After a Fashion

Part of the camouflage collection by Michael Kors, as shown on the runway of the fabulous St. Thomas Boutique benefit for the Austin Children's Shelter. "Camouflage is the new denim," said one viewer. We beg to differ, but c'est la vie, right? (Photo By Robert Godwin)

CLUB LIFE The fashion show that Estilo put on last Wednesday at Fabric for the Octopus Club (raising money for AIDS Services of Austin) was very fun. Of course I warned them in advance that I had high expectations for their show and didn't want to be disappointed. And I wasn't. Eliza Page provided the accessories and Steve Madden provided the shoes, so everyone looked fab. Fabric owners, John Gonzales and Gilbert Cortez, have a great little space on their hands, even if I have been remiss in seeing it. Afterward, Neil Diaz and I dropped into Rain – DJ Bang and DJ Chris Allen are my favorites DJs in the city, so we had a great time and visited with manager David Henderly and ran into our old friend Jeff Rojas. We kidnapped Jeff and went over to Oilcan Harry's … Omigod, what a mistake that was. But more on that sordid tale next week!

YOUTH… It's been all about the children lately … not my children, and probably not your children, but the children. Thursday was the American YouthWorks benefit, Help Clifford Help Kids, at La Zona Rosa, raising money for AYW's highly regarded and sorely needed educational programs. I was the guest of the gorgeous Carla McDonald and her movie-star handsome husband, Jack (he, CEO and director of Perficient Inc., was one of the illustrious co-chairs, along with Willie Nelson and Clifford Antone). Though I saw many of the usual suspects there, it was a diverse crowd. The rest of the event was really pretty heartwarming, but I know that's not what you want to hear about in my column, so we'll suffice it to say it was hugely successful with a fabulous silent auction and live auction packages – including the auction package that included absolutely nothing. You heard me. Absolutely nothing. And it sold for $4,500. That's the kind of generous crowd they drew. But AYW, like all charities, needs your help all year long. Do your research and dig deeply into your pockets.

AND KIDS… The Austin Children's Shelter benefit, A Look … for Love, put on by St. Thomas Boutique was a fashion extravaganza, both on and off the runway. The fashion show was a mixed collection of designers, including Zac Posen, Moschino, Michael Kors, and Tori Burch, among others – a full-out, head-on production of model after model sailing down the runway to wonderful music. This is the kind of show like the St. David's Foundation Diamonds & Ice Ball that integrates clients, friends, and board members into the show – you could always tell which of the models they were – they were the ones who weren't a size 0 or 2, but always got applause and waved and smiled like prom queens, while the professional models exhibited exquisite hauteur. But I felt it was a considerably stronger show than last year's due to the mix of designers, and the styling, done at least in part by the wonderful Norbert and his team at Jacques Dessange, was superior. And the crowd? The place was jammed. ACS is an incredibly popular charity, with a very youthful base of supporters; after seeing their promotional film, I don't think anyone could resist their call for help. Call them. Take a tour, and give generously.

THREADS In a time when there are a zillion charities tugging at your heartstrings and your purse strings, don't forget that charity begins at home. When it's your house that's destroyed in a fire, flood, or other disaster, it's the local chapter of the American Red Cross that will be there to assist you with clothing, food, and shelter. Here's an easy way to give: Saturday, Nov. 5, 6pm at the Austin Music Hall, is Threads: A Fashionable Celebration for the American Red Cross of Central Texas. With fabulous food from Güero's, Gumbo's, Progress Coffee, the Salt Lick, Santa Rita, Taco Deli, Zen, and Zoot, Threads will present a fashion show featuring Keepers men's clothing, Estilo, and others. With music by Billy Harvey, Li'l Cap'n Travis, the Gourds, and special guest Robert Earl Keen, tickets are $75 each or $125/couple, www.austinmusichall.com or www.gettix.net, or by phone, 866/443-8849. Table sponsorships are available by contacting Claudia McWhorter at 929-1277 or cmcwhorter@centex.redcross.org.

CALENDAR REMINDER Time is running out for you to buy tickets (or a table) for the Arthouse Texas Prize Party 2005 with its Texas Excess theme on Friday, Nov. 4. Arthouse will be awash with glamorous celebrities from the arts and social world for the announcement of the winning artist of the very first Texas Prize. Drenched in lots of "Texcessive" touches, the party is sure to become one of Austin's (and Texas') biggest arts events. Go to www.arthousetexas.org for further info.