Texas Fashion Industry Awards
Celebrating Creativity and Community (and a Magazine of the Year Award) in Texas Style
By Jules Aldaz
Photography by Bethany Castro
TFII Award attendees line up on the red carpet
The Texas Fashion Industry Initiative brought together designers, stylists, beauty professionals, retailers, models, photographers, and fashion supporters for a true celebration of creativity and community. Held at the historic St. Anthony hotel, the TFII Fashion Awards honored the talent shaping Texas fashion, and made it abundantly clear: this industry is unapologetically ambitious. From the bustling red carpet to the final toast, the night was about recognizing the long hours, hustle, craft, and determination it takes to build a fashion career in Texas.
A Night of Honors
Winners were announced in categories across the fashion ecosystem, including design, retail, media, hair, makeup, modeling, photography, and more.
2025 Honorees:
Designer of the Year: Geeda J Fashion
Fashion Show of the Year: Honkytonk Catwalk
Hair Professional of the Year: Olivia Flores
Influencer of the Year: Jakavian Donalson
Accessory Designer of the Year: Bambata Luxury
Magazine of the Year: Scene In SA
Makeup Professional of the Year: Katherine Arlene
Model of the Year: Nmandu Nicole
Photographer of the Year: Stefani Elle
Retailer of the Year: Moss Designer Consignment
Streetwear Designer of the Year: DesignedXPeace
Stylist of the Year: Dayle Harris
Sustainable Boutique of the Year: Moss Designer Consignment
Swimwear Designer of the Year: Geeda J Fashion
Glenda Fikes of Geeda J Fashion, right
Geeda J Fashion led the evening with two major wins; Designer of the Year and Swimwear Designer of the Year, a reflection of her brand’s range, creativity, and growing influence across the Texas fashion scene. Moss Designer Consignment was also recognized more than once, earning both Retailer of the Year and Sustainable Boutique of the Year. Their success highlights how resale and re-wear have become central to the way Texas dresses, proving that innovation and intention continue to define the state’s style movement.
Scene In SA was awarded Magazine of the Year, a recognition we’re honored to receive, and incredibly proud of. Being celebrated in a room full of people we’ve interviewed, photographed, covered, and supported over the last year (and decade) was very meaningful. Our team spends a lot of time on the ground with this community, and receiving the award for Magazine of the Year is both a major accomplishment, and validation that the work we do matters.
The Red Carpet Energy
Our Scene In SA red carpet was complete with great fashion and even better conversation. Guests arrived with purpose and intention, dressing within the theme while elevating it through their own personal style. Several guests even created their own garments, sourcing Texan fabrics and turning their ideas into beautifully made designs. One guest, @tam_brown, designed a stunning gown from curtains, proving that style is about creativity and confidence, not labels. The interviews on the carpet weren’t just about “who are you wearing,” either. They were about their inspiration. Attendees spoke about why they design, who they mentor, who they are there supporting, what is next, and how they want to see Texas fashion grow. It was fun, it was lively, and it was joyful.
Hosted With Heart
The evening was hosted by Jada Pickett of SA Live KSAT12 and Lawrence Fields, host of sixth.seat who both brought warmth, energy, and effortless charm to the evening. They opened the ceremony by acknowledging what the night was truly about: talent, achievement, and community within the Texas fashion industry. They also recognized the evening’s sponsors, which included Bexar County Precinct 4 Commissioner Tommy Calvert, The St. Anthony, and Little Lemon Shots, as well as reminded the room that these events happen because partners believe in fashion as an economic driver, not just an aesthetic one.
Leadership News: Saige Thomas Continues
One of the biggest moments of the night was an exclusive announcement: Saige Thomas shared that she’ll officially be returning to serve as TFII president for the next two years.
During the event, TFII described itself as “the state’s official non-profit dedicated to strengthening Texas’s fashion community through education, workforce development, and economic opportunity.” That purpose resonated throughout the evening, reminding everyone that beyond the glamour, Texas fashion is a growing industry built on talent, innovation, and collaboration. It’s clear that there is real trust and genuine momentum behind TFII’s direction.
To close out the evening, hosts invited all attendees to gather, raise a glass, and celebrate each other, whether there as a nominee, an award recipient, or a supporter. TFII offered congratulations to each honoree “on your accomplishments and successes within the Texas fashion industry,” and welcomed everyone to stay, take photos, and enjoy the night together.
It was a night filled with style and connection in a truly beautiful setting, reminding everyone that Texas fashion thrives on community and mutual support.
On behalf of the Scene In SA staff, a heartfelt congratulations to all the nominees and honorees. We look forward to continuing to support the Texas fashion community. ■

