I'll admit it. Even though I often brag that Houston is a world class city, I had my doubts that it could pull off a fashion week extravaganza like you'd see in New York, Milan or Paris.

Having been a veteran observer of expertly executed, heartbreakingly beautiful shows in the major fashion capitals, it seemed a monumental task to try such a thing in a city with a fledgling fashion industry and a checkered history of runway shows.

So I was pleasantly surprised when the first night of the first-ever Audi Fashion Houston week came off without a hitch.

The Wortham Theater Center — with a runway that stretched the length of the massive lobby — was a sophisticated showcase. The audience — a mix of socialites and the fashion faithful — sported tasteful yet cutting edge styles. The fashions from designers Christian Siriano, Lyn Devon and Cesar Galindo were first rate. The models and the music had the right vibe.

And unlike a New York show, it started on time and ended on schedule.

So what if the audience jumped to their feet for prolonged standing ovations at the end of each designer's show? That never happens in New York, unless Ralph Rucci is showcasing his couture-quality designs.

"You know in New York people don't stand and clap," Galindo said backstage after his show. "There's a nice feeling here."

Galindo, who left Houston more than two decades ago for a New York design career, led off the evening with a tasteful collection of sequined cocktail dresses, sharply tailored pantsuits, and metallic gowns. His final number, a tomato-red strapless gown with a train that the model held while she walked, exuded Hollywood glamour.

Several of his designs were accented with bold jewelry from Houston designer Baroness Elizabeth Pettit de Montifitchet.

After receiving a standing ovation at the end of his show, Galindo found a microphone and thanked the audience and fashion week organizers Jared Lang and Bambi Lynn. (You'd never see that in New York, either.)

Galindo added that he felt privileged to kick off fashion week in his hometown. "It was my destiny and responsibility to do it," he explained backstage afterwards. "It's a great feeling to show my work in front of people who consume it."

The big surprise of the night was Devon, who showcased a sparkling collection of classic sportswear with a kick. She featured casual dresses and separates in bold colors, tiny polka dots, windowpane checks, lace and a sometimes even a touch of leather.

"It's very thoroughbred American fashion," said Tootsies' Craig Lidji. "It's wearable with dazzle."

Devon's appearance at Houston fashion week was a catalyst for Toosties to feature her collection Thursday and Friday, Lidji said. She will make a personal appearance at the store both days (from 10 a.m.- 7 p.m.).

After the show, Devon — in a charming butterfly print dress — said it was her first visit to Houston but she liked the early vibe she felt from the audience.

"I have a sense that the women here are adventurous and exciting," Devon said.

Siriano, who will make a personal appearance at Neiman Marcus Tuesday (11 a.m.-3 p.m.), was the star of the evening. The loudest cheers came when he took his catwalk bow. Upon leaving the Wortham, I shared an elevator with three twentysomething women who excitedly said they came solely to see the Project Runway winner.

I saw Siriano's PR-winning collection in New York a few years ago, as well as several since then, and this one has a level of sophistication the others didn't have. It's nice to see Siriano grow as a designer. The collection included flowing tribal-influenced print dresses and gowns, leather hot pants and chic white belted dresses. A few of the outfits had a few too many patches of fabric protruding from odd places, but the overall feeling was grown-up and — dare we say it — fierce.

Siriano said he mixed Mediterranean, a bit of Africa and Asia influences into his collection. "It's still glamorous, feminine and wearable clothing with a bit of fantasy," he said.

And he enjoyed playing with different fabrics. "There's a lot of competition out there," he said. "You have to be new and fresh."

His last gown — a pale brown confection with a gigantic tiered tulle skirt and beaded bodice — was simply beautiful. He created it as a "fantasy gown," but has been surprised that it has been a big seller.

"You just never know," he said, shaking his head. "You can have a collection that's really edgy, but women still want to be romantic."