“Sawyer Yards is a creative community thriving in the heart of Houston’s historic First Ward and Arts District Houston,” states the first line on SawyerYards.com.
Creative covers more than the 2 and 3D artists the studios are known for. Creatives include theater, dance, film and fashion, not to mention many art forms that we rarely see in production like graphic and interior design, architecture and culinary arts.
Fashion is the focus this week with Alvin Alan Ramírez Riojas, whose “Ethereal Blooms” Fashion show featuring Alan’s designs will debut this Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, from 8–10:30 p.m. (doors open at 7:30 p.m) at Sabine Street Studios, 1907 Sabine St., Houston, TX 77007. Sabine Street Studios is, of course, part of the Sawyer Yards Creative Campus.
The Mexico-born, Houston-based designer will premiere his exclusive “Ethereal Blooms” collection for men and women. The richly appliquéd designs of Alan’s collection to be featured Saturday express the most characteristic elements of his work: flowers, elegance, and colonial style.
Evoking the natural and cultural radiance of San Miguel de Allende, México, Alan used natural fabrics with which he materialized the iconic traits of this emblematic Mexican city.
“The beauty of San Miguel de Allende moved me to such an extent that it inspired this collection, giving rise to a flowing river of creativity,” Alan said. “Its spirituality, the mariachi culture, the Callejoneadas or processions, the big-headed puppets, the flowers, the churches, the portals and the freshness of pure air flourish.”
Embellished with hand-sewn embroidery, hand-dyed gold and silver floral appliqués with macramé laces, tassels, angel trumpets, and more, Alan has designed a unique and diverse set of looks, ranging from unisex tunics, to two-piece suits to shirt jackets, to long dresses and wide skirts.
Coinciding with Hispanic Heritage Month, Alan’s fashion show is more of a magical multicultural creative convening. In addition to a runway presentation of his designs, the October 14 event includes chamber music, mariachi and ballet — all of which promise to radiate the subtle religiosity of the Spanish colonial heritage with the cultural syncretism of Guanajuato.
Free ticketed admission includes the fashion show, live music, drinks and light bites. Seating is limited. Valet parking is available. Reserve your complimentary tickets today online at: www.alvinalanfashion.com.
The Second Saturday Open Studios at Sawyer Yards is Saturday, 12-5 p.m., and of course that means The Market at Sawyer Yards is open, too (at 11 a.m.) October is Arts District Houston month and no one knows the First and Sixth Wards better. Explore everything this amazing cultural hot spot in Houston has to offer! Details, schedule of happenings, maps and more can be found on the District’s website: https://fresharts.org/arts-district-month.
Cohen is an artist and founder of the First Saturday Arts Market and The Market at Sawyer Yards. Find him at ArtValet.com for additional highlights and artist’s stories.
