Hundreds of editors, bloggers, insiders, and fans converged on the Dallas Design District on Saturday, February 22 to witness what has been cited as one of the best fashion events to hit the Dallas scene: The Pin Show. Returning for a sixth season, the show highlighted looks by 24 local designers, featured live performances by Bethan and The Effinays, and completely transformed the vast 30,000 square foot former Good Year Plant on Dragon Street into a Mecca of independent fashion. Since its inception in 2007, The Pin Show has provided area designers with unprecedented access to stylists, buyers, and other reputable fashion industry professionals. Coupled with the overarching mission to supply a quality platform to independent designers, The Pin Show has increasingly become one of the top events in Dallas in which to “see and be seen.” Co-Founder and Executive Director Julie McCullough, along with expert production team members including Willie Johnson (Runway Talent Director), Mike Arreaga (Creative Director), and Marissa Dukowitz (Style Director), has tapped a flourishing gold mine for those on the hunt for emerging fashion talent.     Many of the designers at this year’s Pin Show were already on our watch list, with some coming onto our radar for the first time. While only a few failed to impress, several instant favorites were ultimately among our top picks from the show.     Without a doubt, the night’s standout designer was Jesse Thaxton of Melancholic Designs. Thaxton’s collection was not only unique and conceptual, but fashion-forward and wearable, as well. It embodied all that The Pin Show represents.     Julie McCullough’s Folksie also impressed through exceptionally tailored menswear and well-crafted womenswear designs. A look presented by the newly-engaged designers of Sandbarri, Anne Barrientos and Aldo Sandoval, earned a spot on many trendsetters’ must-have lists. In addition to Sandoval’s surprise proposal to his co-designer during intermission (a first in Pin Show history), the couple’s oversized poncho-like shawl drew an immediate “yes.”     New to The Pin Show, Emme Hathcock of This One Woman completely captivated the crowd with her one-of-a-kind statement jewelry. While the collection was extremely powerful in its presence, it was not so gaudy as to venture into the costume category. We’ll keep our eye on Hathcock, impressed by this elegance on the runway. Additional designers well-deserving of nods include two previously highlighted by DFW Style Daily. Tracy Popken returned this year and wowed with her signature vintage twist on womenswear and swim. Venny Etienne of Le’Venity masterfully executed a combination of contrasting fabrics and textures to create a highly desirable fall/winter line.     While the disappointments from The Pin Show were few, we had hoped for a deviation from the norm from Marek + Richard. Pop art accessories completely overshadowed the line’s underwear and menswear designs. By way of unsolicited advice, less is definitely more in this case, even when it comes to an underwear collection.     Also in the disappointment category, the M.V.C. full-figured collection exhibited a keen eye for color-blocking. Our excitement waned, however, when looks failed to depart from conventional wrap and peplum dresses favored by so many plus-size designers. The inclusion of more tailored pieces and fashion-forward risks will be the key to setting this brand apart.     The Pin Show executed yet another successful event, showcasing new local talent in a top-tier production, and exhibiting the growth and evolution of many designers already under our watchful eye. With each passing year, excitement and expectations are raised in regard to the Pin. We can only imagine – and anxiously anticipate - what’s in store for 2015.   All images, credit Sylvia Elzafon for DFW Style Daily.