Every year, designers at the University of Texas at Austin have the opportunity to showcase some of their finest work at Synthesis, UT’s annual fashion show. Last week, hundreds of original designs were worn at the Frank Erwin Center within five different categories: athletic wear, game day, three piece collections, evening wear and bridal wear. Incase you missed the show, ORANGE captured some of the most memorable pieces of the night.

Story by Alexis Green

Photos by Mary Pistorius and Maya Coplin

Athletic Wear

From intricate tutus for ballerinas to an archery suit that would make Katniss Everdeen jealous, the athletic wear segment featured each designer’s’ interpretation of how to dress for different physical activities. As if summer wasn’t motivation enough, the garments made you want to get up and be active.

Game Day

The previously white stage transformed into burnt orange and longhorns were projected on the stage as models strutted down the stage in UT inspired garments, often in their cowgirl boots. With a Co-op partnership, the designers were challenged to create the perfect look for any game day. The collection featured a wide range of pieces that were ready to walk off the runway and onto any UT fan.

Three Piece Collections

Creating one noteworthy piece can be hard enough, and as the miniature collections were debuted you could see the countless hours and creativity that went into crafting each piece. Accompanied by the personal accounts of losing sleep, skipping meals and pride at the finished collection, each designer’s work was showcased in a trio that told the story of their theme. One minute you were watching deer fabric in the form of crop tops and skirts and the next a model was carrying a leaf in a pizza inspired gown. The collections truly exhibited  how fashion is an art that can be interpreted in a variety of ways.

Evening Wear

The audience oohed and awed as elegant designs descended upon the runway often followed by a sea of chiffon trains that added a stunning element to the pieces. Recurring themes in this segment were black, satin and everything glamour with pops of more colorful and edgier designs. These dresses and suits demonstrated the true talent of each designer and could make anyone want to go endure high school all over again just to dance in one of those designs at prom.

Bridal Wear

Warning: the final segment of the show had the power to ignite a strong desire to rock any one of the gorgeous wedding looks. From lace or pink veils to a white structured pantsuit with cutouts, the bridal looks combined traditional and nontraditional elements and redefined our image of what a bride can look like.

As UT students continue pouring their heart into their designs, there is no telling what will be created next. Synthesis showcased the talent and hard work of the textile department’s students to create incredible garments. Keep a lookout for some of these seniors because next time we see them it may be on a runway in Paris—if only Fashion Week was a free event too.