Taking Shape

The University of Texas is a huge part of what makes Austin, well, Austin. Thanks to their 50,000-and-counting students and a teaching faculty of 3,000 our city is continually renewed with a diversity of ideas, talent and research. And while you may already envision tech (Michael Dell), athletic (Kevin Durant) and political (Greg Abbott) greatness emerging from UT, do you also see it as a hotbed for fashion design talent? In fact, you should.

After visiting Mary E. Gearing Hall and the textile and apparel students that occupy its halls we left feeling inspired and excited about who and what could be the local and global future of fashion design. With a focus on designs that include digital prints, couture techniques and sustainability, these students represent the what’s to come. “There is a growing need to challenge the traditional methods of design and think about innovative solutions for the growing waste in the apparel industry,” explains assistant professor Jessica Ciarla.

As the design students draped, cut and sketched, all in focused prep for their April 25 “Matrix,” fashion show, we couldn’t help stealing a few moments to hear more about their collections. The fashion-forward future is bright.

Mitchell Kerbow

Senior, Class of 2018-2019

Kerbow’s casual menswear three-piece collection titled “Marble Quarry” is inspired by the ways in which precious metals and stone are removed from the earth. Ice blues, pale taupes and biscuit shades evoke the tones of a stone yard or quarry.

Carlie Roberson

Junior, Class of 2019-2020

Roberson’s concept revolves around “comfort zones and how they can be deceptively constricting,” explains the designer. Through her “Quasi Comfort,” collection corsets and high necklines are combined with tufted wool and velvet leaving an almost Victorian impression.

Mattison Gotcher

Senior, Class of 2018-2019

Gotcher’s “Denim Princess or Madamoiselle de Denim” collection juxtaposes a workwear fabric with the likeness of a Rococo princess. If Marie Antoinette wore denim Gotcher would be her court designer.

Alexander Greer

Senior, Class of 2018-2019

A fan of Japanese fantasy series, “Fate/stay night,” Greer’s “Unlimited Blade Works,” collection is based on three characters from the visual novel. In Greer’s imaginative world dark fantasy meets high fashion meets spirits and lieges.

The University of Texas at Austin fashion show “Matrix,” will take place on April 25 at The Frank Erwin Center at 7:00 pm. Tickets and admission are free and open to the public.