Back in January, I got to spend a day "geeking out" when my friend, Sara, invited me to Austin to watch "Game of Thrones" on the IMAX. It was so much better than on TV. But aside from getting to watch it on the big screen - as it should be - I also got the opportunity to meet a fellow fashion-obsessed, rescue-animal-loving, "Game of Thrones" geek like me. Kindred spirits, if you will.
That day, we met up with Jerry Martinez, an Austin-based fashion designer who originates from none other than Port Lavaca.
After working several years at a plant, Jerry decided to follow his real dreams of fashion design, and someday, open his own store.
So a few weeks ago, I went back to Austin to get to know Jerry a bit better. As we sipped mimosas and planned which vintage shops to hit, I knew it would be a fabulous day. A little about Jerry: He goes to business school full time, works nights to pay his way, and spends every spare minute designing and creating for his brand, J.Marz. He grew up with three sisters and an uber-creative mother, and credits her for passing creativity down to him. I'm sure being surrounded by that much estrogen didn't hurt either.
Though he always knew he loved fashion and creating, it wasn't until he started binge-watching "Project Runway" that Jerry was truly inspired to start designing. His ultimate inspiration is Daniel Esquivel, of Season 11, who, incidentally, was born in Dallas but now lives in Austin.
Coincidence or divine intervention? Anyway, after seeing Daniel make it to the final runway and show his collection at Bryant Park, Jerry finally knew what he had to do. He quit his job, moved to Austin and enrolled in business school. Now keep in mind, at the time, Jerry had no clue how to even sew. He literally took apart an old Halloween costume to see how it worked. His first attempt to create anything was an American flag hoodie, which he claims was a disaster. But he didn't give up.
You should know that Jerry is also an animal lover and a wonderful advocate for shelter pets. He has two babies, Bruno and Bruce, both adopted from shelters. They were his inspiration for his next creation: bow ties. He wanted his kids to look fabulous, so he started making doggie bow ties, which he now designs and sells on Etsy - so adorable.
In April, Jerry will get the opportunity to send one original look down the runway in Austin Fashion Week's Mash Up competition. He will also have his own booth selling his bow ties.
I, however, was lucky enough to snag him for a few hours, during which we sipped mimosas, visited Austin's Hope Outdoor Graffiti Gallery, then perused Big Bertha's Paradise, a vintage clothing store. Chanel, Oscar de la Renta, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana and so on. It was heaven.
An otherwise fabulous day with a fabulous new friend.
Allison Marek is an attorney by day, shopping and sale fanatic by night. You can reach her at allisonmarek007@gmail.com or at fashionablegirlsguide.com.
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