Abe Ferrin's short bolero from 2008

Here’s our Art & CHIC moment of the day (props to Jerome for coming up with that one!) : Texas’ Next Top Designer gala is tonight at the former LFT space at Victory Park. The annual design competition, open to North Texan fashion and accessory designers, is in its 3rd year. The first winner Abi Ferrin is a successful local designer who has shown at New York Fashion Week and whose designs can also be found at Stanley Korshak. Over 40 applicants entered this year and the field has narrowed down to 23 semi-finalists whose fashions will be showcased in a high-energy fashion show tonight at the party. Organizers will then announce the top 10 finalists and the winner, who will receive a prize package valued at $40,000.

Former Texan Elisa Jimenez will unveil a new “Rock Fashion Opera” designed specifically for the gala.  The designer and artist was first discovered by Vogue’s Scoop in 1996, Jimenez has received several awards, including the National Endowment’s Most Promising Artist, the Mamie E. Smith Endowment, and Vogue’s Top 10 Independent American Designers. But reality TV junkies will probably remember her as the new-agey/kooky one on Project Runway a few seasons back who would spit mark on her fabrics. Naturally we’re going to chat with her for Art&Seek, so check back on the blog tomorrow for an update.

Tickets are still available for tonight’s gala online for $40 at texasnexttopdesigner.com, $50 at the door (former LFT space at Victory Park), and $25 for students with valid ID.

OH, and if you’ve got an itch to design something, you guys know we are having an Art&Seek T-shirt design contest  right? Click here!