Style X 2011

One of the great unsung pleasures of SXSW week is getting to check out the spring transitional solutions on the street, i.e. what people are wearing in the first green sprout of spring weather.

Admission to this feature of South by Southwest doesn't require credentials, has no heart-sinkingly long line to get in, and takes place all over town, though Sixth Street is obviously the real story, as always. And everyone knows that when it comes to fusing music and fashion in a colony of creatives, Austin is the grandaddy of "found-style". People-watching just doesn't get any better, so it made sense that for the festival's 25th year, a natural progression would include a style arm. Style X, pronounced "Style by", so far includes a pop-up retail showcase that will serve as the official shopping experience of SXSW, featuring brands from around the world who bring screenprinting and design in women’s, menswear, streetwear, swimwear and accessories, as well as several fashion shows, each celebrating a different segment of style. Insiders tell us that instead of using models, the shows, each themed to celebrate a different aspect of street style, will use showcasing musicians from around the world instead. The pop-up showcase takes place from March 18, 2-9pm, and March 19, 11am-9pm at the Austin Convention Center. Check out the site here. Stay tuned to Chronique for breaking news on the runway shows.