Battle of the Designers Season 3 names its winners in Houston

Optimal Community Development Services has announced the winners and honorees from Battle of the Designers Season 3, held Sept. 5 in Houston. The fashion competition awarded top placements, spotlighted emerging designers and signaled more programming ahead.

Why it matters: - Battle of the Designers gives emerging and independent designers a live runway platform, professional connections and judged recognition. - The Season 3 awards add visibility and cash support for designers working to build brands and industry relationships.

What happened: - Optimal Community Development Services announced the winners and recognitions from Battle of the Designers Season 3. - The event was held Sept. 5, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Houston Hobby Airport in Houston. - Robert Lee P. Percy of Dallas, representing The House of Armadaus, was named Season 3 Crown Holder. - Brent Law of Houston, representing Iconic Law Designs, was named First Runner-Up. - Kimblyne Henry-Box of Houston, representing Kimblyne Henry Designs, was named Second Runner-Up. - The competition included $8,000 in announced cash prizes across the top three placements.

The details: - Season 3 featured runway presentations from emerging and independent fashion designers, models, judges, creative professionals, sponsors, partners and supporters. - Featured designers included Gwen Davis of Houston, representing Alexandria Lee Designs; Isaac Newton of Los Angeles, representing Sir Isaac Newton Designs; and Fe Phillips-Newkirk of Houston, representing Fe Chua Couture Designs. - Battle of the Designers was founded by Jacqueline Miller, president and CEO of Optimal Community Development Services, alongside Clarence Miller, T&J Productions manager, and Terrance Barcus, president of T&J Productions. - The program was established to help emerging designers present their work in a live runway setting, develop professional connections and compete in a judged fashion event. - The Season 3 judging panel included Keryl Douglas, Esq.; Linda Marie Dunson, Esq., presiding judge of the 309th Family District Court of Harris County; Carlton B. Jordan; Isaac Price; and Kyara Ofuani, Esq. - Sponsors identified by the organizers included Optimal In Home Care, AfroVibes TV & Radio, T&J Productions, Troy Marsaw and Theodore Moore. - Event partners included D-MARS, OHDA Studio, KTSU 90.9 FM Radio, National Women of Achievement – Metro Southeast Houston Chapter, and photographers Bruce Bell and Gary Hufham. - The behind-the-scenes team included Daniela Badillo Lagunez, Monserrat Espinoza Liera, Marger Badillo Lagunez, Edowaye Osemwegie, Renita Royal and Brushonda Silvie. - Optimal Community Development Services also recognized Constable Kathryn “Kat” Brown of Bexar County Precinct 4, identified by the organizers as a D-MARS Top 30 Influential Women of Texas 2026 honoree. - AfroVibes TV & Radio served as the official streaming partner and provided media coverage of the event and participating designers.

Between the lines: - The event mixed competition with community-building, bringing together designers, media partners, judges and local supporters around a Houston fashion platform. - The inclusion of sponsors, partners and a streaming partner suggests the program is building a broader support network beyond the runway. - The recognition of a high-profile guest and the named judging panel point to an effort to give the competition credibility within the local creative community.

What's next: - Optimal Community Development Services plans to continue developing Battle of the Designers and create more opportunities for designers, models and other creative professionals. - Future Battle of the Designers programming will be announced when plans are finalized. - Jacqueline Miller said the organization will share more about the competition’s future as those plans are completed.

The bottom line: - Battle of the Designers Season 3 ended with new winners, industry recognition and a clearer path for the Houston-based competition to keep growing.