Runway Brunch: Passport to Bali
Alamo Heights brasserie Bistr09 became a fashion hotspot for the day, hosting designer Erika Peña as she shared her vibrant Passport to Bali collection as part of the Runway Brunch series. Well-dressed guests enjoyed a three-course meal while models displayed gowns in an array of colors, textures, and silhouettes.
Scene in SA took an opportunity to speak with Erika Peña on creativity, inspiration, and what’s on the horizon.
Your concept of “chapters” as a designer is interesting, especially in how you cite your use of color from one chapter to the next. Is there an overarching aesthetic narrative that unites them, and how would you describe it?
“So, usually my dresses are all about the fabric; it's about shape, fluidity. I like things with movement. I like it when you walk across the room, [and] there’s movement, there’s flow. They’re like, ‘who is that person?’ I want people to notice the woman wearing the dress. So to me, I love color, I love volume. I’m not about too many patterns, I’m more about shape; shape and color.”
Listening to you speak on finding design inspiration from the world around you–from buildings, to people, to floral arrangements–it’s clear that you’re brimming with creative ideas; how do you decide when to use what?
“I’m a very visual person, so I’ll be designing; I’ll sketch it, and then I’ll start draping it. We start cutting it, we make the piece, and then I’m like, ‘no, that sleeve is so wrong,’ and then I’ll grab a little bit of fabric, change it, cut; I puff it, I take tissue or paper, wrap it up, throw it inside, I’m like ‘okay yeah, that’s a good shape’. So I’m very touchy-feely and visual. I think that’s super important. If I wouldn’t wear it, and I don’t like it, I will not show it. It’s very important that I love it. I don’t do it for the money, I don’t do it for fame. I do this because I love it, and I love women looking amazing.”
What is empowering you lately?
“Well, we’re possibly doing Paris Fashion Week! We’re so excited! It’ll be our first fashion show. I already do shows in Paris, but they’re more trade fairs and shows. So this will be our first legit, worldwide fashion show, and I’ve always said Paris would be our spot. I do sell to Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, Bon Marché, Bergdorf, so they will all be there.
And it’s amazing, at the same time we’re also opening franchises throughout Asia, so we’ve got a lot going on!” ■
For more information on designer Erika Peña or to shop her distinct, inspired collections, visit https://www.erikapena.com/.
To find out more about Bistr09 and view their menu, visit https://bistr09.com/
Editor: Nick Blevins
Photography: Bethany Castro & Nick Blevins
