house before they are gone.

Here are some scenes from last night's Fashion X presentation:

Oh So Fashionable: Fashion X is coming to Dallas November 6-8

We’re only a few weeks away from #FXD2014. As part of the Host Committee I’m very honored to be a part of the most exciting fashion event to hit Dallas this Fall. Be sure to buy your tickets before they sell out, so you don’t miss out! If you buy your tickets before the 16th, you’ll also be instantly entered to win an upgraded VIP experience! For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://ow.ly/Cs4Tp.

Fashion X Reveals Designer Lineup

Fashion X Dallas will take place November 6 – 8 at the Fashion Industry Gallery (F.I.G.) in downtown’s Arts District. Fashion X Dallas has just released the full lineup of designers showing this November. Design talent on the runway ranges from edgy womenswear designer Emily Daccarett to free spirited swimwear line Curlee Bikini to fresh men's suiting label League of Rebels. In The Gallery, you'll see stunning fine jewelry designs by Laura Pierson and Mitchel Primrose, sumptuous leather handbags by Consuela, global chic footwear by Teysha, and feathered bow ties by Brackish. They've also rounded up the best of local Dallas designers including Ese Azenabor, Nine Muses, Beaus + Ribbons, and Blaine Bowen.

Prominent Swedish menswear designer Edo Popken will close the Thursday night Runway shows and Isabella Rose Taylor, 13 year old teen sensation who has just launched a juniors line with Nordstrom, will serve as the finale on Friday night. Fans of Lifetime's hit television show Project Runway have a rare opportunity to watch runway shows presented by fan favorite designers at Designer All Stars Presented By Bernina. With the VIP experience, you can even meet and take photos with the All Star designers: Anthony Ryan Auld, Daniel Esquivel, Jeffrey Sebelia, Korto Momolu, Laura Kathleen, Melissa Fleis, Michelle Lesniak, and Mychael Knight.

To read more about Matt Swinney's plans for this inaugural event, click over to the interview he gave DFW Style Daily back in July. Explore all of the FXD designers on the fresh new Fashion X Dallas website at http://fashionxdallas.com and snag tickets to see your favorites. Tickets range from $20 for standing room to $195 for front row. Reserve the best seats in the house before they are gone.