With the much-anticipated return of The Pin Show on February 23rd, Dallas welcomes to the forefront 33 designers and four student designers, all showcasing their work before an audience of Dallas’ most influential fashion personalities. Our virtual meet-and-greet continues this week, with five more Pin Show designer profiles, including the winner of this year’s highly-coveted Artist in Residence Program, Isabel Varela.   Through March of this year, Varela will live and work at the Fairmont Dallas. Select creations from her Izavel line will be displayed in the hotel lobby, and guests are invited to observe her creative process via glass-front design studio. Custom clothing for men and women may also be commissioned during her residency. Additional information is available through the Fairmont Dallas website.       Mario Alberto Gallegos, Jr.   A Dallas resident, Mario studied design at El Centro College.           How would you describe your design aesthetic? “My designs are a form of spiritual growth, expansion of the human mind, a fusion of ancient cultures and art, mixed with a burst of the sublime to feed those who are hungry for innovation. In other words, ‘I make pretty things.’ ” What is the inspiration behind your collection? “My 2012 collection is inspired by Maharajas, the seven levels chakra, and human intuition.”       Tashumbra by Tashumbra Brightman   A native Dallasite, Tashumbra studied at the Savannah College of Art and Design.             How would you describe your design aesthetic? “I would describe my design aesthetic as feminine and modern, yet classic. It is eclectic, with hints of bohemian flair and edge.”  What is the inspiration behind your collection? “This collection is inspired by the style and fashion of the ‘70s. It is my favorite period in fashion, so I took design elements and colors from that period and blended them with modern silhouettes to give it a slight edge.”       Brydric Wright   Originally from Sulphur Springs, Texas, Brydric attended both the Art Institute of Dallas and Wade College.               How would you describe your design aesthetic? “My design aesthetic would be best described as vintage with an edge.” What us the inspiration behind your collection? “I am inspired by innovative people who are accomplishing their goals through creativity - musicians, writers, actors, and photographers.”       Barron & J by James Martinez   A native of Corpus Christi, Texas, James studied at the Art Institute of Dallas.               How would you describe your design aesthetic? “Edgy, modern, and contemporary.” What is the inspiration behind your collection? “Music, metal, and military.”       Izavel by Isabel Varela   From Lake Charles, Louisiana, Isabel earned her degree in Textiles, Apparel Design, and Merchandising from LSU. She continued her studies in Paris at the Ecole Duperré, Ecole Supérieure des Arts Appliqués.           How would you describe your design aesthetic? “My design aesthetic is architectural, tailored, and feminine, with an element of surprise detailing.” What is the inspiration behind your collection? “
This collection is inspired by the idea of shedding skin and renewing oneself into a new person.
 It represents a meek shy girl becoming a more confident, more assertive woman, coming out of her shell and being who she was meant to be.”