Meet the Designer Who Loves Audrey, Says Grunge Is Dead

A very revamped Fashion Week returns to Columbus next month. Leading up to the big event (Fashion Week festivities kick off on Oct. 3), we'll be sharing our conversations with the Finale Runway Show designers. Meet David Tupaz, this year's headliner.

Age: 54

Hometown: Las Vegas

Background: Hands-on experience working in New York, learning and following the tradition of haute couture; practicing the old school of design, techniques and creation. I'm not dependent on apps and programs or the computer.

Approach to fashion: Fashion is the reflection of a period. It is the only visual factor that identifies every major period in human history. I approach it historically, in a way that the essence applies to today. My inspiration has always been Old Hollywood; my muses have always been Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly.

Style is … the lasting soul of one's design aesthetic. It is the unique unit that makes a designer's creation identified. That distinct touch that makes the world know it's you and it's yours alone. The great Coco Chanel said, "Fashion changes but style remains!"

Most looking forward to … meeting the creative and talented fashion people of Columbus. I'm honored that I was invited to share my talents to the best of the best of the city … being among the Columbus fashion crowd and creative geniuses.

My Fashion Week Columbus collection in five words or less: A tribute to elegance

The celebrity I'd most like to dress: Audrey Hepburn

The worst fashion faux pas: Grunge/goth

I never leave home without … my wallet and cellphone

My favorite boutique: Bulgari

My hope for Columbus fashion: All its designers and creative artists supporting one another and teaming up in making Columbus one of the country's emerging fashion centers

Photo courtesy Fashion Week Columbus