Nigeria-born designer Esé Azénabor showcased her most elaborate fall/winter collection titled “Venetian Dream” in Dallas earlier this month. According to the director of sales and marketing for the brand, Stephania Schirru, the designer was particularly satisfied with this collection because she took her time and didn’t oblige to New York Fashion Week’s harsh deadlines. Additionally, she shared her 2016 Spring/Summer collection which she premiered in February at New York Fashion Week. The result was truly a night to remember and the Dallas crowd was treated to an evening of fashion, food, cocktails and the amazing delight of the fabulous home of Dallas socialite Tricia Simms.
The inspiration for this series of intricate designs originated from Azénabor’s desire to add a Venetian flair to her home. Throughout her research on Venetian-inspired homes, she became fascinated with the antique plaster work, dramatic moldings and the unique architecture. She successfully emulated those elements in her collection through detailed beading and embroidery. Core components of her collection include materials such as silk crepe, silk mesh and silk tulle. Known for her elaborate beading and embroidery work, in this collection the designer utilized a combination of Japanese glass beads, sequins and Swarovski crystals. All garments were 100 percent hand sewn with custom fabrics exclusively created for this collection. The colorfulness of the spring collection inspired by the Garden of Eden contrasts with the Venetian Dream’s whites, golds and blacks. Again Azénabor stepped into new terrain turning a vision into reality.
As with most of Azénabor’s events, the Venetian Dream showcase was tied to a local charity, Ally’s Wish, a DFW nonprofit that grants wishes to young mothers battling terminal illnesses so they may create memories with their families that last a lifetime. Hostess Tricia Sims’ beautiful estate in Preston Hollow was filled with Dallas socialites, fashion lovers, bloggers and local press. Neiman Marcus buyers could be spotted in the front row along with members of the new cast of “The Real Housewives of Dallas.” Esé Azénabor’s FW16 presentation was one to be definitely remembered. Instead of following a traditional straight or L-shaped runway, models strutted across Sims’ home reminiscent of Chanel’s outstanding Métiers d’Art Show of 2015.
Azénabor shares that her goal is to empower women through the art of fashion. “Any woman wearing this collection will stand taller, be more confident, and smile harder in the mirror.”
For more info on garments contact [email protected] or visit https://www.eseazenabor.com
Check out more photos from the show in the gallery. Photos courtesy of Thomas Garza Photogrophy
