The University of Texas at Austin senior design student fashion show, “Elements,” began on Thursday night with an all-white runway, a packed front row and a custom-made Snapchat filter. 

Story by Jasmine Valencia

Photos by Miranda Chiechi

Jazz music filled the Frank Erwin Center as approximately 5,000 people took their seats and the show’s director, Ockhee Bego addressed the crowd. “This is not an assignment or class work,” Bego said. “This event is their dream, soul, and passion. Tonight, they are sharing it with you.”

Twenty two senior design students each debuted activewear, bridal looks, and a three-piece collection on the runway. Known as the largest student-produced fashion show, “Elements” aired live on the Longhorn Network and featured behind-the-scenes footage of the designers creating their garments. Models showcased the student designers’ unique pieces as they walked down the runway to music created by students in UT’s music department.

This year’s show also included a special collection, “The Spirit of UT: After the Game,” to commemorate George Mitchell, retiring president and CEO of the University Co-op. Mitchell served as a patron of the annual fashion show for 12 years. The models for this collection consisted of UT luminaries and Edith Royal, the wife of former UT football coach Darrell K. Royal. The size of the event highlighted the show’s growth since its debut in 1997, when it first opened to a crowd of 500. A panel of local industry professionals including public relations powerhouse and legendary party host Carla McDonald, Garden Room boutique owner Patty Hoffpauir and Austin designers Sergio Guadarrama and Linda Asaf served as judges. Sponsors of the event included Lexus of Austin, Cotton Inc. and the Austin American-Statesman.