Abi Ferrin’s Fall Line Premiere at Southside on Lamar

Fashion and carnivals usually don’t mix, unless you’re into all that face paint and oversized polka dot pants (sooo early ’90s). Luckily, the theme managed to go over at a recent party here in the Big D, all, funny enough, in the name of high fashion. Dallas designer Abi Ferrin premiered her collection for the upcoming fall this past weekend at Southside on Lamar, where she also has her design studio. On Wednesday, June 9, Good Morning Texas correspondant Amy Vanderoef hosted Ferrin’s event, sponsored by Svedka Vodka, Glaceau Smart Water, Lolo Jewels and Suze Catering, garnering a crowd of the well-dressed and the most passionate of fashionistas.

Attendees included fashion photographer Bode Helm, local fashion hero Jan Strimple,  actress Diana Riva of Fox’s “The Good Guys” as well as Dallasite Amanda Kline. DJ’s Jennifer Miller and Paul Paredes kept the party going till after 10.

Beyond the sexy burlesque performances, fire breathers and stale popcorn (I would say it was good in theory and definitely softened the fall for the strong martinis), the fashion was interesting. Okay, so the shorts-romper can go another season given we live in Texas, and the versatility of the wrap dress is still unbeatable when it comes to changing up an outfit. But given Ferrin’s NY Fashion Week exhibit last year, I was expecting a little more oomf. Well, maybe it’s the color scheme, and we will have to wait until her spring line to see another barrage of flowing neon skirts and headbands.

Ferrin’s  “Fashion with Freedom and Purpose” motto has caught on around town, and she is known to incorporate hand-made wares from Nepalese sex trade victims in her work.

Southside on Lamar is located at 1409 South Lamar Street in Dallas