09.12.11 at 11:35 a.m.
Maura Hughes

Coming to a Runway Near You

I have always been one of those people with a particular soft spot for the fall season. There could be a number of reasons -- the nice weather, football season, the idea of a fresh start and Starbucks pumpkin-spiced lattes, just to name a few. And while I do enjoy all of those things, I have no doubt the number one reason I get excited around Labor Day is this: the shopping. Every year around this time, stores throw massive sales, designers release their new lines and my mom always took me to the mall for back-to-school shopping. And this year, even though I technically am not "going back to school," I still stopped by the outlets to do a little "back to school" shopping. There is no doubt about it - I am a girl who loves fashion.

So you can imagine the indescribable excitement that I felt when I was told I would be working Fashion Houston 2011 at the Wortham Center in October.

Audi's Fashion Houston made its debut as a smashing succes in 2010 and this year it's back for more glitz, glamour and, of course, style. The four-night event, which kicks offf on October 10, will honor Houston fashion and those who have helped to make it what it is. Featuring an impressive list of designers and an array of styles from t-shirts to formal wear, Fashion Houston is out to prove that this city has its own style.

The line up of designers includes:

Cesar Galindo
Gilles Mendel
Aries Milan
Carmen Marc Valvo
Norman Ambrose
Jerri Moore
Barbara Tfank
Douglas Hannant
Fabiola Arias
Chloe Dao
Project360 (featuring Patrick Schwarzenegger)

As it did last year, Fashion Houston will honor a style icon of Houston. Joining last year's honoree, Lynn Wyatt, in the ranks will be Becca Cason Thrash. Pieces from Ms. Thrash's personal collection will be displayed on the last night of Fashion Week.

I'm not sure if what I'm most excited about: Carmen Marc Valvo's gorgeous evening wear; Cesar Galindo's all-red collection which he told CultureMap is "all-geared" to Texas women; Aries Milan's new line, "Kate Kills Pretty," which was inspired by a trip to Hawaii the designer took or whatever Project Runway winner Chloe Dao has up her sleeve.

Tickets are on sale now and you can buy them at fashionhouston.net. Audi Pavilion doors open at 6 PM every night and the theater doors open at 7:30. The shows begin at 8 PM. Nightly VIP tickets range from $100 - $300 with general admission for $65 and standing room for $35.

 

So now that I've given you all of the details, here is the big question: what are you going to wear?

Fashion Houston, Wortham Center