Miranda Bennett is my dream girl
Full Disclosure: my trip to Austin did not involve any bat sightings, bar hopping, band watching or the consumption of copious amounts of barbeque (which are all perfectly fine and reasonable things to do when you are in Austin).
Instead, this trip kicked off with a ridiculously expensive cab ride from my hotel in downtown Austin, to the very last building in a massive, no-name storage/office park in an Austin suburb. I was on the hunt for the most wonderful dress.
It actually all started with my obsession with Garmentory- the online retailer for emerging/indie designers. I fell in love with Miranda Bennett’s dresses there. Once I learned that I would be in Austin for a conference, I was determined to visit Miranda Bennett Studio to see the magic in person.
My driver, Festus, was a tired, 60-something Nigerian man who had lived in Austin for about 10 years. As we entered a quiet maze of a suburban office park, he kindly chuckled at my only half-joking question, “are we still even in Austin?” When we arrived at my destination, which was at the very back of the last row of storage buildings, I lamely pondered out loud, “I wonder if I’ll be able to find another cab out here?” Festus immediately called me out: “Are you asking me to stay?” Yes, please.
I was laughing out loud as I exited the cab. I felt so silly for having taken a cab all the way out here for a dress! But Miranda made it all worthwhile. She sweetly welcomed me in and took a cold drink out to Festus, who was already snoozing with his seat reclined and hat over his eyes.
Miranda Bennet Studio has a small showroom in the front, an office in the back and large warehouse space with rolls of fabric and sewing machines. Miranda explained that after designing in New York, she returned to her native Austin and moved her studio to this office park where it is more affordable and she has room to dye her fabrics. This is a woman owned and operated business with a slow fashion philosophy. Miranda's designs are an ode to the natural beauty and strength that confident women exude.
The fabrics range from cotton, to silk noil and charmeuse. I was immediately drawn to the rust and indigo pieces- though an airy white gauze shirt also caught my eye and looked great on. I came for the Knot Dress with its clever waist cinching leather tie. But. . . surprise! I walked out with a long, fluid charmeuse dress in Rust. This dress, with its dolman sleeves and v-neck is like wearing liquid bronze. It magically drapes slightly off the body without appearing like a muumuu. Comfortable and sexy.
I could have spent another hour there, chatting with Miranda and trying on everything in the showroom. but with the meter running, I ran out to Festus and headed back to Austin.
Want to hear more about my trip to Austin? Stay tuned!
My Miranda Bennett dress that won me best dressed at a "Glittersgiving" dinner. This is the dress you want when your stuffing your face with turkey and three types of mashed potatoes.
Miranda Bennett Charmeuse Dress in Natural. Makes me want to plan another wedding.