Location: Million Air

The 3rd, and final night, of Heart Of Fashion was bedazzling with shows by Peter Cohen, Inclan, Abi Ferrin and Ungaro.

Peter Cohen was born in Zimbabwe and has been designing under his own label for twenty-five years. His designs lean more to the minimalist side, allowing a woman to feel comfortable in situations from a common place to fantastical. This Los Angeles designer is known for his deluxe fabrics and relaxed sensuousness. Peter Cohen opened the show, taking us back to the basics. He showed us the beauty of simplicity, with monochromatic colors gliding down the runway. The loose fitting pieces were very flattering even though they hung freely. Peter’s dear friend, super model Carmen Dell’Orefice, did the final walk, gracing  the runway in a beautiful navy blue gown to close the show.

Paola Contreras, founder of Inclan, learned the craft of designing a fashion line here in Houston at the Art Institute, and in 2013 her senior collection marked the launch of her first clothing label, Inclan Studio. Her women’s ready-to-wear brand, based in Houston, mixes  joggers with heels, beanies with suits and sports bras with silk. Inclan chooses individuality over blending in. Love it. Inclan Studio designs showed light, delicate fabrics draped so beautiful over the models. There were many pieces with wrap details around the waist, which can be flattering on many different body styles.  I loved the glitter detail to the models eyes.

Abi Ferrin is not only a talented women’s wear designer, but she is also a philanthropist. She created her company to support women while dressing them. Her brand is designed and produced in the USA, and for every garment that is sold it comes with an item that is made by an organization that is known for rescuing, rehabilitating and inspiring entrepreneurial opportunities and employment for former victims of trafficking and abuse. The Abi Ferrin show changed the vibe of the crowd, injecting upbeat music with models smiling wearing colorful frocks with feathers and pom poms in their hair. Even the neutral color pieces had pops of hot pink in them with blue details. There were light, silky caftans with blue prints all over them. The collection had a bohemian tribal resemblance, and I loved it.

In 1965 Emanuel Ungaro decided to launch his own fashion house so that he could create feminine looks that were not only elegant, but also audacious and provocative. Located in the heart of Paris’s courture fashion district, since 1967 the House of Emanuel Ungaro has acquired international fame with its unquestioning femininity, purity of silhouette, flamboyant prints and exquisite attention to detail and color. In 2004 Emanuel left and the new creative director, the Italian designer Fausto Puglisi has revitalized the brand. Ungaro, presented by Sloan/Hall,  left everyone breathless, and wanting to own those one of a kind pieces. There were bright colors, sequins, floral prints, and fringe details. There was also intricate lace details everywhere, with all the laces being made in Switzerland. The stunning floral outfits were completed with matching floral shoes or boots. My best way to describe this collection is exquisite, with a fun modern 60’s vibe. I literally loved every single outfit. It was a perfect closer for Heart of Fashion.