Feb 4, 2003/ FW/ --- When someone says Austin, TX, they either think of Dell Computers or the state capital, not fashion.

So, when Anthony Camargo (born and raised in Sonora, California) and David Nakard Armstrong (born and raised in El Paso, Texas) of Austin, Texas based Anthony Nak won the prestigious Fashion Group International Rising Star jewelry designer, it was a pleasant surprise to the Texas fashionistas.

Founded in 1998, Anthony Nak has created distinctive jewelry on their own terms -- inspired by a sense of relationship to the past and to proportion, as well as to the contemporary environment.

Their pieces invoke the romantic delicacy and element symmetry of Neoclassical, Victorian and even Bohemian design.

"Part of our art," says Camargo, "is that we are renewing these references in a way that people can relate to now. Our jewelry has a look that changes with whomever is wearing it."

With a design philosophy like that, it is not surprising that Anthony Nak 's designs have attracted a celebrity clientele including Sarah Jessica Parker, First Lady Laura Bush, First Daughter's Jenna and Barbara Bush, Natasha Richardson and Reese Witherspoon to name a few.

Another surprise winner at the FGI Awards held last Thursday at a luncheon at the Marriott Marquis in New York City was Korean husband and wife team Y&Kei who beat out Peter Som and Zac Posen who were early favorites.

Kris Kim, Director of Operations for Y&Kei accepted the award in behalf of the couple who were in Korea.

British-born Keanan Duffty won the men's apparel award. Duffty, who is also a singer/songwriter designs under the label Slinky Vagabond, with the intention of bringing together his vision of fashion and music.

The other winners are: Helen Barr of Barr + Barr won for accessories, Cecile Krakower of France's Givaudan for fragrance, Michael Davis Architects for home and interior design , Skineuticals for beauty, and John Sencion and Brad John for the retail award for their travel-related store, Flight 001.

Keanan Duffty