Simon Fashion Now Fashion Events @ The Galleria- Houston

The beginning of September marked the start of New York Fashion Week. While I wasn’t able to get to New York this year, I felt that a bit of it reigned down on Houston for a few days during the Simon Fashion Now events at the Galleria. I was able to attend two of the umpteen lot of events happening that week, which were the Press Preview and Luxury Runway events. Both events showcased the latest Fall 2013 trends from local mall shops. The ice rink on the Galleria’s lower level was transformed into a posh runway event venue, complete with live mannequins, passed light bites and an open bar. The Luxury Runway event was presented by Cadillac and offered shoppers a chance to purchase their favorite looks straight from the runway. The designer line-up that evening was: Saks, Max Mara, Tiffany & Co, Jimmy Choo, Ermenegildo Zegna, Fendi, CH Carolina Herrera, Ferragamo and Neiman Marcus. Now I’m not sure what the Houston Fall/Winter weather is like, but a few of the looks (while chic) looked quite uncomfortably warm for our weather but would be great for LA or New York. Expect to see a lot of black and white on apparel, shoes and accessories; as well as a variety of red hues. Fendi was the favorite of the evening for me, with rich colors, loads of texture and very “uptown” silhouettes. Those sculpted heels though….major! What stood out for me regarding the menswear category was a tailored floral brocade blazer paired with solid black vest, pants and silver bow tie. Overall, the show was high-energy, the models did a great job strutting down the T-shaped runway and twenty-something age crooners that serenaded the audience during the opening of the show with Justin Timberlake’s “Sexy Back” wasn’t bad either.

I also had the pleasure of meeting Same Sky CEO- Francine LeFrak, who also spoke at the very beginning of the show. Same Sky is an initiative that empowers women of war-torn Rwanda by providing them with jobs to help lift them out of poverty. These women are trained as artisans to crochet hand-blown glass beads into necklaces, bracelets, etc. for 15 to 20 times the average Sub Saharan wage. 100% of the net proceeds from the sales are then reinvested back to train and employ the women. For more information and to shop the collection, go to www.samesky.com.

To stay up-to-date with Simon Fashion Now events, please go to www.simon.com.

** Simon Fashion Now Press Preview Party **

** Simon Fashion Now Luxury Runway Show **