This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Texas chapter.
For Carrie Bradshaw and her circle of “Sex and the City” fashionista gals, New York Fashion Week is the preview of next season’s hottest trends showcased by top fashion gurus. But for Longhorn fashion kings and queens, the University Fashion Group in conjunction with the Textile and Apparel department’s annual fashion show is not just any show; it is the show of the year. Who needs Alexander Wang and Victoria Beckham when up-and-coming trendsetters are strutting across the Forty Acres? (But if Mr. Wang and Mrs. Beckham wanted to offer their fashion advice, we would totally take it!)
The show has been a UT treasure for half a century and within the last decade, increased attendance from 500 to 5,000 with all eyes glued to the runway. Last year, Brad Groeski from, “It’s a Brad, Brad World,” and Ross Bennett, former “Fashion Star” judge both made appearances and thoroughly enjoyed the show.
This year, 23 senior designers stepped to the sewing machine and transcended the runway with 120 pieces of original designs at “Transcend,” April 18 th at the Frank Erwin Center. The garments tirelessly sketched and stitched over and over in the labs of Gearing Hall came to life as a direct reflection of the designers’ fashion-driven psyche.
“I thought it was interesting and different. I didn’t expect the clothes to be so fashionable but I was really impressed,” said Icelee Russell, UT advertising and radio-television-film major. “I’ve never been to a fashion show but I feel like this was up to par with the high profile fashion shows I’ve seen on TV.”
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Think there’s no cute and fun outfits to workout in? Be adventurous and go fencing with Samantha Mitchell’s design. Or hit the yoga mat on a cool day with Jennifer Ferguson or Miriam Yarber’s yoga pants. Plan on taking on Serena Williams at Wimbledon? You need Kathryn Fish’s design to serve it on the court. Need cool gear to sprint or jog around the track? Briana Johnson stitches cool and comfy clothing especially for the track.
Johnson, a model and designer, designed active wear, an individual collection and a pink evening gown, and wanted to design clothing that was “ready-to-wear and fashionable.”
“I know if it looks good on me, then I’ll make it for others,” said Johnson. “I was inspired by Egyptian women and I wanted to create modern, goddess-chic garments.”
Johnson succeeded in her quest to create clothing that can cause a riot on stage and flawlessly beat the pavement between classes like a true fashionista.
It wasn’t just UT students stepping out for a fashionable evening. Texas State University business student, Molly Hadley, joined the night with friends to see what all the buzz was about.
“I thought it was fabulous. My favorite part was the evening gowns because I like to be formally dressed,” said Hadley. “I mostly liked that I could see some of the pieces on my body. The lines were ready-to-wear and possible to put in the store.”
As the audience praised the designers with roaring chants, a panel of industry judges also judged designers. Cameron Silver presented the winners of active sportswear, individual collections and evening and bridal gown categories with
scholarship money for their hard work. Mehgan McKinney, won best overall design and Christine Lew won the Lexus of Austin design challenge.
Texans may be known for cowboy boots and horseback riding, but UT Texans sure know fashion.
