Local artists and designers hold court at Angelo's for charity event

Belgian Bombshell, Emilie Dejonckheere does her part to keep philanthropy a sexy endeavor

Devonie

On Friday night, Angelo’s on South Main transformed into a live art studio, an art gallery and an impromptu runway for local fashion designers to unveil their original designs. Angelo’s was the the perfect locale for this, the first annual, Music, Art, Wine & Fashion event, with partial proceeds going to benefit The Salvation Army.

Angelo’s was packed during the multi-media occasion which included a fashion show with throbbing garage, soul, surf and psych music provided by Houston’s own DJ Psychedelic Sex Panther, as well as several local artists who collaborated for the purpose of showcasing their work and raising funds for donation.

Angelo's was rich with original paintings and breathtaking fashion design, brought together in a chic venue teeming with beautiful people. The glamour was further punctuated by an edgy fashion show thrown by three local Houston designers: Morgan Gilliland (Morgan Elizabeth Designs), Teresa O’Connor (Hello-Lucky and Lucky T’s) and Bronwyn Lauder (Freddie Barrett).

The runway featured a parade of gorgeous models, made even hotter by hair and makeup work courtesy of the glam technicians at Houston’s Craft Salon. Dressed in stunning, ready to wear items which were available for purchase off the runway; the models flaunted the creativity and hard work of three of Houston’s favorite local designers.

Designer Bronwyn Lauder (Freddie Barrett) showcased one-of-a-kind wearables inspired by unwanted materials, focusing on a timeless look, in lieu of fleeting trends. Also displaying a line of inspired clothing items was designer Morgan Gilliland (Morgan Elizabeth Designs). Gilliland’s designs featured classic styles constructed with flattering cuts and comfortable fabrics, beautifully suited for day or night wear. Displaying embellished, deconstructed graphic t-shirts and funky accessories for men and women, was Houston’s own Teresa O’Connor (Hello Lucky, Lucky T’s).

Angelo’s halls were brilliantly decked with paintings by Houston artist and handbag designer Whitney Riley, who had several beautiful acrylic on canvas works available for sale from a series based on the dualities of feminine myth: Fantasy vs. the Domestic.

Continuing with the theme of live art on display, was a painting in the works by local artist J. Giroux. In addition to his beautiful pop-collage paintings, J. Giroux also runs a consulting and design firm called Pep Rally, Inc. as well as Read & Write threads and prints. His work is rich with themes of street, music, fashion and party culture. Starting with an oversized blank canvas, Giroux created a vibrant live painting that continued to blossom throughout the evening as he worked.

Over and above the impressive 50 foot bar and delicious hand tossed pizzas, Angelo’s proved to be an ideal venue for such an inspired event. Housed in the historic ten-story M.E. Foster building in the center of downtown, Angelo’s features rich décor, plush couches and overstuffed chairs. The walls are a deep red with exposed ceilings, ornate chandeliers and columns with elaborate wall coverings that made a perfect backdrop for live art and fashion event.

In addition to the sale of any artwork or the ready-to-wear clothing, guests were encouraged to bring items such as jackets and blankets to add to the gifts and proceeds being donated to the Salvation Army.