After a Fashion: AFWIII!

One of Kristin Bunyard's unique designs for her company Ossuaria, showing during AFW at Toni & Guy, Barton Creek, Sunday, Aug. 12, 10:30am-6pm

Photo by Seabrook Jones

You know the drill. Jewelry, hair, makeup, and clothing designers coming out of the woodwork. Boutique showcases and runway shows of every quality and setting. Some local fashion icons and newbies on the scene, of course, as well as an influx of out-of-town fashionistas. It's Austin Fashion Week! The big events are the Shift Into Style party at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum on Friday, Aug. 11, and the Austin Fashion Awards on Saturday, Aug. 18, at the dreary Austin Music Hall. Shift Into Style will merge the world of AFW with the world of the Circuit of the Americas 2012 United States Formula One Grand Prix in one big shebang with display cars, luminaries of the international racing set, and fashion shows featuring items designed specifically for the event by Linda Asaf and Ross Bennett. Should be très interesting, yes? Texas First Lady Anita Perry will open the event and broadcasters known (only) within the racing world will be making appearances. Fortunately the gorgeous Holly Mills-Gardner will be sharing the emcee duties, perhaps making it more palatable for non-racing fans. Another luminary that will be in attendance is Austin resident Michele (Mica) Mosbacher, widow of the late Robert Mosbacher, U.S. Secretary of Commerce to the first President Bush. Along with being a philanthropic glamazon, Mica is also honorary consul general to Iceland. She will be wearing a dazzling white gown designed for her by Robert and Rachel Danes (designing under the name the Danes) from San Antonio, who are also showing their elegant collection at the party. Go to www.fashionweekaustin.com. SURPRISE!

I'm planning a big show on Nov. 11 at the Driskill along with my benefactors at White Star Manufacturing. That allows me plenty of time to rest when the weariness hits, and to design slowly over a period of time. It seems like a thousand years since I've really sewn, but over recent weeks I've overcome both my laziness and rustiness. I took a desperately needed four-week rest while White Star moved into its permanent location out by the Formula One racetrack. I was slowly going back to work when, suddenly, I was shown a Facebook page that read: Bad JohnPaul Presents 'Cattivo': A Fashion Affair Starring Stephen Moser. I can't believe I've been roped into showing a preview of the Fall/Winter collection that I've been working so slowly on. On Aug. 17. Eight days from now. Well, I can tell you it will be a brief preview of around 10 looks for men and women, and will only have a passing resemblance to my real Fall/Winter collection. Benson Roberts is showing, along with a handful of other designers. The Bad JohnPaul Wilson-produced show will be at the fab new club, Haven, where we've had a fabulous time before. The show is at 10:30pm, so you have no excuse for missing it.

GOODBYE!

It's hard to believe that David C. Smith has left his position as executive director for the Hill Country Ride for AIDS. In my sprightlier times, I worked a pit stop and came to know how valuable and important this fundraising event is. It is truly one of the most festive and fun events of its kind; this year's ride alone raised an astounding $662,719. That bit of info was conveyed to an emotional crowd as David made his goodbyes. "You should be so proud," David said to the crowd. "You have not only made the ride a profound, beautiful (and fun!) expression of love and compassion, you have also made it one of the most successful rides in the country, and have raised over five million dollars. There are thousands of people who have medical care, healthy food, a roof over their heads, and most of all, the knowledge that someone cares for them." Jay Billig has taken over David's duties, and we can be assured that the Ride will continue to be exactly what it has been. And to David, best of luck and love in your next endeavors.