The evening of Saturday, May 11th was a busy one on the Dallas fashion scene. Hot spots buzzed around the city, but with all the opportunities to see and be seen, a large crowd descended upon the Dallas Contemporary. There, Accessories in the Nude would announce its 2013 Designer Competition Winner.

 

Founded in 2008, Accessories in the Nude (AIN) is a three-part annual event comprising a Business Seminar, Accessory Designer Competition, and Fashion Showcase. AIN’s competition segment took place earlier this year, with a talented roster of area accessories designers presenting their work to a select panel of judges. The results of that judging would follow this final segment, a locally focused Fashion Showcase. Ticket sales benefited Women Called Moses, a local non-profit organization that provides support and education for victims of domestic violence.

 

From left: Debra Nixon-Bowles of Women Called Moses, Dwayne Harris, LeeAnne Locken

 

The event was hosted by actress LeeAnne Locken and Dallas Cowboy Dwayne Harris. Top upcoming local designers were featured, including Nine Muses, Tracy Popken, Ruby Charles, and I.O.S. by Yasmina Johnston. In total, twelve designers’ looks were included in the fast-paced runway show. Special guest and 2013 Texas Next Top Designer winner, Lucy Dang, wrapped the presentation with her stunning dresses.

 

 

After the show, with the anticipation mounting, the time came to announce the winner of the AIN 2013 Designer Competition. To applause and cheers, Diamond Downs, founder and lead designer of Gehati, took the prize (pictured at top).

 

Downs’ creations are simple, yet luxurious, and always affordable. She wisely blends precious gems and crystals with leather for unique pieces that evoke femininity. Earlier this year, we interviewed Downs and explored her latest collection in an exclusive video for DFW Style Daily.

 

Watch: Diamond Downs Shines Through Challenges & Triumphs

 

Congratulations to Diamond Downs from all of us at DFW Style Daily! Want to see the Gehati line up close? This Saturday, May 18th, the line will be featured at a special trunk show at Curated Boutique (4435 McKinney Ave.). Hosted by popular blogger Cynthia Smoot of Oh So Cynthia, all the details can be found on our Events Calendar.

 

All photos, credit Jarrod Fresquez for DFW Style Daily.