Red & Black Mix & Mingle ~ Local Fashion Show

I've noticed a growing trend in Dallas lately: it seems that a fashion show is best way to create awareness for a cause, whether it's kidney disease or sickle cell anemia. And it's no surprise since the locals love their fashion.

This past Saturday, I attended one such show. The Red & Black Mix & Mingle Fashion Show was thrown by Johanna Mack-Wesson (in the white tank above on the far right), the mother of a boy with sickle-cell anemia. For anyone who doesn't know about this disease, it's a genetic trait where your body creates crescent-moon-shaped blood cells as opposed to the regular disc-shaped cells, which clump as they circulate. As a near-and-dear cause, she gave the show her all.

The location was in South Dallas, a little withdrawn from the urban hustle where most show take place, but it still had a classy, jazzy feel with a good stage. The hostess Mrs. Brenda "BJ" Johnson, however, truly brought the show to life. As a former Mrs. Texas Plus Size America, she's no stranger to the runway and she she had no problem making that clear. As the models walked out in fashions by local designers, she coordinated them, slowing them down and giving them extra stops. Normally, it would be very unprofessional, but BJ pulled as part of the show.

The first segment included a live hair styling by Eccentric Elegance Salon. The stylist showed both speed and creativity as she put together two styles for the audience. It was funny during the first styling where a speed pulled off the models hair piece, put that remedied by the second styling. BJ pointed out how trendy the stylist was dressed, and if you're looking to get a cute, contemporary haircut, you should check how stylists are dressed.





The two main designers of the night were Cubic House of Fashion and Ann Roy Designs. There were a few men's suitings but they weren't anything out of the ordinary. The models, on the other hand, worked the stage.

Cubic's designs (pictured in the above set) were great bold and great for show, especially the gray, ethereal dress that garnered cheers from the audience. My favorites were the white romper and the shiny white pantsuit that look at home with the Dallas nightlife.

During a small intermission, BJ gave a vivacious performance and, like many hosts, proceeded to pick on the audience - namely me. She had me take the runway because I was taking notes and not clapping loud enough. This was followed by the purse vendor Oooh, I Like That! The crowd, of course, oh-ed and ah-ed at the purses. I found myself drawn to the red one in the middle.


Ann Roy's first segment included simple dresses for women of all sizes. The highlight of the segment was the last dress - glossy black with peek-a-boo yellow details - perfect for a fashion event. The second segment closed the show with a parade of sequins: long, short, evening, and cocktail.





This was a free charity fashion show so at the end, our saucy hostess called for donations - in a way I had ever seen before. I didn't know I had to bring singles. It's good to note then that Johanna said it's only the first fashion show she'll be doing for Parents with a Cause for Sickle Cell Anemia.

To view the runway photos in a larger size, please visit my Photobucket Album.


A Big Thanks to the Photographer!
Please Visit her Beauty Blog!