LIVE!  Thursday, April 19 at 8 pm CST – Austin, TX

See the 2012 Class of Fashion Designers present their collections in their final show called, “Contour”.  See below.

Thank you to the University Coop and the University Fashion Group for supporting Fashionably Austin’s  webcast of tonight’s show..

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The annual University of Texas Fashion Show is one of the most anticipated fashion events in town.  Call it a rite of Spring.  The young creative senior designers are fueled by the excitement, deadlines and adrenaline to get to show day every April.  The fashion show is the end of a fashion project for some but the start of a career for others.

The event has grown substantially through the years.  In 1997, the first UT fashion show was produced. According to Eve Nichols, UT Program Director, Apparel Design department, the event was a small gathering of students and friends/faculty and there wasn’t that much hype. More like going to your child’s dance recital. A couple of years later when it moved to the Frank Erwin Center, attendance soared and it became a full city-wide press covered event.  You can expect more than four thousand people to attend the show and the best part?…is that it admission is FREE!  In 2010, Fashionably Austin started webcasting the show and it enabled even more friends and family to enjoy seeing their design student walk the runway. Fashionably Austin will again webcast the show.

The students named their show Contour.  The collections from the twenty-three senior designers will be featured and the pieces/collections will also be competing for numerous awards.  Best overall collection, best marketed collection, best bridal design, etc.  Some of these designers will take their awards and continue to work in the fashion business in the form of internships at some for some of the top fashion houses in New York and beyond.  One UT grad, Ross Bennett is now a cast member in the highly rated NBC show Fashion Star. He is not shy of his UT Texas roots and has, I think, won the heart of Texas judge Jessica Simpson.

We look forward to another great show!

Thank you so much to the University Coop for supporting the Fashionably Austin Webcast and the Class of 2012.

Thursday, April 19, 2012 – 8 pm. Doors to the Erwin arena open at 7:15 pm.
Fashion Alley – 6:30 pm in The Texas Room

Meet the 2012 University of Texas Fashion Designers!!

Jonathan Shakarisaz

Hometown:  Austin, Tx
Major:  Textiles & Design
Name of Collection:  Bloody Tailoring

Favorite Designers:    Heidi Slimane, Rick Owens, Jean Paul Gaultier

Denim and Knit inspired collection of extreme tailored goods for the man who already has everything but needs something new to wear out. I was dissatisfied with the run of the mill clothing made available to me and sought to bring high end it mens fashion at a more reasonable price point to the forefront. It looks expensive, but is relatively easy to wear and even easier to make. Celean simple lines and effortless execution of complex ideas. I love construction, I will leave aesthetics to the wearer… make it your own now!

Previous Industry Experience:  Produced a graphics based T-shirt line, buyer for local Austin boutiques, Consultant for Mens International Clothing Markets, personal stylist Launch a fashion Empire and consult fellw designers in production and design. Plans after graduation:  Seriously pushing to go to McCombs School of Business for an MBA in Supply Chain!

Andi Conti

Hometown:  Mansfield, TX
Major:  Textile and Apparel Design
Name of Collection:  Renascentia

My collection is “rebirth” in latin, which is essentially what happened during the design process.  Starting completely over mid-semester, I decided to go with my gut feeling and incorporate shiny fabrics, slinky knits and girlie touches.  My inspiration derives from all of the influential confident women in my life, which is exactly who would wear it.

Previous fashion experience: I had a fantastic experience interning with Jessica Ciarla of Austin’s  CIARLABride.  She taught me so many things from running your own business to small technicalities like cutting silk charmeuse!

Plans after graduation:  Moving to the big apple to intern with Lola Haze, a lingerie designer!

Favorite Designers:  Giambattista Valli, Givenchy, BCBG and Alexander Wang just to name a few.

Chandler Hamilton

Hometome:  Argyle, TX
Major:   Retail Merchandising Apparel Design
Name of Collection:  The Empowerment Line

The Empowerment Line is a Haiti inspired collection representing the growing movement behind providing artisan opportunities in the 4th world nation of Haiti. Three unique looks created solely with leather, coffee-dyed harem cloth, and burlap; this line portrays the strong, rugged spirits of our beautiful artisan women. The one-of-a-kind, custom-made jewelry pieces featured in the Empowerment Line were hand crafted by the very talented metal artisans of Haiti themselves. My intent in the creation of this line was to inspire people to donate and be a supportive partner in allowing the artisan opportunities of Haitian Creations to expand and flourish. For more information on donating and supporting this movement, you can visit www.haitiancreations.com.

Previous fashion experience:  I have been a stylist and events coordinator at Madewell for more than two years. I love this brand and have learned so much from my experience. Plans after graduation:   I will be moving to Haiti full time to work directly with the artisan women of Haitian Creations. I will be working on design concepts for the brand, teaching the women how to make these products, and working with an amazing team of people trying to make a difference in this beautiful 4th world nation.

Vivienne Hoang

Hometown:  Grand Prairie, TX
Major:  Textiles & Apparel Design, Retail Merchandising
Minor:  The McCombs Business Foundations Program
Name of Collection:   The Cold Queen

The Cold Queen Collection is filled with feminine silhouettes, soft textures, and peek-a-boo details all with a cold bite. Icy colors and sharp lines give a hint of edginess and sharpness proper for any queen.

Samantha Kidd

Hometown:  Plano, TX
Major:  Textiles & Apparel Design
Name of Collection:  Sūtra

I’ve had the opportunity to travel a lot in the past year and for me that was the biggest creative stimulus.  Sūtra was inspired by Argentinian and Indian architecture.  I wanted to explore new mediums, and play with textures and different proportions.  By pushing myself technically and creatively, I still wanted to stay true to my personal aesthetic.  This collection is very much for the New York woman who wants luxe separates that can be mixed and matched and taken from day to night.  Incorporating lace, silk and leather I created multi-functional pieces and can stand alone or together

Previous fashion experience:  Interned for Dezine News Accessories in Dallas, interned at Marc Jacobs International in New York, and have also worked at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York for Spring 2011 and Fall 2012 runway shows.

Plans after graduation:  That is the million dollar question!  I plan on moving to New York to pursue a career in the fashion industry.

Favorite Designers:  Marc Jacobs, Riccardo Tisci, Alber Elbaz, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler.

Daniela Vasquez

Hometown:  Round Rock, TX
Major:  Textiles and Apparel, Apparel Design
Name of Collection: Spinnerette

Spinnerette was inspired from my fondness of street fashion. It is cartoony Kings Road punk tempered with the colors and hodgepodge aesthetic of Japanese street fashions like Harajuku, more specifically the subsets known as fairy kei and dolly kei. The namesake is derived from the Hello Kitty-esque icon, a personified bow with spider appendages that will be featured as a print on the clothing. Subversive and sweet, the Spinnerette collection was created for adolescent girls who want to look unique, even within their own style tribe.

Favorite Designers:  Jun Takahashi, Meadham Kirchhoff, Vivienne Westwood, Elsa Schiaparelli, Olek

Lauren Stewart

Hometown: Conroe, TX
Major:  Apparel Design Anthropology and Art History
Name of Collection:  Jet Set

My collection is inspired from the sleek silhouettes of the early 1960′s.  The colors and silk fabric inspirit the waters of the Côte d’Azur.  The pieces in the collection are resort wear intended to be worn by ladies on holiday traveling to fabulous destinations.

Favorite Designers:  Milly of New York

Plans after graduation:  I will be moving to Los Angeles to pursue a career in fashion design.

Sara Essoufi

Hometown:  Austin, TX
Major:  Apparel Design
Minor:  Business Foundations
Name of Collection:  Modern Femme

My inspiration began from contrasting images of things that were sweet and delicate to strong and hard. I wanted to create a visual design and silhouette for a woman that would exhibit her femininity and strength. I have chosen to use knit fabrics for the tops that would cling to the body and woven linen for the bottoms to give more structure. The kind of woman I want to wear these clothes is one who is playful and wants to feel confident in her clothes. She walks into a room and people notice her, her beauty and her strength.

Previous fashion experience:  I have worked at New York Fashion Week February 2010, interned with Austin Fashion Association, interned with Rachelle Briton Designs, worked at Austin Fashion Week, Tribeza Style Week, and was a sales associate at Nordstrom’s.

Favorite Designers:  Marc Jacobs is a great of mine, Nicolas Ghesquiere for Balenciaga, Donatella Versace, Michael Kors, Ricardo Tisci for Givenchy, Frida Giannini for Gucci, and Alber Elbaz for Lanvin

Plans after graduation:  To work on my portfolio and get the best job I can working in the industry, no matter what city that may be in.

Rebekah Hoffer

Hometown:  Beaumont, TX
Major: Textiles and Apparel
Name of Collection:  Psychedelic Mushrooms

I was inspired by the form and shape of six different types of mushrooms and translated the contour into my designs. I also focused on the decomposition aspect of fungi and chose to illustrate that by contrasting opaque fabrics with transparent fabrics. Lastly, I was inspired by the psychedelic color scheme that brings my collection to life. My client is a fun, daring and confident woman who is not afraid to be a little quirky and love every curve of her body.

Previous fashion experience:  Design Internship with Dania Heller in Tel Aviv, Israel
Merchandise Internship with Evan Steusand in Austin, Texas

Favorite designers:  Betsey Johnson, Balmain, Valentino Plans after graduation:  Internship in Austin, Texas (not yet decided with whom) and then the world!!

Stefant Phonthephasone

Hometown:  Haltom City, TX
Major:  Textiles and Apparel
Name of Collection: Chosen

My collection was inspired by Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Xena the Warrior Princess, and gothic architecture,. It plays with layering of leather, texture, and is very dark. It introduces a contradicting theme of constriction versus freedom and exhibits the feeling of maximalism using minimalist ideas. none I interned with Chromat and Rolando Santana in New York last summer.

Plans after graduation:  I plan experience the New York fashion industry.

Albert Zhou

Andrea (Andie) Salazar

Hometown:  Austin, TX
Major:  Apparel Design and Multimedia Journalism Business Foundations Certificate

Three Faces West is a collection inspired by the spirit and aesthetic of the old west, the ghost towns that still remain and the desert. The garments incorporate relevant details, such as crow feathers and fringe, that reminisce upon and stir thoughts of the era and locations on which the collection is based. These fall/winter pieces are created from leather and suede, and have a luxurious, natural feel. The woman who will wear my garments is sophisticated, savvy, collected and simply cool, for lack of a better word. She enjoys indulging in quality clothing and is always conscious of her appearance and looking sharp and pulled together. She likes garments that stand out and have an edgy feel. Well-spoken and an art enthusiast, this woman is between the ages of 20 and 35 and works in a creative field like graphic design. Collection featured in student filmmaker’s film project, titled “Beautiful.”

Marisa Chapman<

Kaidon Ho

Ashley Trevino

Hometown:  Sinton, TX
Major:  Apparel Design
Name of Collection: Casablanca

Katrina Alexis Raz

Mai Tran

Hometown:  Houston, TX
Major:  Textiles and Apparel Design & Japanese
Name of Collection: Carousel of Dreams My inspiration was carousels. My collection consisted of three dresses paired with a waist corset. I used organza and chiffon to mimic the horses’ manes and tails. I made waist corsets out of upholstery fabric to represent the saddles.  They are made in three  bright colors to mirror the whimsical feeling of carousels.
Favorite Designers:  Alexander McQueen, Givenchy, Yves Saint Laurent, John GallianoPrevious fashion experience :  Internship study abroad in Japan

Lauren Tullos

Hometown:  Austin, TX
Major:  Textiles and Apparel–Design My collection was inspired by Hermes, the Greek messenger God. My fabric choices were predominately knits, composed of polyester, nylon, and rayon blends. Any athletic, busy, and stylish woman can wear my collection! I designed my collection with the Austin woman in mind — a woman who goes straight from the town lake trail, to yoga, to Whole Foods!

Janie Kang

Hometown:  Austin, TX
Major:  Textile and Apparel Design
Minor:  Business Foundations
Name of Collection:  Let There Be Light Tailored look career wear that included digital printing inspired by different interpretations of light. This collection is filled with organic natural fibers such as silk and cotton, which were all personally hand dyed by me. Anyone from the 20′s who are fashion forward can wear this collection.

Sofia Maldonado

Hometown: McAllen, TX
Major: Textiles and Apparel Apparel Design
Collection: Mercado

My collection “Mercado” is Spanish for market.  It combines culture, passion and modernized 18th century mens and womenswear silhouettes. I use Salvadoran textiles in garments that have period dress influences in structure, but include modern twists. I’m half Salvadoran and had the opportunity to not only perform in but also design for a play that was set in the 18th century so those two things combined were the source of my inspiration and can represent me as a person and as a designer.

Previous fashion experience:
I interned with California native bridal and eveningwear designer and now Austinite, Jessica Ciarla of CIARLAbride. Her New York City style techniques mixed with her custom-driven business enriched and broadened my knowledge of the industry. I got to work on a variety of projects.

Plans after graduation:   I hope to intern for another designer in New York. I’d also eventually like to intern or work for a costume designer because I’d like to keep costuming in my future.

Loan Phuong Trinh

Hometown: Houston, TX
Major: Textiles and Apparel Design
Name of Collection: Fantasy Flare

The coat collection is inspired by the intricate designs of the characters’ attire from a role playing game (RPG) series called Final Fantasy. I wanted to bring the bold computerized designs to reality by making it wearable and realistic. Origami folding methods from the Shadowfolds book were used for the surface texture of the coats. Also, I was inspired by designer Jil Sander for her creative way of constructing her coats and forming different shapes to make her designs unique and functional.
The fabrics used for the coats were wool, hot boiled wool, antistatic lining,and taffeta for lining. Knit fabrics were used to create the two dresses, pants, and shirt accommodating the coats as well.

Previous fashion experience: I interned with Stephanie Merzon during the past summer. I learned how to create slopers, drafted custom patterns for various clients and companies, cut and label patterns properly, grading patterns, and sewing some mock ups and clothes after making the patterns. The experience gave me helpful techniques for flat patterning more efficiently and getting accustom to the curvatures and shapes of patterns.

Favorite Designers: My favorite designers are Valentino, Jil Sander, Madeleine Vionnet, and Stella McCartney.

Plans after graduation: I plan on finding a job or internship here in Austin or apply for graduate school.

Wendy Sandoval

Hometown: San Antonio, TX
Major: Textiles and Apparel/Apparel Design
Name of Collection: Charisma

My collection was inspired by 60′s dance music, the party life of young women. Flirtatiousness is featured in the collection which will certainly get your attention.

Plans after graduation: I’d like to have some time to travel on my own. It’s something that I’m already saving for and so, come January, I’ll be on a plane.

Harrison Koiwai

Hometown: Austin, TX
Major: Apparel Design
Name of Collection: Jane

This collection is intended to be an exploration of identity based on my childhood experiences.

Favorite Designer: Charles Worth

Plans after graduation: I plan to participate in more design internships with hopes to enter the fashion design industry.

Each year, the University of Texas Fashion Show is attended by over 5,000 people! And this year will be no exception as Austin’s fashion community comes out to support twenty-three creative and talented fashion designers who will be show-casing their first collections at the Frank Erwin Center on Thursday, April 21. We’ll be introducing you to the designers you’ll see on the runway next Thursday night.

LIVE WEB CAST on www.FashionablyAustin.com Thursday night at 8pm. Sponsored by University Co-op.

Order your official “INNOVATION” DVD Online

Fashionably Austin will also produce an official “Innovation” Fashion Show DVD with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the University Fashion Group. The DVDs will be on sale on our web site and can be ordered at our booth at the University of Texas Fashion Show.

>> Click here to get the University of Texas “Innovation” Fashion Show details.

Meet the 2011 University of Texas Fashion Designers

We’ll be introducing the UT Fashion Designers to you all week. Check back to see the latest profiles.

	Sophia AlBanna Hometown: Houston, TX Major: Textiles and Apparel Design Collection: cOUture ARchiTecture My passion for mixing various textures of fabric inspired my collection. My collection focuses on movement and the specific placement of pieces through the use of chain, lace, and the natural fibers from silk and leather. Silk chiffon, dupioni silk, silk crepe and two shades of silk burlap are all incorporated. I worked with three thicknesses of leather, all of which are part of the neutral family. Additionally, the beaded lace I used adds a sheer and ornate touch when the garments are seen from the runway. Recognition: One of the winners of “most creative design” for the Co-Op dress design competition. Internship: After graduation I will be an assistant designer for an interior decorator here in Austin, TX for the months of June and July. Then, in the fall, I plan to live in New York for a semester and intern in the fields of either styling or fashion design. After getting experience in these two fields of design I will hopefully begin my career in the one I am most passionate about! Favorite Desigenrs: Elie Saab, Marchesa, L.A.M.B., and Christian Louboutin
	Christopher Pham Hometown: Plano,TX Major: Textile and Apparel Design Collection: At the Races I’m a rower at the University of Texas at Austin and my inspiration was the prestigious rowing regatta, The Henley Royal Regatta, held in Henley England. I also was inspired by traditional English Bespoke Tailoring. For my collection, i tried to use the highest quality of fabrics that include a great silk/wool blend, a fine washed white linen and a beautiful navy striped twill wool. My collection is for the man that is sophisticated, athletic, and respects tradition and hard work. Recognition: First Place at theNeiman Marcus Fashion Illustration Competition at the Dallas Career Day Fashion Symposium, 2010 Internship: Ralph Lauren – Men’s Purple Label, Black Label, Polo Tailored Clothing Favorite Designers: Ralph Lauren, Thom Brown, Tom Ford, Marc Jacobs, Michael Bastian
	Dhanny Indrakusuma Major: Textiles & Apparel Design Collection: Pepperland My collection was inspired by the South Korean ceremonial dress, the Hanbok. I incorporated several design elements from Hanbok into my garments; such as the fullness of the skirt and the asymmetrical bow to produce a fresh and unique design that is also marketable. In my collection, I combined my pieces with military-inspired outerwear to give it a modern look. I dyed the fabrics with sun-blocker coating to protect both the garments and the wearer from the harmful effects of the UV Rays. Internship: Stephanie Merzon / Austin, TX; Jessica Ciarla / Austin, TX; Working at Texas Performing Arts’ Costume Shop Favorite Designers: Karl Lagerfeld, Marc Jacobs, Christophe Decarnin and Vera Wang.
	Gillian Courtney Hometown: Detroit Major: Textiles and Apparel Design Collection: Ensō “Ensō The name of my collection is a Japanese word meaning circle. This collection was an exercise in creating designs through various interpretations and manipulations of the circle. Favorite Designers: Rei Kawakubo, Yohji Yamamoto, Ann Demeulemeester
	Jessica Bird Hometown: Houston, Texas Major: Textiles and Apparel Design Collection: Modern Gem I took inspiration from lingerie and gemology, which is evident in the muted jewel tone color palette and design lines delineated by contrasting piping and binding. I used brushed silk charmeuse, 3-ply silk, leather, poly crepe, and cotton monks cloth. The result is a modern twist on current silhouettes for the feminine, sophisticated, independent woman. Internship: Vogue Stylist/Contributing Editor Tabitha Simmons and Joey Showroom / New York City ; Chloe Dao / Houston, TX Favorite Designers: Max Azria, Alexander Wang, Elie Saab, Helmut Lang
	Angela Saenz Hometown: Austin, TX Major: Austin Textiles and Apparel Collection: Apparel Design Electronica The inspiration for my collection began with the concept of wanting to design clothing not just for a woman of today, but for a woman of tomorrow. I was very interested in exploring uses of new technologies in fashion, including digital printing and incorporating electroluminescent lighting in garments. Using these ideas, my collection became very futuristic and geometric in nature. I also enjoyed juxtaposing structure with softness, vivid colors with dark colors, and woven fabrics with knitted fabrics. My fabrics, which include silk charmeuses and crepe de chines, silk/wool blends, and a modal/cupra knit which I ordered from Japan, were very key in helping me achieve the looks I desired. Recognition: 2nd Place in the Bridal Competition at Dallas Career Day 2011; One of four student designers awarded Most Creative in the University CO-OP Private Label project – Fall 2011 Internship: Linda Asaf Design / Austin, TX Favorite Designers: Rodarte, Elie Saab, Vera Wang, Hussein Chalayan, Haider Ackermann
	Crystal Colmenero Hometown: El Paso, TX Major: Textiles and Apparel Collection: When Love Takes Over I was inspired by romantic silhouettes that had a dreamy and ultra feminine look to them. I wanted to create a collection that was elegant but at the same time soft and playful. I used mostly cotton and polyester blends that were easy to drape and created both structured tops and flowing bottoms. When I picture the type of woman that would wear my collection I picture a woman who is sophisticated but at the same time very young and fun. The woman that usually came to mind was someone like Country music star Taylor Swift. Internship: Linda Asaf Design / Austin, TX and Stephanie Merzo / Austin, TX Favorite Designers: Marc Jacobs, Diane von Furstenberg, and Hannah MacGibbon from Chloe
	Megan Mehl Hometown: El Paso, TX Major: Marketing and Apparel Design Collection: Retrospective My collection is a series of colorful dresses inspired by the bold fashions of the late 60s and early 70s. The theme of the fashion show is “innovation”, so I decided that I wanted to work with transformative garments–each dress changes form with the use of tiny magnets in order to be worn in at least two different ways. Throughout the process, my collection evolved as I also became inspired by the beautiful silk and wool fabrics that I found and by the transformative nature of the garments. This is my first chance to put my clothes on a runway, so it was important to me to make the clothing fun and dynamic. My collection was designed with a modern Edie Sedgwick in mind as my muse. She is young, charismatic, fun-loving, and fearless. Selected as part of a small group of students to participate in a pilot honors course program in New York this May, during which we will attend seminars with industry professionals and collaborate on a special project. Internship: Design & PR with local designer Favorite Designer: Galliano
	Lindsey Wetesnik Hometown: San Antonio Major: Textile and Apparel Design Collection: Birds of a Feather My collection is inspired by my time in London and Kate Middleton’s classic style using chiffon, ruffles and feathers with an internal corset. Internship: La Petie Salope / London, England Favorite Designers: Monique Lhuillier, Vera Wang, and Giorgio Armani
	Noelle Alyssa Garcia Hometown: Katy, TX Major: Textiles and Apparel Design Collection: Lolita Lolita is about bold colors and a feminine look. I used silk crepe de chine and silk chiffon and digitally printed my own fabric for my collection. The ideal woman for my collection likes classic pieces but still looks young and feminie. Recognition: Private label scholarship from UT Co-op to create a Game Day dress. Internship: Miguelina / New York City and Herff Christiansen / Austin,Tx Favorite Designers: Diane von Furstenburg, Gucci, BCBG Max Azria, Robert Rodriguez
	Kalgari Ferris Hometown: Conroe, TX Major: Textiles & Apparel Desig Collection: Steampunk Panache My collection is all about steampunk-inspired couture. Each of my fabrics are of exceptional quality and include silks, leathers and cottons. All garments are lined with high-quality bemberg lining to maintain breathability. Each piece was designed as a statement of pride and empowerment. The woman who would wear this garment would be proud of herself, her accomplishments, her individuality, and her own appeal. She would be strong and confident and she would know just exactly who she is and what she wants. These garments would be an outward expression of her own inner strength. Recognition: Creativity Award for the University Co-op Game Day Dress Design Competition; Up and Coming Designer in Tribeza Magazine Internship: Linda Asaf Design / Austin, TX Favorite Designers: John Galliano, Betsey Johnson, and Vera Wang
	Britni Whittington Hometown: Longview, TX Major: Textiles and Apparel Design Collection: Today’s Vintage I am inspired by past fashion eras and wanted to design something that would have the look and feel of vintage clothing, but could be worn by today’s woman. The first fabric that inspired me was an off-white netting with a vintage look and is in every piece of my collection. The kind of woman who would wear my collection is someone who likes to go out after work and needs a versatile outfit that can dressed up or down with accessories. So whether she’s going to a job or just attending a casual lunch with some close friends, my customer would feel fashionable and comfortable. Internship: Celestino / New York City Favorite Designers: Chloe, Marc Jacobs, Rodarte, Chanel
	Heidi Mashaka Hometown: Austin, TX Major: Textiles and Apparel Design Collection: The Honeymoon Collection My collection was inspired by late 1950′s Hawaiian Resort Wear. I want to go into the bridal industry after graduation and wanted to find a way to promote my collection to brides after their big day. I was inspired by the swimwear of the era which can be seen in both sundresses as well as the high waisted shorts. The collection is vintage inspired with modern relevance and appeal. Recognition: Honorable Mention in the University Co-Op Dress Competition, Fall 2010 Internship: Erica Angeline Bridal / Atlanta, GA Favorite Designers: Vera Wang, Monique Lhuillier, Oscar de la Renta
	Briana Gardner Hometown: Dallas, Texas Major: Textiles and Apparel Design Collection: Ethnic Eclectic For my collection I chose to work with a variety of denims from chambray to bull denim and stretch denim. I also designed my own print on a lightweight cotton voile which serves as the focus of my collection. The type of guys and gals who would wear my collection are free-spirited and easygoing and love to mix fashion with fun. I was deeply inspired by ethnic fashion and folklore meshed with eccentric cuts and shapes. The print I designed was inspired by the Japanese lantern flower which represents good fortune and blessing. Internship:  Michael Faircloth / Dallas, TX Favorite Designers:  Marc Jacobs, Dries Van Noten, Band of Outsiders, Thom Browne and Alexander McQueen
	Rachel Brady Hometown: Liberty, TX Major: Textiles and Apparel Design Collection: Texturize Your Closet I was inspired by textures well as how they can be contrasted with an opposite texture. My collection is designed like a wardrobe with each piece working together in such a way that a lady can effortelssly wear any bottom and pair it with any top. I found a slubby tweed like fabric and wanted to contrast it will a soft silk along side a gold sequin fabric, creating interesting looks that a person might not normally wear together. Internship: Linda Asaf and Stephanie Merzon / Austin, TX ; Assistant with Chicka~d / Austin, TX Favorite Designers: Marc Jacobs, Prada, Lisa Bruemmer for Anthropologie, Miu Miu, Lanvin and Moschino
	Daniel Guinn Hometown: Tyler, TX Major: Texas Apparel Design Collection: Rio Bravo My collection was insprired by classic movies and famous actors from the past. I used a yellow crepe wool in all three of my designs, which ended up presenting a few challenges but came out well. All three of my designs incorporate hidden pockets. The two menswear designs have what I call the “girlfriend pocket”, it’s a pocket in the back of the jacket with a zipper that is only accessible by someone else besides the wearer, i.e. your date. Everytime I go to a formal event my date hands me three items; a cell phone, an I.D. or credit card, and some kind of make-up product. This “girlfriend pocket” allows her to put her stuff in a pocket that she can access without having to ask the wearer of the jacket and keeps the man, who usually has already planned his pocket allocations, from having overstuffed pockets, which can be uncomfortable and just looks bad. The womenswear design has a hiden pocket in the bottom of the jacket that is for shoes to allow a woman to carry the shoes after a formal event while wearing more comfortable shoes.
	Elise Romero Hometown: Austin, TX Major: Textiles and Apparel Design Collection: Through the Forest My inspiration came from vintage photos and was inspired by all the things nature has to offer. I designed my collection for a whimsical type of girl who’s not afraid of an adventure. In a few of my pieces I dyed my own fabric as well as gave it a surface design known as “”burn-out”". It gives the fabric a contrasting texture of sheer or silky spots. Recognition: UT Co-op Dress Competition Winner Favorite Designers: Rodarte, Rachel Roy, Marc Jacobs, Ralph Lauren
	Abigail Rodriguez Hometown: Austin, TX Major: Textiles and Apparel Design Collection: Field of Love I took my inspiration from a quote I heard in church, a few months ago – “Love is like a fire running free in a field, you cannot stop it.” My Spring collection is designed for women in their late 20′s to mid 40′s and is classic and traditional with a country vibe. I used different types of suedes with a lot of silk fabrics as well. My collection has eco-friendly aspects including the use of non-toxic paints and fabric dyed with tea. Recognition: Fashion Group International Dallas Career Day – Dress designed for Little Red Dress Competition was featured in Fashion Show Internships: Worked with various fashion shows dressing models, welcoming and seating guests, and creating stage design and production. Favorite Designers: Jason Wu, Ralph Lauren, Dolce&Gabbana, Nina Ricci, Derek Lam, Oscar de la Renta
	Miranda Ward Hometown: San Antonio Major: Textiles and Apparel Design Collection: Wine Country Fashion My inspiration for my collection was wine country and classic silhouettes like the tunic and and polo. I used the colors of wine (red, pink, and yellow) and increased the saturation for the fabrics in my collection. I used color blocking as an interpretation of the popular wine flavors like merlot, pinot grigio, and rose. I chose to use silk charmeuse for my main fabric in all my pieces because I wanted my garments to be classic and wearable, but also be feminine and make a woman feel pretty. Internship: Moody Mamas and Nordstroms / Los Angeles Favorite Designers: Max Azria, Diane Von Furstenberg
	Meghan McCabe Hometown: Richmond, TX Major: Apparel Design Collection: Wild At Heart My collection is a blend of italian knits and recycled crochet pieces, designed for the Fall. Every piece can be dressed up or worn as is. It is comfortable, yet has a girly flair. I was influenced by Missoni (Italian knitwear designer) and brands like Anthropologie and Free People. Recognition: The University Co-op Private Label Competition – Most Marketable Design
	Monica Salem Hometown: Pflugerville, TX Major: Apparel Design Collection: Icing My designs are all about the female, and to me the word feminine brings to mind soft colors, most importantly pink, delicate and soft looking fabric, for example the stretch lace, micro suede, fur, and stretch velvet. Also, the form of the female body, which I have accentuated using darts, padding, and figure conforming patterns. Favorite Designer: Jeremy Scott
	Colton Gerard Hometown: Pflugerville Major: Apparal Design Collection: Heritage The inspiration for my collection came from the need to create a collection for a man by a man. I wanted to design something incredibly masculine because I’m a man in a women’s industry, and I am very proud of that. I drew a lot of inspiration from World War 2 uniforms and bags. The heavy use of leather and top stitching used during that period are greatly incorporated within my designs. I took those elements and added a touch of the outdoors and a bit of hunting to give a more current feel to the collection. I looked at Harrison Ford in Indiana Jones as a muse because I wanted to design for a man that was adventurous and daring, but was also charming at the same time. I used fabrics and materials that reflected the outdoors such as duck cloth, wool, buffalo nickels, jute roping, deer antler, and dock rope to create garments that had an inherit American feel to them, hence the title “HERITAGE”. Favorite Designer: Tom Ford

We’ll be introducing the UT Fashion Designers to you all week. Check back to see the latest profiles.

You know Spring is in the air when you start hearing the buzz about the annual University of Texas Fashion Show.  Excitement is building on the UT campus as budding fashion designers are preparing to showcase their talent on Thursday, April 21 at the Frank Erwin Center for the “Innovation”, the 2011 fashion show edition from the Division of Textiles and Apparels department.

Each year, the University of Texas Fashion Show is the largest fashion show in Austin and brings out the movers and shakers of  Austin’s fashion community. Over 5,000 people attended the event last year and for the first time, it was web cast LIVE from our web site. We’re back again this year and will be web casting the fashion show live from FashionablyAustin.com.

The 2011 senior class is a mix of twenty-three creative and talented fashion designers. I have been covering this event for more than 10 years and every year the quality of the collections get better and better. This year is no exception, the quality of their work is exceptional! And with the show less than a week away, the designers are frantically preparing the final details so they can present their designs to world.

The apparel design students will present ninety-six original designs on the runway at the Frank Erwin Center. Opening with game day dresses in a burnt orange theme, followed by individual collections that include inspiration from The Outdoors Man, Henley Regatta, Geometry, and Nature to name a few. The students are embracing technology and using sustainable fabrics, designing digital prints, creating laser cut patterns and working with textured knits. The show would not be complete without the much-anticipated evening and bridal gowns to wrap up the evening.

After the show, a few lucky students will receive awards in several categories. This week each students presented their designs to a panel of judges. This year’s judges’ included Megan Summerville, Texas’ Next Top Designer 2009; Designer Linda Asaf; Steven Dubois; Designer Gail Chovan;  Austin fashion writer Stephen MacMillian Moser;  Designer Jessica Ciarla;  and The Garden Room boutique owner Patti Hoffpauir.

Thank You to Our LIVE WEB CAST Sponsor: University Co-op

We are so excited to have been asked to web cast the show again for family and friends who can’t attend. And we thank the University Co-op for sponsoring our webcast coverage and  Eve Nicols, Program Director of the Apparel Design Division of Textiles & Apparel School of Human Ecology for the opportunity to cover the event and the support she has shown for Fashionably Austin.

Fashionably Austin will also produce an official “Innovation” Fashion Show DVD with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the University Fashion Group. The DVDs will be on sale on our web site and can be ordered at our booth at the University of Texas Fashion Show.

Meet the University of Texas Fashion Designers!

Fashionably Austin was proud to provide the FIRST LIVE STREAM WEBCAST of the UT Fashion Show! It was an exciting event full of incredible talent from 32 UT Apparel Design students. We also interviewed several of Austin’s top fashion industry professionals to learn about their businesses and what they have coming on the scene.

> Click here to read bios of our guests

> Click here to meet the UT Fashion Designers

> Click here to see “Behind the Scenes” Judging

UPDATE:  2010 Designer Winners from the UT Fashion Show.

HM Best Evening – Meagan Smith
Best Evening – Steven Campos
Honorable Mention – Best Bridal – Monica Li
Best Bridal – Hwanhee Joy Kang
Honorable Mention – Most Marketable – Liz Wong
Most Marketable – Jill Lancaster
Honorable Mention – Most Well Constructed – Molly White
Most Well Constructed – Beth Yoder
Honorable Mention – Most Innovative – Jackie Williamson
Most Innovative – Alexandra King
Honorable Mention – Best Collection – Julia Goodman
Best Collection – Leslie Russell

Pictures provided by Ashley Andreano Photography

Click here to see the photos from the UT Fashion Show. Photos are copyrighted and available for purchase.

Video of Live Webcast

Visualize this…the Frank Erwin Center about ten years ago and it’s the night of the annual UT Fashion Show. Back then, the annual event would bring in, mmm, maybe a few hundred folks, mostly friends and families of the students and the friends of the models, and of course, University staff.

Now it’s another story. “Attendance last year was over 5,000 and has been increasing each year, many attendees plan their trip to Austin around the date of the Fashion Show. Every year is unique, exciting, and special, as is every student!” said Fashion Show Director Eve Nicols.

This year’s class of design students is comprised of 32 talented young women and men who are taking their visions and creating a one-of-a-kind pieces for all of us to see on April 29. The name of the show is High Voltage and I think it is a fitting name especially since Austin is starting to really get on the minds of major fashion movers and shakers. With Project Runway AND Bravo’s The Fashion Show reality television shows scouting out local talent, it is just the start of great things to come. You never know, we could have our next fashion star showing on Thursday.

The Fashion Show and exposition is fully underwritten by the University Co-operative Society under the guidance of President and CEO Mr. George Mitchell. This enables the School to stage a professional quality event. When asked why the co-op decided to sponsor the fashion show, Mr. Mitchell said, “Seven years ago, I discovered how hard the students fundraised to produce quality designs. The extra work took time from academics and the main priority, designing clothes…that intrigued me.”

Prizes will be awarded for Best Fashion Collection, Most Innovative Fashion Collection, Most Marketable Fashion Collection, Best Constructed Fashion Collection and Best Evening/Bridal Gown. The winners will be determined by a panel of judges composed of active professionals in the fashion industry.
There will also be a pre-show exposition will include work from all aspects of the Textiles and Apparel Program including computer-aided design, retail merchandising, visual merchandising and a special exhibit from the Historical Textiles Collection.

“The students selected the ‘High Voltage’ theme. They’re knowledgeable in modern fashion and technology; they create high voltage, energetic designs, so it’s really reflective of the group,” said Karen Bravo, Fashion Show Associate Director. Cosmetics will be provided by Sephora & Hair Styling by Cobalt Blue Hair Salon.

I am very pleased to also announce that Fashionably Austin along with netSpray, will webcast the fashion show for the first time, LIVE! We are excited to bring this special coverage to spread the word even more about these talented designers. Register on the home page to get details about the live webcast.
Meet your designers below! (not pictured: Fi Nguyen, Sara Schooner)