BURSTING AT THE SEAMS

Official Texas Fashion Week sashays into San Antonio with top emerging designers

Texas Fashion Week showcases up-and-coming style superstars.

Few among us have the clout to sidle up to Anna Wintour on Loewe’s front row, but one doesn’t need the ear of the legendary editor-in-chief to gain fashion inspiration. As Paris Fashion Week winds down in October, the locally hosted Texas Fashion Week is just kicking off.

The annual affair — the official fashion week of the state’s emerging fashion industry — strutted into San Antonio on October 1 and will inspire through October 7 with a full slate of runway shows, educational programs, and glamorous celebrations. A collaboration between the state nonprofit Texas Fashion Industry Initiative and the Council of Fashion Designers of America, the event aims to give promising designers a chance to showcase their ideas.

KLRN’s TV studios at 501 Broadway will be the epicenter of four days of presentations highlighting inspiring new collections. The shows kicked off with a college night featuring Lillian Jenae Designs, Brøc, and Aubrey Frey Apparel, labels created by Texas university students.

“Texas Fashion Week aims to provide a platform for emerging designers to showcase their innovative designs, including students,” said Texas Fashion Industry Initiative Vice President Saige Thomas in a release. “Fashion students deserve a chance to stage their work as well, without the standard financial limitations holding them back.”

In addition to soaking in wardrobe inspiration, local fashionistas can enjoy fashion and beauty panels, a high school sustainability competition, exhibitions, and networking opportunities. An educational program on October 2 covers topics such as branding and drag.

The jam-packed days lead up to the Texas Fashion Industry Awards at the Tobin Center on October 6. A curated brunch at Kiki’s Coffee on October 7 gives gala guests one last chance to congratulate the winners.

The full schedule of events can be found at texasfashionindustry.org. A limited number of all-access and single-day passes are still available.

beauty event planner fashion

cute on wheels

Hello Kitty Cafe makes stop in San Antonio on 50th anniversary tour

Photo courtesy of Sanrio

The merch and cafe truck has a new lineup of 50th anniversary treats and collectibles.

Hello, San Antonio! A famous kitty and her friends have drawn crowds when visiting in the Hello Kitty Cafe truck, and they're about to be back again. The truck will be at North Star Mall on Saturday, October 26, with snacks and merch for Sanrio lovers of all ages.

This tour celebrates the franchise's 50th anniversary items, and a handful have the number 50 proudly emblazoned, whether it's something to wear or something to eat. The truck stopped by in April, and it's back again on the same tour.

New items for this tour include an Iridescent tote bag (good for festivals and concerts); a new keychain, pin, and patches; a three-piece cookie set with pastel designs in royal icing; and a "giant" cookie depicting Chef Kitty. The centerpiece of the new items is a T-shirt featuring Chef Kitty, a donut, and a teacup, all seemingly made out of glass and containing a pink punch or tea.

Hello Kitty 50th anniversary merch The 50th anniversary merch.Photo courtesy of Sanrio

Some of the merch from past visits will be available, including a bright pink tote bag with rainbow straps and desserts decorating the front, an assortment of Hello Kitty baked goods, and a transparent coffee mug with sprinkles in the handle and different desserts printed on the glass body.

Visitors can also order a box of rainbow macarons with sugar bows, and a branded box of simple Madeleines. Folks who want to diversify after the Stanley craze can also pick up a colorful stainless steel thermal bottle.

Hello Kitty sprinkle mug This mug would go great with hot chocolate.Photo courtesy of Sanrio

Anyone who wants to play with Hello Kitty and her friends on Saturday should arrive early, as lines in the past have been very long. Some items may sell out. The truck will be at the parking lot on the corner of the 410 access road and McCullough from 10 am to 7 pm. Note that the Instagram account lists October dates (which match a recent press release), while the tour site starts its list in November.

This article was originally published April 10, 2024, and has been updated October 25 to reflect the truck's new dates.

hello kitty desserts kids families