Location: Million Air

Day 1 of Heart of Fashion included exquisite runway shows by Cushnie et Ochs, Norisol Ferrari  and Angel Sanchez. For the finale, acclaimed designer Ralph Rucci presented the iconic Carmen Dell’Orifice with the Texas Legacy Award.

Cushnie et Ochs, established in 2008 by Carly Cushnie and Michelle Ochs, embodies a unique sensibility that seamlessly combines a bold sensuality with a raw feminine attitude that is confidently understated and luxuriously modern. This duo’s dresses have become a favorite on the red carpet, dressing an array of women from Reese Witherspoon and Rihanna to the First Lady Michelle Obama. Cushnie Et Ochs, presented by Neiman Marcus,  showed their stunning Resort and Spring collections at HOF,  where there was a mix of whites, pastels, a couple denim pieces, and ended with a few black designs. The collection entailed many cut-outs in their fabrics, revealing some skin on the models, as well as some mesh on a few pieces, adding some more details to the garment. The models all had sleek hair pulled back that was half up and half down, giving the collection a polished and uniformed look.

Norisol Ferrari is designed to address the confident woman: a paradox of power and vulnerability with a hint of danger. Her signature is shape, achieved through fine tailoring, couture construction, and exquisite fully functional details. She employs the world’s finest fabrics and exotic skins crafted by the industry’s most revered artisans. Ferrari’s beautiful collection, presented by Tootsies, was all black and white pieces. There were some pops of leather in the line up, such as: leather jackets, pants, and a sexy corset. The details to each piece made most of the collection very fitting and attractive, with seams, pleats, fringe, some fur, and zippers embellishing the garments. The Ferrari show had models of all ages strutting the runway with beauty and confidence, especially iconic Texas model Jan Strimple. Bravo.

Angel Sanchez developed an appreciation for fashion at a young age in his mother’s Venezuelan atelier. Sanchez, who originally planned to be an architect, founded his fashion house and quickly rose to fame throughout Latin America, then expanded internationally when the company brought its headquarters to New York City. Today Angel is renowned worldwide for evening wear as well as his acclaimed bridal line. His celebrity devotees are Eva Longoria and Sandra Bullock, both of whom wore his gowns to their weddings and important red carpet events. Angel Sanchez’s designs are architectural, contemporary and feminine; which always include a touch of drama. Angel Sanchez’s line, presented by Elizabeth Anthony, was filled with stunning dresses. The structure to each piece reflects his love of architecture, and made this a line appealing for a wide range of clients. The line consisted of full-length gowns, cocktail dresses and day dresses, each stunning with their layers, and some with embellished floral appliqués. All the models had colorful floral shoes, to tie together each outfit.

For the exciting finale, the most stunning model in the world, Carmen Dell’Orefice, graced us with a flawless walk down the runway to end the first night of Heart of Fashion. Carmen, who is the worlds most famous super model, was presented the Texas Legacy Award by famed designer Ralph Rucci. While Carmen took to the runway, Ralph talked of Carmens’ humble heart and her contagious personality that lights a spark with anyone who meets her. Carmen then spoke highly of Vivian Wise, the founder of Heart of Fashion, and reminded us all that a little bit of kindness and philanthropy can go a long way. She was the perfect ending to a perfect opening night.