University of Texas Fashion Show 2014 Recap – Spectrum
The Fashionably Austin team started Austin Fashion Week reporting on one of the largest and most anticipated of all fashion shows in Austin, the annual University of Texas Fashion Show. Even though our crew has covered top runway shows in New York the University of Texas Fashion Show is one of our favorites, as these young students never cease to blow us away with their creative designs and visions.
The graduating designers’ collections are always beautiful and inspiring, and this years show “Spectrum” was no different. The first portion of the night highlighted the designer’s athletic wear, where a great deal of wearable technology was seen. Models also showed off tutus, shiny gold boxing robes, menswear and even a fishing outfit for the most fashionable diva. The Fashion Show was broadcast live on The Longhorn Network, and was fun to be involved in a LIVE produced show streaming all across the country (if you subscribe). There was new aspect of this year’s show. Inspired by Lexus vehicles, the junior class of designers sent their design down the runway for the audience to text and vote for the winning design. “We were really inspired by the curves and movement of the cars, so I went for a linear and organic design,” said one junior designer.
ENTIRE UT FASHION SHOW PICTURE GALLERY
Three-piece collections came next, where we saw all of the season’s hottest trends: bright crop tops, lace shorts, flowy maxis and structured capes in florals, leather, pastels and crisp white. Breakaway-styled fashion was also seen throughout the night, as outfits transformed, with a bubble skirt peeling off to become a cape and another skirt revealing a swimsuit underneath. “The students had to tell a story through their collections,” said the night’s emcees. “Critiques were then given throughout the year, as the students showed these pieces to judges and altered designs to perfection.”
The third part of the night was eveningwear, which delivered all the billowing sheerness and shimmering gowns expected in such a luxurious category, followed by the final category, bridal wear, where there were some unconventional designs and colors – and also a great deal of headpieces, another fun trend. Jackson Ruiz Salon with lead hair designer Judy Im, directed the hair and makeup for the night, tag-teaming to create vintage looks, messy hair and smoky cat eyes. “We help out with other events around Austin and are hoping to get in on the rest of Austin Fashion Week!” said Im. Austin Fashion Week Founder Matt Swinney took center-stage during the last commercial break, where he talked about the growth of AFW; this year is the biggest Austin has had, and it will only get bigger. When asked what makes fashion week so Austin-y, Matt replied: “Everyone has such a strong voice!” We’re excited to see all those strong pieces this week!
The Spectrum Fashion Show Winners:
Immersed in Cotton Active Sports Wear – Honorable Mention: Anna Lawson, Alexandra, Kelly, Anne Lawrence & Haleigh Clark; Winner: Ellese Castillo
Active Sports Wear – Honorable Mention: Wendy Ji;
Winner: Michelle Twite
Evening Gown – Honorable Mention: Ellese Castillo, Lizzie Stratton & Ronit Joselevitz;
Winner: Madeline Hart B
Bridal Gown – Winner: Anh Nguyen
Most Marketable Collection – Honorable Mention: Michelle Twite;
Winner: Ronit Joselevitz & Alexandra Kelly
Best Technical Collection – Honorable Mention: Asheley Isokpehi; Winner: Lizzie Stratton
Most Innovative Collection – Honorable Mention: Ellese Castillo;
Winner: Natalie Poche Lexus of Austin
Best Collection – Honorable Mention: Ronit Joselevitz & Anna Lawson;
Winner: Anh Nguyen
Surprise Package #2 – Austin boutiques Estilo & Red Bird will be selling the best overall collection in-stores!