Today we’d like to introduce you to Matt Swinney.
Matt, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Starting with Austin Fashion Week, Fashion By Texas expanded with Fashion By Dallas in 2014 and then Houston in 2016. Our goal was always to create a legitimate fashion week-style concept for the Dallas market with an emphasis on local designers showing in concert with labels from outside of DFW. We always want to create a unique mix of designers that Dallas is used to seeing along with debuting some new brands at the same time, all in a truly unique experiential environment.
After taking 2019 off from Dallas, we’re excited to be back in the Fall of 2020 with an updated concept that we really think will blow everyone away. We can’t wait to show off some of our new ideas!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Absolutely not. I’m normally not so honest, but where Austin and Houston have welcomed us with open arms over the years, Dallas has been a much tougher nut to crack. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
The reality is that Dallas has fashion shows ALL. THE. TIME. It’s important that we provide opportunities to support the local community in an authentic way (which we do) but also provide the end customer and ticket buyer something they never would have access to otherwise. We’ve had to do some trial and error to determine exactly what that is and over the years we get a little closer each time.
Fashion By Texas – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We started out really trying to give fashion designers direct to consumer access. This was 2009, when the advent of online shopping really was just starting to take off. Instead of focusing runway shows solely on retail buyers and media, we’ve found that the combination between runway and pop up shops that really interact with the end consumer has been critical to our success. We put on a great show but we also are dedicated to helping designers really sell to the customers in attendance (and following on social media).
We also very much pride ourselves on inclusion. Because our designers are selling direct to consumers, it’s important that our runway models reflect society as a whole. We cast models of all sizes, ethnicities, genders and ability levels. I’m striving for the day when the audience doesn’t even notice and just sees “people” walking down the runway. I’ll let you know when we get there.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to me, is getting to spend my time every day pretty much how I want to. Like anything, getting up to go to work can sometimes be a grind, but I truly love what I’ve chosen to do for a living. I set my own hours and most days I spend having coffee with really interesting people talking about how to best help their own career journeys. And then I get to go home and spend time with my beautiful wife and our kids.
To me, that’s success. It’s not about being a gazillionaire and working 80 hours a week. I’d much rather enjoy a nice work-life balance that allows every hour of every day to be pretty intentional.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://fashionbytexas.com
- Email: hello@fashionbytexas.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fashionbytexas/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fashionbytexas/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/fashionbytexas
Image Credit:
Linn Images
Suggest a story: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Sponsor Shoutout:
Love tea? Or looking for a way to get your caffeine fix in a tasty but less sugar-filled way? Jasmine Oliver’s Tea Please is an amazing solution.
Tea Please is a dessert flavored loose leaf tea company. It is a tea that is for those that are wanting to watch their sugar intake, yet still wanting to satisfy their sweet tooth. You know, because giving in to your cravings is self-care.
Check them out here: http://www.teapleasetea.com/ & on instagram: @TeaPleaseTea
