Five (plus) questions

America's next top designer? Wes Gordon salutes fashion-forward Texas women

Wes Gordon has a lot to be excited about. Since showcasing his spring collection at Fashion Houston four months ago, the fashion world has taken note of the 27-year-old Atlanta native. He has been nominated in the Council of Fashion Designers of America emerging designer category, along with Shane Gabier and Christopher Peters of Creatures of the Wind and Rosie Assoulin. The prestigious award will be given out in New York on June 2.

He learned of the nomination in Los Angeles, where he celebrated with Hollywood tastemakers, including Rachel Zoe, Nicole Richie, Molly Sims and Ali Larter. "I had just landed in LA for a dinner we were hosting to launch the collection at Neiman Marcus so the timing was perfect — it became a joint celebration," he said via email.

"Texas women are incredibly fashion forward. They have the confidence to really take risks and have fun with clothes, which makes them a designer’s dream client."

Gordon's fall collection, a mix of streamlined daywear in rich fabrics and military-tinged outerwear that Women's Wear Daily calls "hyper-chic yet cool," will be on view in Houston Tuesday and Wednesday (March 18 and 19) at Neiman Marcus Galleria and in Dallas on Thursday and Friday (March 20 and 21) at Neiman Marcus NorthPark. He will also make a personal appearance in Dallas.

Before his Texas visit, he visited with CultureMap about what the nomination means, the Texas look and whether he could live without email for a day.

CultureMap: How does it feel to be nominated in the CFDA's Emerging Designer category?
Wes Gordon: It’s surreal. I was completely surprised! I’m a huge fan of Shane & Christopher’s and Rosie’s and I couldn’t be more honored to be nominated with them.

CM: What does the nomination mean for you personally and for your business?
WG: When you’re a young designer, validation such as this is so important and can really make a difference with both press and retailers.

CM: What do you plan to wear to the big event?
WG: I have zero idea. Ask me in a month!

CM: What five words would you use to describe your fall collection?
WG: Modern, textural, clean, layered and feminine.

CM: What inspired you in creating the collection?
WG: For fall 2014, I challenged myself to combine clean, crisp lines with textural depth. This collection is modern but not sterile, blending feminine and masculine silhouettes.

CM: Do you have a favorite look or looks from the collection?
WG: Looks 12, 21, and 3 (which Elle Fanning just wore). (Editor's note: See the looks in the photo set above.)

CM: Who do you hope that your collection appeals to?
WG: We work really hard to ensure that our collection appeals to a large audience of women. My hope is that each piece finds a home with a woman who appreciates the quality, time, and love that’s gone into creating it.

CM: Is there a Texas look?
WG: Texas women are incredibly fashion forward. They have the confidence to really take risks and have fun with clothes, which makes them a designer’s dream client.

CM: Do you have a can't miss TV program you watch?
WG: I wish I had more time for TV. I'm big Homeland fan.

CM: iPhone or Android?
WG: iPhone.

CM: Instagram or Twitter?
WG: Instagram.

CM: Could you survive a day without email?
WG: Yes, delightfully!

Wes Gordon is a CFDA emerging designer nominee.

Wes Gordon March 2014 New York fashion week

Courtesy of Wes Gordon

Wes Gordon is a CFDA emerging designer nominee.

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A Clear Choice

Texas handbag brand Consuela debuts clear collection for stadium use

Photo courtesy of Consuela

These bags fashionably comply with stadium rules.

Transparency is key for this new stadium-friendly product line by Austin handbag brand Consuela. The new line recreates the brand's top-selling silhouettes in a clear material that makes them easy to carry at venues with long security lines.

This is the first time Consuela has produced clear bags, press materials say.

It's certainly possible to pack any small bag and spend a minute on a security check at the gate, but if attendees want to carry more, sometimes venues require a clear bag; at Reliant Stadium, for example, a non-see-through bag can only be four-and-a-half inches by six-and-a-half inches or smaller.

Conseula clear bags You don't have to put bags in the "tool bag" silhouette.Photo courtesy of Consuela

Each clear Consuela bag has a bit of personality thanks to a printed, opaque strip of material across the top and a colorful strap that's interchangeable for different carrying styles: wearing the bag crossbody, on the shoulder, or as a clutch. Leather accents also elevate each piece, which contains interior pockets, a credit card holder, and a removable piece that gives the base structure or, when it's removed, allows the bag to collapse.

With three shapes and three patterns or colorways, there are nine distinct bags in the collection. The largest style is 11 inches by nine and a quarter inches, with a three-inch depth. Two smaller styles are more clutch-sized. The top material can show off a colorful paisley-like design, leopard print, or an understated cream leather to match the rest of the trim.

Conseula clear bags Grouping items in smaller cases can make a clear bag look neater.Photo courtesy of Consuela

The new collection ($125-235) is available now at consuelastyle.com. Shoppers can also check the bags out in person at Consuela's Katy store at 23501 Cinco Ranch Boulevard. Other retailers selling Consuela bags can be found through the brand's store locator.

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