San Antonio’s fashion scene is blossoming thanks to the joint efforts of Fashion Business Network, San Antonio’s government and talented artists. The San Antonio Botanical Garden kicked off Fiesta with “Viva Botanica,” a sustainable fashion showcase.
Audiences emerge from the greenhouse, opening the door to reveal a stage planted in the garden’s center. Kaya Dublin, CEO of FBN, wears a scarlet dress with a rose blooming from the fabric on her shoulder, and co-founder Cassandra Rodriguez dons Daughter of Venus, Catherine Elizabeth’s clothing line.
“Creating FBN was truly just to give back our love and our passion for our community,” Rodriguez said. “We love building up our community. To encourage, inspire and uplift the community and teach them [what] we’ve been taught.”
Beginning as interns, the two saw a need in the city to elevate designers and, since 2017, have worked to spotlight artists in the community. Viva Botanica is the first official fashion show for Fiesta and is funded by the City of San Antonio’s Office of Sustainability.
The show begins with models emerging from garden scenery into the center circle, surrounded by fauna as they walk down the path. The garden is the perfect display for sustainable fashion, as it gives audiences a chance to view the clothing in natural daylight.
Eight designers graced the runway; they are as follows.
Minx and Onyx’s outfits are vibrant traditional Fiesta-colored dresses with added features for everyday wear. Instead of the full skirt, they opt for a forest-green-patterned blouse and black leggings. They create festive clothing that can be worn to work.
De La Rosa Designs features a quilted bag with bold, contrasting lines against a white plush fabric, resembling loose threads. The crowd-favorite wedding dress includes a giant, beautifully crafted white tulle over a pink flora dress. Both pieces appear separate, so they can be worn on more occasions than just the wedding day.
