A Nod to Mod Style
I'm a new blogger, so whenever I can squeeze in an event where I can network and meet new people in the blog/fashion world, I try to take it. I attended my first Austin fashion event, "A Nod to Mod: A Modern Take on 60's Fashion", at the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library a few weeks ago. I was a little nervous since I didn't know anyone, but boy was I glad I went to this one.
For the event, the LBJ Library brought 7 of First Lady "Lady Bird" Johnson's most memorable outfits out of their archives and had 7 of Austin's top designers create their own updated interpretations of the pieces.
In real life, I work in the political arena, so this event hit on all my interests - politics, fashion, history - it was the best of both my worlds colliding at one swanky event.
Add in the free booze and pretty flower arrangements, and it was pretty much the perfect evening.
I'll start with this paisley shift dress because it was actually my favorite of the original Lady Bird Johnson pieces. The print, cut, and material just screamed 60's, and I loved how Rare Trends updated it. Especially those flowy sleeves - so girly and pretty!
Above is a sketch of the original design worn by Lady Bird Johnson.
This yellow number by Boudoir Queen hit all the right notes for me. Not to mention I love the hair, make-up, and those 60's inspired glasses! Nailed. it.
The above Egyptian-esque design by Ross Bennett was, in my opinion, the most wearable of the evening, and I loved that about it. I'm such a sucker for a maxi dress.
Amber Perley's design was just adorable and stays true to her southern design aesthetic. I actually got to meet her on Monday, and she is the sweetest! She was nice enough to let me borrow some of her things for a shoot I'm working on in collaboration with Austin Fashion Week (so stay tuned for that!). Y'all should really check out her store and watch her on the upcoming season of Fashion Star.
This work appropriate suit by Crowned Bird was so cute. The updates were very subtle, but the changes on the collar and the hemline effectively brought the 60's version into our decade.
This evening gown number by Gail Chovan was pretty fab. I'm a big fan of floral print so of course this pattern had me hooked.
The venue was pretty swanky, by the way. At one point in the evening I leaned over to my husband and told him that it felt like we were at some fancy party in New York City - not in Austin. The music, the lighting, and the videos projected on the walls all amped up the mood in the library.
Plus, despite Austin's reputation for being a casual city, folks actually dressed up!
Daniel Esquivel took Lady Bird Johnson's sweet little evening gown and really glammed it up with those spikes. Such a fun interpretation.... and look how proud he is of his design! I just love it.
Of course I had to include my fan girl moment with Daniel in this post. He couldn't have been nicer! If he looks familiar to you, that's because he was on Project Runway during Season 11.
In the same spirit of this event, I've chosen some of my own 60's inspired pieces for you to browse below, including this Peter Pan collar top, these modern Mary Jane's, an asymmetrical mini skirt, a scalloped shift dress, and some cat-eye sunglasses.
Enjoy!
SHOP MY 60'S INSPIRED PICKS