Next In The District: Autumn Renaissance
Celebration of Emerging Fashion Talent
On a night that blended style, ambition, and artistry, the Next In The District: Autumn Renaissance showcase illuminated the Dallas fashion scene with an unforgettable display of creativity. Hosted by FWD Fashion Group, the competition brought together vision designers, stylists, models, and creators; each striving to redefine the future of fashion and claim a $5,000 to launch their next big move.
Capturing the Renaissance of Dallas Fashion
Through our lens, Dallas Media Company LLC continues to highlight the creators shaping the cultural landscape of North Texas. The Next In The District: Autumn Renaissance event proved that the future of fashion is right here driven by collaboration, authenticity, and fearless creativity.
Marie B: A Breath of Fresh Air
The creative minds behind Marie B Collections - Jennifer Brown, Aliya Robinson, and Caitlyn Versell, found inspiration for their runway debut in one simple yet powerful idea: rebirth. While reflecting on the meaning of "Renaissance", the team drew parallels to the transformative journey of a butterfly, symbolizing growth, emergence, and renewal.
The collection, aptly named "Breath of Fresh Air", embodies lightness, transformation, and revival. Through soft textures, airy fabrics, and delicate color transitions, the design invite the audience to feel renewed, uplifted and inspired as if witnessing a rebirth not just in fashion, but in spirit.
When the models take the runway, Jennifer wants viewers to experience that moment of emergence to feel the wings unfold and be reminded that transformation is always possible.
Crelucent: The Grandeur of the Great Hall
For Team Crelucent, fashion becomes an architectural art form, an exploration of Renaissance beauty reimagined through modern craftsmanship. Their collection titled, "The Great Hall", draws inspiration from the ornate floors and walls of grand palaces and the redefined silhouettes of Queen Elizabeth's era.
Their process centered on authenticity and innovation. Every fabric, stitch, and color palette was selected to embody the luxury and elegance of the 16th century, resulting in garments that feel both historic and timeless.
The team infused their expertise in visual cohesion into this new medium of storytelling. They want their audience to feel the majesty of the Renaissance to step into the grandeur of the Great Hall, where craftsmanship, texture, and design merge into a singular experience of refinement and artistry.
In every look, Crelucent invites viewers not just to observe fashion, but to walk through history reborn in fabric form.
Autumn Slayers: Bold Streets Fierce Statements
Designer Samaya Jackson of Autumn Slayers wants her audience to remember the details. From the bold fabrics to the way each piece is styled and fitted, her collection captures the raw attitude of urban fashion with a dramatic, high-end edge. Every look is designed to leave an impression long after the runway lights fade.
Apparel Prophets: Redefining Confidence Through Heritage and Style
For the creative trio behind Apparel Prophets, Alyssa Alvarez, Jefferson Craft, Amanda Pinedo; fashion is more than fabric and form. It's storytelling. Their latest collection draws deep inspiration from Kehinde Wiley, the celebrated artist known for transforming classical Renaissance portraits by placing modern subjects in powerful, regal compositions.
Their designs echo this fusion of eras where timeless elegance meets modern individuality. When their models step on the runway, the designers want the audience to feel empowered, bold, and seen. Every piece speaks to the idea that confidence isn't about fitting in, it's about owning your difference and wearing it proudly.
Phi Innovatus: Transformation Woven Through Generations
For Team Phi Innovatus, made up of designers Jane Angelo and Shirley Drew Walker, fashion isn't just about aesthetics, it about personal evolution. Their collection deeply rooted in heritage, self-discovery, and resilience. Jane, who proudly identifies as an underdog in the industry, shared that he never attended fashion school. Instead he was taught by his family's lineage of artists, including his great-grandmother. That legacy of craftsmanship and creativity became the foundation for this collection.
When Phi Innovatus' collection takes the runway, they want the audience to feel the power of transformation, the moment when struggle turns into strength, and self-doubt gives way to brilliance. Each garment tells a story of revival and individuality, reminding us that true beauty lies in becoming who you were always meant to be.
Laysha & Co - Grand Prize Winner
When designer Alisha McClinton of Laysha & Co. embraced the "Autumn Renaissance" theme, one color defined her vision, "gold". To her, gold symbolized transformation through fire: strength forged from endurance.
Her collection, titled "Refined", drew inspiration from Renaissance armor merging resilience and grace in every silhouette. "Sometimes we go through things, sometimes we get burned, but we don't come out smelling like smoke," she shared.
Making her first runway return since 2019, Alisha's showcase wasn't just a comeback, it was a rebirth. Laysha & Co embodied empowerment, elegance, and the enduring glow of perseverance, earning them the grand prize of the night.