Fashion Incubation

As W Hotels and CFDA announced the second phase of their "Fashion Incubator", it was so exciting to hear that one of the stops on their whirlwind tour was to our very own W Dallas Victory. The evening was just gorgeous, with a great runway setup complete with small alcoves that models stood on once the show was over, great cocktails and bites (especially the warm corn soup), a great crowd of fashion loving patrons and of course some of the most stunning works of fashion art!

Loved getting to meet Dustin Kross from HOT933! Such a great guy!

Below, I will break down and give a brief description of each designer represented and what their brand is about and what I loved!

Brother Vellies - Aurora James

Winner of the CFDA and Vogue Fashion Fund back in 2015, Aurora James' stunning handbag and footwear line, Brother Vellies, was just awe inspiring. All with a nod back to traditional African footwear, this brand is designed in New York and then handcrafted in South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia and Morocco, making sure that the ancestral details remain.

By far my favorite pieces had to be the stunning pink fur purse above, the Springbok bag with the ridge of hair down the middle and of course the ENTIRE look below!

Charles Youssef

Dressing Lady Gaga for her 2010 concert tour, Charles Youssef already has a very impressive work history. After attending both Parsons School of Design and Central Saint Martins College of Arts and Design, went to hold design positions for big names such as Calvin Klein, Gareth Pugh, Ralp Lauren and Cerruti, all before launching his own label in 2014.

The brand is just rich and exquisite, with plays to feminine details, and most are even available for design in a wide range of colors. My favorites had to be the flowy white top above, the gorgeous color blocked dress above and then a pair of incredible navy flowy pants.

Haus Alkire

This design duo, Jason and Julie Alkire, are both very self taught. Jason being a former marketing exec turned designer and Julie being taught some sewing by her grandmother, but mostly via her 15 years of experience in the industry! These background help to make Haus Alkire the elevated brand it is!

Their designs are is all about meticulous designs, all deeply inspired by the relationship between them and their clients. The tailoring and draping was insane and the original prints based on artwork by Jason were stunning. My favorite looks had to be the black and white striped look above and this GORGEOUS jacket below, thats colorblocked and then detailed with leather!

Ji Oh

Born in South Korea, Ji Oh was a 2016 CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund finalist! Her designs are all about connecting all parts of a womans life, from work to fun, all while sophistication. Loving mixtures of opposites, light and dark, soft and hard, Ji Oh is all about empowering her woman.

My favorite pieces had to be the fringe colorblocked dress above and this gorgeous plush and fur sweater, not pictured.

Thaddeus O'Neil

After a past of modeling, writing, surfing and being mentored by legend Bruce Weber, Thaddeus O'Neil has made a name for himself in the fashion industry. In 2013, O'Neil launched his line, a line filled with easy going, yet well tailored unisex apparel, all about casual luxury.

This rebellious label gives the wearer clothing that has a strong bohemian view, that has hints that tie back to iconic American fashion. My favorite pieces has to be the full look above and OBVIOUSLY the amazing collared bomber jacket to the right.

Great seeing my amazing friend Leah Frazier!

Overall, CFDA and W Hotels did not disappoint in this immaculate presentation of these 5 spectacular designers! I personally cannot wait to see how far these designers will go!