Can’t Miss: Hari Mari & The Factory Show

photography (before crop and filter) courtesy of Hari Mari

Hari Mari sandals, free drinks, clothing from soon-to-open TenOverSix and Original Octane, and live local music all in one scene? You can bet your sweet patootie all the cool kids will be at this warehouse party hosted by House of Plates. All kinds of good stuff is going down this Saturday: music by DJ Chriis  at 8 pm, a fashion show at 9 pm, and live tunes by Dallas-based Catamaran at 8:30 pm and 9:30 pm. Plus, the Hari Mari sandal collection will be out in full force and on display. Hari Maris have since been picked by Scoop NYC and are being seduced by a couple fashionable retail giants, so get on board while they’re still under the radar. See you Saturday.

What: Hari Mari & The Factory Show
Where: 2625 Main St.
When: Saturday, May 4, 8 pm to 11 pm
RSVP: free

Update: Catamaran is based in Dallas.

A Look at the IIDA CRE8 Fashion Show

"Libra Bad," my favorite look (photography by Kurt Griesbach)

After Thursday’s finale, there is a Project Runway-sized hole in my heart. (Yes, I’ll admit I still watch it. I just can’t say no to Tim Gunn.)

So as a PR fan, you can imagine my excitement attending last Friday night’s third annual IIDA CRE8 Fashion Show, a real-life make-it-work moment. In case you’ve never heard of the event–and didn’t catch Thursday’s segment on D: The Broadcast–here’s the scoop: Participating local interior design groups are given eight days to design and create a couture garment out of architectural materials.

This year’s theme was the zodiac, and for each astrological sign, two looks walked the runway–one “good,” celebrating the sign’s positive traits, and one “bad,” reflecting their darker attributes. Bad may not be the best word though, because I thought all the supposedly evil designs looked unmistakably cool and chic. But I digress.

I was lucky enough to catch a glimpse backstage before the show, where I got to see some of the projects up close. I was totally blown away by the designers’ creative use of their materials. We’re talking entire dresses made out of vinyl wall covering and corsets covered in tile. One of my personal favorite looks, Libra Bad (see above), was constructed from carpet tiles and laser-cut Marmoleum, an all-natural flooring.

Ishi provided the soundtrack for the evening, playing their unique blend of folksy, electronica-inspired tunes. And let me tell you, the crowd loved it. Lead singer JT Mudd brought some serious dance moves as he shimmied up and down the runway in his spandex leggings and bejeweled marching band-esque hat. Even after the winning looks were announced and the models returned backstage, guests hung around the Granada for an extended performance from the local musicians.

Jessica Mitzner is a ShopTalk intern.

Ishi works the stage (photography by Kurt Griesbach)

Another Attempt at Dallas Fashion Week? Sigh.

I’m rolling my eyes but still hoping for the best out of this latest attempt to revive, or, rather, kick off a Dallas Fashion Week. Lisa Petta at DFW Style Daily has the scoop on DAFA, the newest mission to bring a fashion week to Big D in spring 2014.

Our Five Favorite Designers from The Pin Show

A Emmanuel Tobias creation. (photo by Candace Moore)

The Pin Show is an annual event that features a flock of independent fashion designers and their wares. In this May issue, Krista Nightengale highlights the best in show: Mario Gallegos’ “Mario Alberto” collection of romantic cocktail and evening wear, Charlotte Elliot’s “Yomono” corset line, Isabel Varela’s “Izavel” womenswear collection inspired by menswear, Emmanuel Tobias’ avant-garde collection of gowns and headpieces, and Shona C. Gilbert’s “Shona” vintage-made-new jewelry line. Read it all here.

It’s Not Too Late to Attend Fashion’s Living Canvas Tonight

You’ve got four hours to change your mind from going to yoga to attending Fashion’s Living Canvas tonight instead. Reserved seating is sold out but there’s plenty of room for standing and besides, you’ll make up for the missed yoga class that way. The event runs from 7 pm to 11 pm with an after party at Gossip Bar from 9 pm to 11 pm. With sold-out seating, you know it’s going to be a see-and-be-seen story. Don’t miss out. Reserve your spot here to watch models be transformed into works of art, a runway show highlighting the designs of Prashi Shah, Isabel Varela, Jesse Thaxton, Danh Ta, Chelsea Bond, and Becca Jett. More details here. See you tonight.

Our incredibly talented StyleSheet photographers will be on hand, ready to capture the magic of the show and the stylish candid moments of attendees. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a look at their world behind the lens.

The DIFFA Collection Just Got Hauter with Jean Paul Gaultier’s Cut-Out Jacket

Rihanna in the Jean Paul Gaultier cut-out jacket. (photography courtesy of Huffington Post)

Worn by Rihanna, the sexy-as-sin cutout jacket (right) designed by Jean Paul Gaultier has been donated to the lineup of smoking jackets that will be up for silent auction at DIFFA’s 2012 Collection event on Saturday, March 31. If you are looking for a good time, ignore the phone number on the back of the bathroom stall; buy yourself a DIFFA Collection ticket. You won’t be sorry.

See and Be Scene: Fashion’s Living Canvas at the Hilton Anatole

A few fall 2012 looks from Izavel at the recent Pin Show. (photography by Duy Nguyen, courtesy of Izavel)

April’s Fashion’s Living Canvas event at the Hilton Anatole is a horse of the different color. Yes, it’s got the pleasant familiarities of other fashion affairs. You’ll admire the collections of local designers (six in total), enjoy emceeing personalities (on deck: LeeAnne Locken and Steve Kemble), munch on light hors d’oeuvres (courtesy of Hilton’s Media Grill + Bar), and sip on mandatory cocktails (bring cash!). But, as a twist on the usual, you’ll also watch models become art on the runway via live “radical” makeup and hair transformations. Check out clothing from Society Language by Prashi Shah, IZAVEL by Isabel Varela, Melancholic Design by Jesse Thaxton, and Danh Ta, and jewelry from Red-i by Chelsea Bond and Haute in Hong Kong by Becca Jett. Show begins at 8:30 pm and will be followed by a DJ for those who aren’t ready to leave.

Add Tootsies’ Spring & Summer Fashion Preview for the DSO to Your Agenda

Join us at Tootsies on March 22 in celebration of Vivaldi Patron Circle Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s Young Professionals. Along with congratulations to the organization’s existing members and the opening of arms to potential new members, there will be cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, music, and a fashion show featuring new spring and summer collections handpicked by yours truly. Check out the invite below for details and RSVP to courtney@franciscoandco.com.

Society Lunch Alert: 15th Annual Attitudes & Attire

You might not have a half day like we do for Burmese Peasant’s Day on March 2, but it’s no reason not to treat yourself to a little afternoon of luxury while the rest of the city slaves away over their keyboards. I’ve got the perfect midday treat for you: the Attitudes & Attire Annual Luncheon & Fashion Show. A $125 ticket grants you access to this glamorous society luncheon featuring a fashion show by Elements, 2011′s best boutique in Dallas. (Have you voted for your favorite stores yet for the 2012 awards, by the way?) If a posh meal doesn’t blow your skirt up (ladies who lunch don’t eat anyway, right? kidding.), surely raffle tickets for jewelry, hotel packages, and autographed footballs will. Plus, of course, there’s the philanthropic effort. All proceeds from the day’s event will benefit Attitudes & Attire, a beautiful group dedicated to helping women become self sufficient by building confidence, teaching job search skills, and creating a positive image. Invaluable stuff. Buy tickets now and reserve your high-heeled self a seat.