If that doesn’t interest you in an event invite, I don’t know what will. And just because sometimes we’re not Texan enough in keep-it-weird-but-cool-and-not-all-that-hick-stuff Austin, Second Street staple Beyond Tradition is hosting a cowboy culture event from 6-9pm this Wednesday.
The event centers on two designers. The first, Critic’s Choice for “Best Home Accessories Designer” (Austin Fashion Week 2009) award-winner Deborah Main, specializes in one-of-a-kind pillows. The “Dizzy Happy Summer Fun” collection features vintage souvenir scarves from the 1940s and 50s, each printed with bold imagery of the Wild West and nostalgic state landmarks (www.deborahmaindesigns.com). The second, Fashion Institute of Technology alum Laura Del Villaggio of Milli Starr, designs hats and headpieces … She is one of the few couture milliners in the US, practicing the old-world craftsmanship of hand-blocking straws and felts over carved wooden forms, and hand-stitching and draping trims. Milli Starr recently introduced a line of western hats, inspired by the definitive lines of a cowboy’s trademark Stetson, but reinterpreted in the finest hand-woven straws and plush velour fur felts, then trimmed with rare vintage sequins, feathers, and ribbons. (www.millistarr.com).
There’ll be a fashion show and fiddle-playin’, and cowboys and cowgirls will enjoy true-Texas margaritas from Cantina Laredo and nibbles from III Forks and RIX Chocolates.
Beyond Tradition, 221 W. 2nd. Street, (512) 499-3995, www.beyondtradition.com