Fashion X Dallas Finale Wows with Project Runway All Stars

Project Runway All Stars Take on the Dallas Runway for Fashion X Dallas Finale

Written by Ekaterina Kouznetsova

The last night of Fashion X Dallas brought Project Runway All Stars to the FIG runway, and they did not disappoint. As expected, the turnout for the last night was unprecedented by the past two nights, and the VIP lounge was as crowded as ever. Not that anyone is complaining about brushing shoulders with beautiful clothes and people. Among the guests I spied Ken Weber of Vintage Martini, Alex Young of Eat Style Dallas, LeeAnne Locken, Marie Jankoviak Reyes, Charles Smith II of SMITH II, and Erika Oliver.

Matt Swinney and his incredible team, Fashion Industry Gallery, and Berina produced a fantastic and diverse runway presentation experience. For the premier year of this event, it’s already off to an incredible start; mixing  a variety of designers from regional to international, ready-to-wear to formal, and emerging to Project Runway made this production unique. There was never a lull or boring second in the past 3 fashionable nights in the world of FxDallas. By the welcome and heartfelt, positive response in the audience, this event is the beginning of a beautiful staple in Dallas runway presentations. Can I RSVP for next year yet?

La Miniatura by Jeffrey Sebelia kicked off the night with a high-energy, bubbly presentation of detailed yet comfortable children’s clothing. Working out of LA, Jeffrey Sebelia was featured on season 3 of Project Runway, and went on to design women’s and men’swear lines. Highlights include unexpected yet effective print pairings, such as a colored striped jacket with black and white tye-dye trousers. From the first to the last model, the applause and cheers of the audience encouraged the bubbly and sassy young models to reach astronomical levels of cuteness.

Laura Kathleen explored a variety of different fabrics and textures paired with an earthy palette. Classic lines and simple color blocking is paired with snakeskin prints for a bold statement. A few highlights of the presentation include geometric necklines, a texturized cobalt snakeskin dress, and a color blocked cape-jacket.

Daniel Esquivel’s presentation began just like an old James Bond film- orchestral music and spy themes cast a sense of mystery and sensuality. Dominating cuts, strong fabrics, and the color palette of black, grey, and hot red was an effective combination. Contributing to the spy-punk look, each model wore a asymmetric black beret and red lipstick. Highlights of this presentation were difficult, as each piece was incredible, but the black sequin dress with lip appliques, spray painted jacket, and structured, sexy leather two-piece.

Mychael Knight brightned up the room with spring, bold colors, neon prints, and watercolour stripes. Mychael is skilled in blending demure cuts with sheer fabrics and mesh to modernize each look. A few highlights include high mesh and sheer collars, the pink and white watercolour stripes, and more demure cuts.

Korto Momolu impressed the audience with her masterful command of fabrics and layering- each look was comparable to a kinetic sculpture on the runway. Modern draping combined with a neutral color palette and bold detailing was mixed with hints of shimmer in pale colors. A large variety of fabrics and selected asymmetrical cuts kept every look fresh and different while still retaining a complete essence. The line cohesion is increased when Korto included necklaces that are also her own jewelry creations. Some highlights of this presentation include bold linings in structured, asymmetcial pieces, unique cuts, and excellent draping.

Melissa Fleis’s monotone palette with hints of red and sophisticated cuts was reminiscent of a modern rock n roll yet business mentality. Edgy layering and multiple vests created a cool and collected tone of the presentation. Long and lean styles paired with leather tops and jackets were contrasted as beautifully as the bus monotone prints and red details. Some highlights from this collection include structured leather outerwear and lengthening, monotone prints.

 

Michelle Lesniak combined cultures in her presentation through unexpected pairings of traditional prints and coarse to delicate fabrics. She focused on emphasizing texture contrasts and earthy, natural tones. A mix of same-tone fabrics and prints in a variety of textures contributed to the booming, intense mood the music set. Slow walking models demonstrated the full movement and optical illusions of layered fabrics and unique cutouts. Highlights from this collection include layered, cutout fabrics with contrasting prints underneath, textured pieces that were well-paired, and a black piece with sheer cutouts and a bold plaid print peeking out underneath.

Anthony Ryan Auld closed the show with an understated collection of monotone colors and a variety of soft, lush fabrics. His use of rough and coarse textures and open seams is balanced with cozy scarves and outerwear. The combination of some industrial accents with grungy yet modern, long cuts is rarely seen, and was appreciated. A highlight of this collection is his usage of a beautiful wood print in fabric and focus on boxy and geometric lines through the use appliqués.

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All photos courtesy of Adam Bryantt @adambryantt