“The show must go on!”– Read a mass message sent out by one of the coordinators for Fashion Freakout 4. It was decided that even snow and 15-degree temperatures outside would not stop the show.

After a couple of accommodations, such as retina-scolding heat lamps, an indoor band, along with hundreds of people, hot chocolate and smooth whiskey, the weather wasn’t an issue.

The night started out with the bearded comedic host, Matt Beard, vulgarly introducing the event in, literally, a penguin suit.

Presenting retro-styled fashion by local vintage stores, such as Prototype, Laced with Romance, and New Bohemia, the event showcased what is currently hot in Austin fashion with cool trends from the past.

Reoccurring themes from the evening varied from fur coats and hats; large feathered hats, scarves, and coats; and sequins–tons and tons of gaudy sequins.

Another prevalent trend of the evening appeared to be see-through blouses and dresses worn with dark brassieres and tons of jewelry. Crowd favorites include a long sequin jumper presented by New Bohemia, a red, skin-tight dress, corduroy jackets and, of course, all of the bearded men.

Laced with Romance dressed their models in more medieval colors, such as vibrant maroons and dark teals, where as New Bohemia and Prototype generally dressed in blacks, and creamy colors.

In terms of grooming, Avant Salon and Spa managed the show’s hair and make-up. Though a few short-cropped looks were styled, most women were styled with long hair with bangs and large falling curls. A few men also wore their hair long, styled straight and sleek.

The show featured both, male and female models, ranging from what appeared to be their early 20s into their mid-70s. The audience eagerly cat-called for a happy, dancing cowboy who was old enough to be a grandfather.

Between catwalk presentations, the evening also included music performances by an Austin local band, The Bad Lovers, and a Gary Glitter cover band, Leaders of the Gang, and wrapped up with a hot and steamy dance-party.

Prototype, New Bohemia, and Laced with Romance are all stores located in South Austin, either off of South First or South Congress, located near St. Edward’s University.