It's been a long time since the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston has hosted a fashion show, but when officials did, with Fashion Fusion: Viennese Splendor meets HCC Couture, it happened in a big way.

A mix of socialites and fashion-forward millennials jammed Cullinan Hall for a runway show by Houston Community College fashion design students who envisioned styles inspired by the MFAH's blockbuster exhibition, Habsburg Splendor.

It had all the ingredients of a major New York fashion show: A buzzy standing-room only crowd, social swells clamoring for seats and cutting-edge fashion presented in a unique way.

"You are our kind of people," MFAH director Gary Tinterow told the crowd in opening remarks, alluding to the young fashion-forward audience who don't necessarily frequent the museum on a regular basis but who are increasingly becoming a target among Houston arts organizations.

The designers were encouraged to think outside the box in devising new ways to link the styles of Europe's longest-reigning dynasty with today's modern way of dressing. They scored big with delightful creations that alluded to the Habsburg traditions in looks that can easily be worn today.

The ensembles included hunting outfits with a Ralph Lauren vibe, daytime suits that exuded a tinge of film noir, feathered creations and big ball gowns perfect for a museum ball.

Mile-high hair

Tamara Klosz Bonar, the fashion show's producer, styled it in an oversized way, with creative makeup by Edward Sanchez and hairstyles by Tre Spa. Some models sported mile-high hair in a Marie Antoinette style while others had one long blond pigtail a la Heidi. Antlers decorated hunting ensembles and feathers adorned headdresses in spectacular style.

Judges Fady Armanious, creative director of Tootsies, which sponsored the event, MFAH curator of European art Helga Aurisch, and I individually judged the winners, and by all accounts, the scores were really close.

Christian Le took top prize with an expertly constructed black lace satin gown with big hoop skirt and exposed back. Le also took third place for a striking two-piece green suit trimmed in black lace. Teresa Rangel placed a close second with a gorgeous blood red mullet gown cut short at the front and long at the back, with detailing at the hips.

Samira Craig's gold ballgown with a big skirt drew raves, while Alfredo Saucedo created two eye-catching cocktail dresses, one with a queenly sash and brooch, and another with a feathered skirt. Judi Hallenback showed her versatility as a designer with a cobalt blue gown featuring intricate embroidery and a leather-and-fur coat with an outdoorsy hunting theme.

Violet Navarro's gothic gown with exposed shoulders and outer corset complemented Bridget Fizer's denim coat with metal detailing, black cape and shorts — the only outfit in the show designed for a man.

Among those enjoying the show were MFAH programs specialist Kelley Magill, who interviewed each designer while the votes were being tallied, MFAH general manager of special events Linda Kuykendall, who spearheaded the project before leaving for a new job with Memorial Hermann, Suzette Brimmer, chair of HCC's Lifestyle, Arts & Design programs, and her predecessor, Kay King.

Also spotted in the throng were the always stylish Karina Barbieri in a print Roberto Cavalli jumpsuit with a tassel at the derriere (the Italian designer's nod to horses), Vivian Wise and Sergio Morales, Kevin Black and Tony Bradfield, Jessica Rossman, Deborah Elias, Jeff Shell, Marcus Sloan and Shannon Hall, Miya Shay, Suzy Simons, Dr. Roland Maldonado, Neal Hamil and fashion blogger Heather Petrey.

A feather dress by Jean Weber has a timeless look.

Photo by Morris Malakoff

A feather dress by Jean Weber has a timeless look.