Instead of putting on a runway show at New York Fashion Week, Houston native Cesar Galindo decided to return home to his roots and try something different. He gathered Houston-based models from the Page Parkes Agency to showcase the fall styles from his Cesar Galindo Collection and host of Houston talent to produce and shoot a look book he can show to retailers and the fashion press.
"It's a little bit more of a relaxed environment," he explained. "There are a lot of obstacles in New York City to set up a shoot. And I have family here beyond my own blood family. So I came here to work with these girls. Why not come home for a moment, take care of business and get it done?"
It was an all-Houston production as Galindo secured Select Studios in the Heights as the location for the shoot and enlisted his good friend, fashion show producer Bambi Lynn, to arrange the shoot (she usually travels to New York to assist Galindo in the production of his shows there). Hair and makeup artists from Tre Spa Salon and Arched Beauty Architects styled the models while photographer Arthur Garcia, the owner of Select Studios, snapped the shots.
Galindo invited a host of friends and fashion bloggers to view the shoot. "It started out to be just a couple of people, but it grew. It's fun. It's just a great time to do it, so why not?" he said.
The collection is a bit of a departure for Galindo, who is known for his casual daywear. This time his fierce woman wants to party, have a good time and not have to explain her actions. "The whole thing is geared to after 5. It's all about going out and having fun. And if you are going to do the Walk of Shame, why not look like a fabulous number? That's where that inspiration came from," he said.
Working with a sparkly fabric in fuchsia, gold, copper and gunmetal shades, he created a collection of loose-fitting party dresses, car coats, jumpsuits and a micro-bolero that works over a dress or jeans. "I got this great fabric from Italy. The glitter doesn't come off. It's permanent and it works, so why not go there?" said Galindo, who often ends a sentence with a question. "I love daytime dressing, I love sportswear, but I think the idea of going out and having a good time. Escape is something you need."
He also worked with recycled fur, creating several pieces from one mink coat, including a halter apron top, tank top and leather gauntlet accessories.
The shoot moved fast like an assembly line as Galindo took a few seconds to make sure each model looked perfect before she was photographed and moved on to the next one. Afterwards, everyone celebrated with champagne or nonalcoholic beverages and Galindo seemed satisfied with the shoot and the collection's chances for success.
"It's comfortable and I think it's marketable, even though it's flashy," he said. "It's important to have pieces that are standouts."
The collection will be available at Sloan/Hall in Houston and San Antonio.
Cesar Galindo poses for a photo during his look book shoot.
