Fashion Houston 2011
Featured
Marc Bouwer
As a child, Marc Bouwer was fascinated by the movies and the beautiful women of Hollywood. Little did he know that decades later, as a celebrated American couturier, his designs would set a thousand red carpet cameras flashing.
Shortly after arriving in NYC, he met fashion legend Halston. What happened next may have been Marc's own first Hollywood moment: "I think you got something, kid!" were the legend's memorable words after seeing Marc's portfolio. On cue, Halston offered him a job and the young designer's future began to unfold. Under Halston, Marc refined his skills, becoming a master draper. Draping soon became the hallmark of Bouwer's career—a distinction later dubbed "athletic glamour" by industry purveyors and international press.
Marc's innate sensibility, keen eye, and undeniable talent have landed him on the pages of revered international fashion publications and in the hearts of the world's most glamorous and watched women. In addition to a roster of celebrated runway reviews and feature articles, Marc Bouwer Couture has graced the cover of Harper's Bazaar, Oprah, Cosmopolitan, Instyle, Vanity Fair, Glamour, Vibe Magazine and more.
The Marc Bouwer Couture collection is cut and made by hand, one to two pieces at a time. The extraordinary fabrics with which Marc creates his distinctive, form-fitting "bathing suit gowns" include uniquely modern combinations of sensuous jersey, silk crepe, lace, and velvet with detailed beading. Marc has dubbed his designs "deceptively simple."
Bouwer is a man of principle with a rebel spirit and charismatic presence. In 2002, Marc made fashion history when he presented a collection made completely free of animal products. PETA sponsored the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week show and the recognition helped secure his cult following in politically correct Hollywood. Bouwer famously remarked, "Fur belongs on an animal, not on a hanger." A PETA Humanitarian Award soon followed as the designer's fans in each industry rallied behind his strong beliefs. Marc believes that "with the technology available today to create so many variations of fabric, it is just irresponsible to wear fur."
Long before red carpet dressing was a sport, Marc Bouwer attracted starlets the old fashioned way—he earned their respect with his unprecedented American design by draping fresh, sexy looks in technologically advanced fabrics. Fashion legend Kal Ruttenstein noted: "Marc was doing red carpet dressing, even before it was in style." The parade of celebrities photographed in his gowns provide a snapshot of our glamour-driven, syndicated society of awards shows, film and television premieres, concerts, and sporting events.
Marc Bouwer Couture continues to deliver glamour and sophistication to the red carpet while redefining great American design.
Throughout his career, Marc has worked with a dream list of the clientele that drive the retail market and invigorate the viability of American couture. Notables include Angelina Jolie, Angie Harmon, Beyonce Knowles, Charlize Theron, Christina Milian, Emily Blunt, Eva Longoria, Faith Hill, Halle Berry, Hayden Panettiere, Heidi Klum, Ivanka Trump, Jennifer Lopez, Julianne Moore, Katie Couric, Lisa Marie Presley, Marcia Cross, Mariah Carey, Martina McBride, Megan Mullaly, Melania Trump, Nicolette Sheridan, Oprah Winfrey, Paris Hilton, Petra Nemcova, Portia Di Rossi, Sarah Jessica Parker, Sigourney Weaver, Shania Twain, Vanessa Hudgens, and many more.
