Spring means everything is new and fresh and right now, there’s a lot of “new” on the Austin fashion scene.

John Girard Salon: I have to give a little disclaimer here. John McDonald, owner and master mind of John Girard Salon, has been doing my hair for years now. He keeps me blonde, probably blonder than he’d like me to be. He’s tried to convince me to go red. Maybe, someday. Anyway, John finally decided to go out on his own and open a salon at 800 W. 3rd Street. My friends at Betty Lash are in the same little block of shops there on W. 3rd Street. I’m really proud of John. He put blood, sweat, and tears into getting his salon launched. It’s a great warm space. The best feature is the orange, padded wall in front of the sinks, but the whole place is just lovely. John Girard sells local-favorite Rae Cosmetics and Aquage. I was so inspired by John’s new digs, I dropped some coin on new makeup last month.

Roar Salon: Spring comes in like a lion and out like a lamb making it a perfect time of year for Roar Salon to open up here in Austin. The salon is the newest creation of Rory McNeill, who has been in Chicago for the past seven years. It’s located in the Brazos Lofts on 5th Street in Downtown Austin right across from Eddie V’s. McNeill is returning to his Hill Country roots with the launch of Roar. He made a name for himself nationally by coloring hair on FOX’s Ambush Makeover and TLC’s A Makeover Story.

Fashion Shows: Spring fashion shows are in bloom with all sorts of events this month for the fashionable gal about town.
Thursday, April 24th-Estilo’s Spring Affair:
Estilo’s spring runway show is titled “Through the Looking Glass” and will feature local models on the catwalk at this Second Street shop. Sip on complimentary cocktails and curb your appetite with complimentary hors d’oeuvres. The party starts at 7pm, the fashion starts at 8pm and the fun goes until 10pm. Estilo carries clothes for men and women, lines like Nicole Miller, Michael Kors, Vivienne Westwood and Andrea Palombini.

Friday, April 25th-UT Celebrate and The Eclectic Styles of Summer Fashion Show:
There are two big fashion events this night and they are perfectly timed for you to enjoy them both. Every year, the seniors in the UT Apparel Design program have a fashion show to present their work. It’s a great place to see new talent. I’m always impressed by some of the designs at this event. It’s at the Erwin Center. Doors open at 545 pm. The show is at 8pm and it’s completely free. Last year, more than 4,000 people attended.

The second event Friday night is at a new club called Orchid on Trinity and 7th in Downtown Austin. It’s presented by Rebecca Powe and Avi Minkoff. The show, called The Eclectic Styles of Summer 2008, starts at 10 pm but doors open at 7pm. The show will feature fashions from Soigne’ Boutique, Slate Men’s Apparel and Complete Clothing. DJ Donte Shepard will MC. Nicole Villarreal, DAO (Dancing as One) dance team and Blitz Freestyle productions will electrify the audience with different musical performances.

Saturday, April 26th: Graphic II
This event is near and dear to my heart. Graphic II is the second annual art bra show presented by the Breast Cancer Resource Center. Local artists, designers and just regular folks design and donate artfully-inspired bras which are modeled at the show by breast cancer survivors. Some of the bras and the women end up in the annual calendar that will go on sale later this year. All of the bras are auctioned off at this event and proceeds go to the BCRC. Texas Senator Kirk Watson will MC the event. There is an art auction that starts at 6pm, the fashion show is at 7:30 pm and the live auction will follow. The event costs 30 dollars. You can buy tickets at online. It’s at the Design Center at Penn Field, located at 3601 South Congress, Bldg. C.