Varela + Brooks Shine at Texas' Next Top Designer 2011

July 6, 2011 - PRLog -- Fashion designers Isabel Varela and Ashlee Brooks are quickly making a name for themselves in Dallas, one of the country’s fashion Meccas.  Their six-month-old women’s contemporary apparel line, Varela + Brooks, was honored as first runner-up in the reputable Texas’ Next Top Designer, a statewide competition in search of the best designer with business and industry prowess.  2011 is the first time in its five-year history that the organization has ever recognized this title.  The announcement gala, awarding ByJeannie Jewelry first place, was held on Wednesday, June 29 at M, The Venue.

“The judges at TNTD were all impressed with Varela + Brooks,” says Jackson, corporate concierge of Barneys New York, who serves on the TNTD Board of Directors.  “Winners exhibit talent obviously, but also the business savvy and vision to launch or grow a successful business.  We review business, marketing, production, distribution and sales plans, plus creative vision, business acumen, presentation skills and technical knowledge.  Varela + Brooks exemplified all of these.  Texas’ has a lot of talent, and it was a difficult decision.”

The Varela + Brooks label (www.varelaandbrooks.com), launched in January 2011, features a 32-piece collection of unique cocktail and evening dresses, separates and outerwear for women.   It reflects the individual inspirations and personalities of its two fresh designers: the structured, tailored sensibility of Isabel and the romantic, whimsical softness of Ashlee.  Within six months of launching, Varela + Brooks has participated in New Orleans Fashion Week, were leading fashion design contenders for a national reality television show in Los Angeles, and have been involved in numerous fashion events.  

Isabel (26) is a Southwest Louisiana gal, with cultural influences from Panama and Honduras. An Apparel Design graduate from Louisiana State University, Isabel interned at the prestigious BCBGMAXAZRIA in Los Angeles, completed a master class at the Miami International University and attended a Global Fashion Field Study in China where she was chosen as one of only 20 international students to study in Paris, France at the Ecole Duperré, Ecole Supérieure des Arts Appliqués.  As a stylist, she has created the wardrobes for several movies and even became a semi-finalist on Project Runway Season 8.  A Dallas native, Ashlee (27) has stayed true to her Texas’ roots and attended Baylor University where she studied Fashion Design and Business Entrepreneurship. While at Baylor, she not only strengthened her design skills but also gained crucial knowledge on how to have a successful business.  Ashlee is also an award-winning designer having won awards for Best Cocktail Dress, Best Problem Solver, and Most Creative.

Says Isabel, “We are thrilled to have participated in TNTD and to have captured the attention of so many notable people within the industry.  We look forward to returning next year!”

Varela + Brooks apparel is available to purchase by contacting info@varelaandbrooks.com or at various events.  For more information and to be notified of upcoming events, visit www.varelaandbrooks.com, Facebook, or Twitter.


About Texas’ Next Top Designer
Texas’ Next Top Designer is a non-profit organization committed to nurturing diverse entrepreneurs by supporting business development for the fashion and aligned industries.  The Search for Texas’ Next Top Designer competition began in the Fall, 2006 with a call for entries throughout Texas and resulted in applications from more than 100 talented designers. A group of 20 finalists was selected for the final evaluation and Abi Ferrin was selected as the recipient of the first award. Since that first award, the organization has been proud to review the work of some of Texas' most talented designers.  The Texas’ Next Top Designer award includes a financial reimbursement grant and in-kind support for business development. Assistance may include subsidized work and showroom space, collateral production, advertising, financial planning, targeted fast-track business assistance, and networking with Texas-based industry leaders.  Texas’ Next Top Designer, Inc. understands that selected designers will have varying priorities and needs as they launch their businesses. The organization strives to provide grants and in-kind support tailored to specific needs. Additionally, professional mentoring that develops business acumen and skills is offered as needed. The organization’s intent is to provide relevant support that helps selected winners develop successful small businesses in the fashion and design industries.

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