NEW YORK — While his classmates at Houston's Episcopal High School were starting their senior year, Amir Taghi was prepping for one of the most important moments in his young life: Presenting a fashion collection at America's most important fashion week.
At the Helen Mills Event Space, a small studio in New York's Garment District, the 18-year-old designer made his national fashion debut with a polished collection in pastel shades, while a fuchsia tuxedo jacket with a plunging neckline and cigarette pants really stood out among the lighter tones. Taghi described his collection as "very minimalist and fierce and sexy at the same time" with references to Bianca Jagger's tuxedo look of the late '70s, long before he was born.
Taghi described his collection as "very minimalist and fierce and sexy at the same time" with references to Bianca Jagger's tuxedo look of the late '70s, long before he was born.
"It's a new direction for me," he said.
The collection was dotted with short shorts in metallic satin or lace, crops tops and dresses with banded gold belts or nifty crystal embellishment along the back. The closing number featured an ivory jumpsuit with lace pants that bordered between intriguing and puzzling.
All in all, it was a nice first effort on the big stage, although the show was marred by inept organizers who left many standing in a long line in the broiling sun and, once inside, were told to stand in the back while the front row remained empty until seconds before the show started.
Taghi, an emerging designer who showed a collection at Fashion Houston last fall, said he didn't expect make his New York fashion week debut so early in his career, but changed his mind when a producer asked him to participate. "It's a dream come true," Taghi said.
Coming from Houston to lend their support were Taghi's proud parents, Iraj and Farbi Taghi; his cousin, Maryam Afshari and her boyfriend, James Khreibani; Episcopal classmate Sassy Smith, her mother Mary Stanton Smith, Roz Pactor, Yolanda Washington, Bee Mandelberg and Joshua Styles.
Also up from Houston to cheer Taghi on were Carrie Colbert, who received kudos for her red Taghi-designed skirt and beaded top, which she accessorized with an eye-catching clutch bearing her name, and Theresa Roemer, who is in New York to meet with television executives about her reality show.
Houston designer Amir Taghi and model in the first look of his show pose backstage.
Studs and Shake Shack created a limited-edition Burger huggie earring and Earscape set. Photo by Studs 
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