After my first year of studying fashion at UT, I quickly realized that I did not have the patience to be a fashion designer. Not only was I perplexed by the fact that I was forced to study Chemistry amongst pre-med students (got an A in that class by the way *pats own back*), I knew I would never have the dedication to spend so much time actually sewing garments. It’s one thing to design an item of clothing, but it’s a whole other story to actually turn that idea in your head into a physical product. I have so much respect for all the graduating design seniors at UT. They stuck it out and are about to get to show off all their hard work at one of the most interesting and exciting fashion shows that happens every year in Austin.
The UT Apparel Design Program’s end of the year fashion show is particularly exciting because you get to see young talent at its beginning stage. The possibilites for these budding fashion designers are endless and this show marks the start of their journey as designers in the “real world.” Graduates from the Apparel Design Program have gone on to work for major fashion companies such as Ralph Lauren, Diane Von Furstenberg, Zac Posen, Marc Jacobs, Betsey Johnson, Rodarte, and Michael Kors to name a few.
On April 19th, this year’s seniors will show their final collections on the runway at the Frank Erwin Center for the fashion show dubbed “Contour.” I highly suggest everyone attend because it undoubtedly will be the most professionally produced fashion show that you will see in Austin all year, and it’s free! From the little bit that I have seen and heard from this year’s designers, it looks like Contour is going to be a very diverse show with varying aesthetics. From Stefant Phonthephasone’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer inspired collection to Marisa Chapman’s floral motifs and Andrea Conti’s simple silhouettes, it looks like there will be a little something for everyone. Here are a few sneak peeks at some of the designers’ collections and what they had to say about their work:
sketches by Sofia Maldonado
“I’ve come up with a collection that I believe best represents me as a person and designer. I’m half Salvadoran and have brought back hand woven textiles from the market in San Salvador, El Salvador, which is my mother’s native country. Ive used them in silhouettes that have minor influences from both mens and womenswear in the late 18th century which was the time period of a play I performed and designed for in high school. Both of these combined truly inspired me to come up with an ethnic and chic collection that embody my aesthetic.” -Sofia Maldonado
Samantha Kidd’s mood board for her collection, Sutra
“Sūtra was inspired by Argentinian and Indian architecture and the seamless unification of geometric shapes and organic forms. I wanted to explore new mediums, and play with different textures and proportions. By pushing myself technically and creatively, I still wanted to stay true to my personal aesthetic and create a multi-functional collection that appeals to a broad spectrum of women.” – Samantha Kidd
one of Samantha Kidd’s sketches for her collection, Sutra
Beaded Gold dress by Vivienne Hoang
“With icy colors, soft textures, and peek-a-boo sheers, my collection ‘The Cold Queen’ embodies the beauty and grace of a queen complete with a bitter bite the power.” – Vivienne Hoang
dress from Harrison Koiwai’s collection, Jane
“My collection’s name is Jane, sort of as a vague reference to a Jane Doe. The collection is intended to be an exploration of identity, and it was heavily influenced by my childhood and growing up as a biracial person. My mother is Italian and Scots-Irish-American, and my father is Japanese-American. I wanted the collection to reflect the accumulation of my strange notions of beauty and identity.” – Harrison Koiwai
Event info. for Contour:
What:
- UT Apparel Design End of the Year Fashion Show – Contour
- Free admission
- Thurs. April 19th
- show at 8pm
- Fashion Alley at 6:30pm
- Frank Erwin Center
- 1701 Red River St.
