Finalists announced for Austin Fashion Awards 2014

Each year Austin Fashion Week hosts a Mash Up Team competition, where a Photographer, Hair Stylist, Makeup Artist, Model, and various Designers create a cohesive look that will come to life on the catwalk at the Austin Fashion Awards. In addition to the Mash Up Team runway show, Rare Trends, Isabella Rose Taylor and Raven + Lily have been selected to show their latest collections.

Known for using luxurious materials like silk, leather and fur, Rare Trends will show “True Identity” Fall/Winter 2014. A through line from their Kaleidoscope Spring/Summer 2014 collection, designers Paola Moore and Marina Silver see the world through many filters – as wives, mothers, sisters, and entertainers – while remaining true to their inner voice. The color palette plays with shades of gold and champagne mixed with deep blues.

                                  

Austin darling Isabella Rose Taylor will be presenting “Spring Festival,” a new collection for her juniors clothing line. While only 13 years old, Taylor has developed a strong point of view designing feminine styles with a hard edge. This season mixes and matches 60s-inspired florals and 90s throwback plaids for a hippie meets grunge cross-generational pluralism.

Debuting apparel at Austin Fashion Week for the first time, Raven + Lily will show their never before seen Fall/Winter 2014 Collection. The entire ethical fashion line is handcrafted by female artisans through fair-trade partnerships around the world.  From the clothing to the jewelry, the looks will feature hand embroidery by Afghan refugees, eco-dyed silks from North India, hand loomed textiles from Cambodia, and upcycled metals from Ethiopia. Made for the modern bohemian, the collection highlights the natural elements, colors and textures in each design.

ADDITIONAL:  With the support of BERNINA of America, the premier manufacturer of sewing, quilting and embroidery machines, and numerous local and national business partners, exciting details about the Austin Fashion Fund will be announced at the Austin Fashion Awards.

HAIR & MAKE UP:  Hair by Jackson Ruiz and make up by Mandy Hernandez.

AWARDS:  Golden Boot Awards will be presented for the first time to the AFW Philanthropist of the Year, plus Rising Stars, Trailblazers, and People’s Choice and Critic’s Choice Mash-Up Teams.

FINALISTS:

           

RISING STAR FINALISTS: Jessica Bird (J.Bird Jewelry), Chris & Wendy Bykowski (Dandy's), Jessica Ciarla (CIARLA), Leonardo D'Almagro (Influential Magazine), Cristina Facundo (Wardrobe Stylist), Heather Frierson (Created Woman Magazine), Martha Lynn Kale (Mirror Mirror and MarthaLynnKale.com), Peter Tung (Peter Tung Photography), Kelly Wynne White (Kelly Wynne Handbags), Joanna Wilkinson (Keep Austin Stylish)

TRAILBLAZER FINALISTS: Indiana Adams (Adored Austin), Linda Asaf (Linda Asaf Design), Gregg Cestaro (Cestaro Photography), Zarghun Dean (Super Varsity), Laura Del Villaggio (Milli Starr), Roy Fredericks (Avant Salon Spa), Elizabeth Gibson (Eliza Page), Eve Nicols (University of Texas Apparel Design Program), Stephanie Coultress O’Neill (Estilo), Megan Summerville (Megan Summerville Fine Lingerie)

AFW PHILANTHROPIST OF THE YEAR FINALISTS: Neil Diaz (Neil Diaz PResents), Roy Fredericks (Avant Salon Spa), Rory McNeill (ROAR Salon), Chelle Morrison (Urban Betty Salon), Spruce Dickerson (Motivational Speaker, Model and Pageant Coach)