After a Fashion
Our Style Avatar doles out the sweet love
By Stephen MacMillan Moser, Fri., Jan. 29, 2010
ALLEY CATTING If last weekend was a preview of the Spring Social Olympics, then we'd better get our transitional wardrobes ready and hit the slopes flying. The best event was the opening party for the Austonian. Fifty-six stories in the air, the view is spectacular – especially the view looking down on the Frost Tower and across to the Capitol. And what a swank party, too. Blues on one floor, jazz on the other, and Patrón tequila and white flowers by the Mandarin Flower Co. were everywhere. With the midnight backdrop behind us, the world was shimmering and new, and it was easy to forget the other troubles of life. I guess you get to do that if you can afford to live up there... The launch party for Dominic Anton Models + Fashion at the Phoenix was awash with fashionistas and wannabes. Founded by Anthony Dominguez and Jennifer Reyna, the agency promises to bring a new wave of high-fashion models to Austin. And we eagerly await the results. We'll check in again on them soon and offer more information. I was pleased to meet the talented young singer Larissa Ness at the model party. Beautiful enough to be a model herself, she has all the makings of a star... On to the East Austin home and showroom of Brian Crumley (www.crumleynewyork.com). I'd never met Brian before but blithely said, "What's with all the pictures from Vogue on the wall?" "That's my work," he replied, and suddenly we were riveted by the fabulous and sculptural statement jewelry the models (including Giselle) were wearing. I was truly dumbfounded and rather embarrassed that I didn't know who he was, but that's no one's fault but my own... All in all, an illuminating weekend, yes?
CATWALKING Friday, Jan. 29, 8-10pm at Lanai, is MyStyle – Austin's Fashion 5, honoring top picks of those who have brought style to the city or their profession... Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 30 and 31, are the fabulous Le Garage Sale, Austin's only fashion clearance event. It lasts from noon to 5pm at the Palmer Events Center, and admission is $15 for a two-day pass, $10 for a one-day pass... The then oh-so-fashionable '80s goth rockers Gene Loves Jezebel will perform again at Momo's Thursday, Feb. 4, 9pm, playing all their greatest hits. Tickets available in advance for $15 at www.frontgatetickets.com. Further info can be found at www.genelovesjezebel.com and www.momosclub.com... Friday, Feb. 5, 7pm (9pm showtime), is the Fashion Freakout, a production of several of Austin's vintage stores hellbent on dressing Austin's fashion backward. With a taste for yesterday and an eye for tomorrow, Prototype Vintage, New Bohemia, and Buffalo Exchange (with hair and makeup by Avant) take over Mohawk with DJs, bands, drink specials, and stage and party decor fit for a rock & roll queen. Admission is $10 and will sell out. For advance tickets, go to www.transmissionentertainment.com or www.mohawkaustin.com... The delightful Kappie Bliss invites you to the Sip and See cocktail party being held Tuesday, Feb. 9, 4-8pm at her store, Beyond Tradition, in the 2nd Street District. Go to see her gorgeous jewels and accessories for your valentine... Saturday, Feb. 13, Artsträda Magazine presents its goth-biker-corset fashion show at the always-wild Elysium. Go to www.artstradamagazine.com for further details... We Wanna Help Will Sexton Benefit is the name of the fundraiser being held Monday, Feb. 15, 7pm at Antone's. Go and do a good thing to help one of Austin's own who has suffered a debilitating stroke. The benefit is a concert featuring many of Austin's iconic performers.
THE TREND The accessory of the season seems to be Girl Scout Cookies. No matter what's being worn, citizens are strolling around with the brightly colored boxes tucked under their arms like clutch purses.
LOVE NOTE I've felt frivolous and silly writing this column this week, but it was hard to sound breezy and blithe after I heard about my editor, Kate Messer, and how she has just suffered the loss of her mother. It's on my mind most of the time right now, and I simply do not know what to say to her. Kate, for more than 10 years, we've laughed and cried, fought and celebrated, and always kissed and made up. But ultimately, you are always right and always do right by me. I'm so fortunate to have had you guide me for so long, and I grieve deeply with you over the loss of your dear mother.
