Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar
Saddened by Austin Fashion Awards Coverage
RECEIVED Thu., July 23, 2009
Dear Editor,
Re: The Austin Fashion Awards: I'm saddened to see such a negative review from both Anne Harris [“Austin Fashion Awards: Put Your Golden Boot Where Your Mouth Is,” Chronique blog, July 20] and Stephen Moser [“After a Fashion,” July 24]. This event was for and by industry people in Austin; it was not put on for the Women's Wear Daily or CAN reviews. Having shown multiple seasons in Los Angeles' Fashion Week, I agree that this doesn't compare in the slightest – but that's not what this event was about – with no apologies. It was a by-local-for-local event put on with local dollars.
If you look around at the economy, you'll notice that Austin is one of the best places to be in the country right now regarding the recession. I believe that it is because of critical local support. Los Angeles Fashion Week canceled once again this year, and it has immeasurably hurt the local businesses. If you look at fashion industry news, you'll notice the forecast out there is bleak when it comes to dollars. Fashion houses are downsizing, reorganizing, selling, chaptering – and Austin isn't noticing. First and foremost because we are not a fashion hub but for the designers who have "made it" in the business and compete in the global marketplace (I myself have to travel to work nearly half of my year) – we know how special Austin is and how much it helps our businesses to have local support.
So, thank you, Austin, for all of your hard work and for helping to make this community a supportive one. As for the Critics Choice Best Designer and Best Women's Designer (who was not a regular advertiser with Rare, by the way, and I would have liked to have seen some statistics with that statement), who has experience in the fashion hubs outside of Austin, I am happy with the start of what I hope continues to be a fabulous local event.
Re: The Austin Fashion Awards: I'm saddened to see such a negative review from both Anne Harris [“Austin Fashion Awards: Put Your Golden Boot Where Your Mouth Is,” Chronique blog, July 20] and Stephen Moser [“After a Fashion,” July 24]. This event was for and by industry people in Austin; it was not put on for the Women's Wear Daily or CAN reviews. Having shown multiple seasons in Los Angeles' Fashion Week, I agree that this doesn't compare in the slightest – but that's not what this event was about – with no apologies. It was a by-local-for-local event put on with local dollars.
If you look around at the economy, you'll notice that Austin is one of the best places to be in the country right now regarding the recession. I believe that it is because of critical local support. Los Angeles Fashion Week canceled once again this year, and it has immeasurably hurt the local businesses. If you look at fashion industry news, you'll notice the forecast out there is bleak when it comes to dollars. Fashion houses are downsizing, reorganizing, selling, chaptering – and Austin isn't noticing. First and foremost because we are not a fashion hub but for the designers who have "made it" in the business and compete in the global marketplace (I myself have to travel to work nearly half of my year) – we know how special Austin is and how much it helps our businesses to have local support.
So, thank you, Austin, for all of your hard work and for helping to make this community a supportive one. As for the Critics Choice Best Designer and Best Women's Designer (who was not a regular advertiser with Rare, by the way, and I would have liked to have seen some statistics with that statement), who has experience in the fashion hubs outside of Austin, I am happy with the start of what I hope continues to be a fabulous local event.
Rene Geneva
