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Fresh, Romantic, and Innovative: Jonathan Blake Introduces His Fashion to Houston

Back in October BLiNC by bambi lynn had the immense privilege and delight to produce and direct Jonathan Blake’s premiere Spring 2013 collection fashion show.

Have you heard of Jonathan Blake? If you haven’t—you will. Judging by his grand debut, we can surely expect Blake to sweep Texan runways and beyond.

Designer Jonathan Blake with Page Parkes Models

Jonathan is 21 and fresh out of fashion school, but from the way this young designer carries himself and his work, you’d expect him to already be conquering the runways of Milan, New York, and Paris.

What drives Blake? He says it best:

“I believe that all women are beautiful, and I want to help them look and feel their best by delivering ‘show stopping’ pieces with classic lines. I am launching Jonathan Blake now because I come with a belief that if we have a dream, we shouldn’t wait to make it happen. Our dreams will never come true if we don’t take action. I am 100 percent for supporting everyone in pursuing their own personal dreams whatever they may be and this is my dream. So why would I wait? This way, I’ll be much more established when I’m 40!”

Notice the delicate rose petals detail– each handcrafted by Blake himself!

Houston’s gotten lucky. This local designer debuted his sophisticated and romantic collection at the Junior League on October 3rd. The audience was flabbergasted with one single question on their mind: where can I buy it?

Socialite and philanthropist Dr. Carolyn Farb backed up Jonathan’s premiere 100%, convinced that he is destined for greater things—she calls him the next Yve Saint Laurent.

Dr. Carolyn Farb at Blake’s Fashion Show

Dr. Carolyn Farb gives him high praise indeed:

“What is most fascinating about Jonathan Tinkle of Jonathan Blake is that at 21, he has amazing grace, talent and style. Jonathan’s work shows the flair of someone twice his age. His designs are breathtakingly classic. Jonathan is reminiscent of the late actor and pop icon Rudolf Valentino and has his own unique persona.”

A smooth production with smooth designs, what more could we ask for? The Junior League was transformed into an epitome of chic and elegance thanks to Bambi Lynn’s vision of how the stage should look, and the perfect team to bring the vision to life. Phoenix Design’s executed the staging, lighting, and sound beautifully. Another key puzzle piece to this power team was Emotion Medias founder, Erica Renee’ Garza, who brought her expertise in production by co-creating visuals and music selections for the project.

The event opened with a beautiful ballet performance by Evan Leigh of the Vitacca Dance Productions. It was classical and ethereal, just like Jonathan’s designs.

Rarely does one see a brand new designer receive so much recognition—the audience included fashion-circle names such as David Peck and Todd Ramos.

David Peck and Todd Ramos attend the show!

You can bet we’ll be on the edge of our seat waiting for Jonathan Blake’s next collection!

Longhorn Luxe Covers Fashion Houston

An interview with Bambi Lynn Ramsey

Check out the Longhorn Luxe blog and see below for her special edition interview with Bambi Lynn Ramsey!

Bambi Lynn Ramsey and Cesar Galindo – power team @ Fashion Houston 2010.

I first met her son. He could pull off scarves better than some Burberry models. He was gorgeous, tall, Italian, and in my Chemistry class.

His name was Michael, and we quickly became friends.

He occasionally mentioned “the family diner”, his mom’s travels, Page Parkes, and his modeling. Who was this boy? How was he able to pull of skinny jeans amongst so many khakis and polos?

And to be an amazing athlete too – soccer, baseball, and basketball? Talk about well rounded. And then I met his mom.

I used to see her up at the school – dropping off lunches, volunteering, filling out forms – and always looking effortlessly chic.

She was the stilettos in a sea of sweats and soccer moms.

Bambi Lynn would sweep through the halls as if she had just come off the streets of New York – which she probably had as I would later find out.

We could tell there was something special about her, her family.

Rumors would float. Did they really own Avalon Diner? Were the whole family really models? How did they know Page Parkes?

And who was dressing Michael for school?

Years later and I’ve finally got the scoop.

 

When I got the chance to interview Bambi Lynn I was thrilled. Who wouldn’t be? Finally I cold pry into the life of one of the most accomplished, and perfectly accessorized Houstonians to be found inside the loop. And the best part?

Bambi Lynn is an untold story.

Her involvement and achievements kept quiet by her humbleness and generosity.

 

For Bambi Lynn, her career started at birth. Literally.

While the rest of us were playing hopscotch and jumping rope, she was making a name for herself on the Houston stage.

Starting at only age three, she was modeling for local Houston businesses, going to open auditions and appearing on both the runway and in print.

In addition to modeling, she was dancing at Jones Hall and acting at the Playhouse Theatre.

How’s that for a childhood?

Not only was Bambi Lynn a model and performer, she was a teacher and entrepreneur as well.

At age 16, Bambi Lynn started teaching modeling classes to train her friends and family. And would you believe me if I told you that one of Bambi Lynn’s first students was her cousin, Page Parkes of Page Parkes Modeling, herself?

Yes, they are family.

Isn’t that a match made in Houstonite heaven?

Following her college education at HBU, Bambi Lynn worked for JRP of Houston as a model instructor. Traveling with models back and forth from New York and LA, she built strong connections outside of Texas while spreading her talent to various markets.

After leaving JRP, Bambi Lynn joined her cousin Page following the creation of her company. Using her extensive knowledge and experience, she re-wrote the training curriculum that is still used at Page Parkes today. It is safe to say that Bambi Lynn’s work and talent is at the very core of Page Parkes’ success and brilliance. Twenty-nine years later, she still works side by side with Page to keep Page Parkes the leader in model training and development.

In addition to her work with Page Parkes, Bambi Lynn manages her newly launched fashion production company: BLiNC by Bambi Lynn.

Joining Bambi Lynn is Eric Renee Garza, public relations genius and consultant extraordinaire. Together the two bring years of experience and a true passion for the industry.

BLiNC is “fashion in motion”, using every angle to bring the art of fashion to life.

Bambi Lynn has produced shows in Houston, Dallas, Austin, Los Angeles, and New York for both fashion designers and independent organizations.

BLiNC offers fashion/show production, styling and model development, speaking engagements, personal styling, and personalized shopping trips.

Yes, you could shop and travel with Bambi Lynn herself!

Can you imagine a personalized shopping trip in New York with styling and wardrobe consulting?

Dreams do come true!

Could this woman’s career get any better?

Well, yes, and it happened last October.

If you have been anywhere in the past few months, you have heard about Fashion Houston 2010, Houston’s very own, first ever, fashion week presented by AUDI.

For most unassuming Houstonians, the only names associated with the event were the designers, but did we ever stop to ask whose idea this was? Who decided it was time to give credit to Houston’s blossoming talent and industry?

Well ladies and gentlemen, I am proud to divulge that one of the masterminds behind its creation was none other than our leading lady Bambi Lynn.

With collaboration and help from Jared Lang of AUDI, the President of Fashion Houston, the idea was hatched.

I know, I know, you are confused.

Didn’t see her name in print? Only heard about the large corporate sponsors? Were too busy sipping on Blue Lala’s and drooling over Siriano’s collection to inquire?

I forgive you.

But listen up, it’s time you get the facts straight.

Like the start of many great things: America, sororities, your bachelorette party, the idea formed amongst a small group of inspired and dedicated people. With hard work and vision, it grew into something truly great.

And who were select few? The inner circle?

None other than Jared Lang of Audi, Cesar Galindo –Houstonite turned New York designer god, and Bambi Lynn.

Now don’t be naïve, these things don’t just happen overnight, or without boundless support. Houston’s glory day couldn’t have arrived without a multitude of well-manicured helping hands: Erica Renee Garza, Neal Hamil, Page Parkes, Rob Rutherford, Nancy Marcus Golden, Cara Morales, Vision Production Group, and L.D. Systems to name a few. For Bambi Lynn, Fashion Houston 2010 was the perfect debut for BLiNC by Bambi Lynn, showcasing Bambi’s talent, creativity, and dedication to the industry.

And what about the diner you ask?

It’s true; Avalon Diner is owned by Bambi Lynn and her husband, Coy

Not only does she rule the modeling and fashion scene in our city, she feeds you too. And not just anything, the best.

Using local fresh ingredients and eggs from her family farm, Avalon Diner dedicates itself to serving only the highest quality home cooked comfort food.

“Justly famous since 1938”, it’s the sense of tradition and delicious menu that has kept Avalon an irreplaceable Houston favorite.

I don’t know about you, but if I owned one of Houston’s oldest landmark diners, developed Page Parkes model training, fraternized with the elite inner couture clique, and produced Houston’s first fashion week, I would make sure everyone knew about it. Maybe that’s just me, but that’s not Bambi Lynn. She is humble and unassuming to a fault.

Perhaps people like Bambi Lynn are here to remind us why we are in love with Houston – its history, talent, influence, and people. And to remind us that no matter what our successes, we must remain loyal to our family, give back to our city, and remember those who have helped us along the way.

Bambi Lynn is a leader with an incredible wardrobe, and an even better heart.

And isn’t that exactly what we need? Someone dedicated to “bringing the world of fashion to Houston, and Houston to the world”.

I couldn’t think of anyone better. check it out! – http://blincbybambilynn.com/ i love the logo – isn’t the eyelash cute?

 

i love houston.

xo

LMP