Austin Fashion Week came and went in a flurry of tulle and taffeta. From April 18-20, Fashion by Texas held its semi-annual three-day runway shows and pop-up shops.
Austin Fashion Week came and went in a flurry of tulle and taffeta. From April 18-20, Fashion by Texas held its semi-annual three-day runway shows and pop-up shops.
Founded by Fashion by Texas’ CEO Matt Swinney in 2009, AFW is the fourth-largest fashion concept in the United States, with New York Fashion Week taking first place.
According to the Fibre2Fashion website, in the past, AFW held “more than 100 designers on the runway, 30 pop-up shops, over 5000 attendees, and more than 20 million marketing impressions.” It’s a great opportunity for companies to sell products directly to customers with its pop-up shops.
Madeleine Berckley, stage management junior at UT, has worked with AFW since her freshman year.
“My favorite part about the whole show experience so far has been making connections with so many different people who also love working in this industry,” Berckley said in an email.
Pop-up shops included a variety of jewelry, apparel and beauty products. Austin Area Urban League is among the many, which is a social service organization that provides social and economic assistance to African Americans and under-served populations. In addition, Fashion Collective by Shop LC is an educational fashion program for high school students that allows those interested in fashion to get their foot in the door and gain real-life experience in the industry.
Multiple “style strutters” walked the runway as models in outfits designed by Macy’s at the Domain. These strutters are invited to walk and choose a non-profit organization they wish to benefit.
On its website, AFW hosted five different runways:
- “EMERGE” hosted 8-12 designers from Texas, ranging from high school seniors to experienced fashion designers. THEY featured strutter Andrea Nucete-Elliot, benefiting The Kindness Campaign, which provides mental health resources for students.
- “BLACK DESIGNER SHOWCASE” was presented by AAUL, which featured 8-12 designers. It featured strutter Terry Mitchell and Tameca Jones who benefited the Black Fund.
- “DISCOVER” partnered with Shop LC and highlighted students from Round Rock ISD and emerging designers. Shannon Buth strutted for the Center for Child Protection.
- “INCUBATE” is in partnership with Austin Community College Fashion Incubator, and featured strutter Leslie Watson, benefiting the Women’s Symphony League of Austin.
- “ODE TO THE OGs” honored those who have been with the fashion industry for many years. Tobie Funte strutted for St. David’s Foundation.
During the Saturday show, “DISCOVER,” UT student John Alvarado displayed his Senior Capstone Collection, “Caballo Bayo.” The piece is inspired by his late grandfather, Francisco Alvarado, and tells the story of a closeted cowboy who discovers and falls in love with a beautiful church.
Alvarado told Texas Student Television news reporter Itza Martinez that he was ecstatic about this opportunity.
“What I’m mostly excited for is just being able to display my work in such a professional setting, as well as being surrounded by other creative people,” he told Martinez on Thursday.
Alvarado expressed his gratitude towards the UT Textiles and Apparel department and the professors who helped him succeed.
With shows beginning Thursday, April 18 and ending Saturday, April 20, the weekend was filled with philanthropy, fashion and fun.
“This spring should be really exciting and every season ends up being different from the last,” Berckley said.