Top 7 Moments from The Capstone Collection
This was originally published in SPARK.
July 14, 2021
After a year of digital runways, it’s easy to forget how immersive of an experience live fashion shows can be. On Sunday, May 9th, the University Fashion Group produced The Capstone Collection, featuring original pieces from twenty graduating Textiles and Apparel designers from UT. The intimate setting allowed us to admire the garments up close and personal, as each collection told its own narrative across time, culture, and into new realms of realities.
HERE ARE OUR TOP 7 MOMENTS FROM THE SHOW:
DORAN KIM: JASAENG “TRASH TO TREASURE”
Kim revolutionizes the meaning of fashion waste through her collection, “Jasaeng,” which, from Korean, translates into “Trash to Treasure.” On the runway, one of the models wore a mermaid-like drape made up entirely of fluorescent swatches, and another wore a bodycon dress embellished with vibrant pink and purple tulle flowers. Kim brilliantly juxtaposes the sheerness of her fabric against bright patterns, mirroring the sum of color in waste. From plastic and swatch folders to gorgeous drapes and tulles, her garments give us a glimpse into the reality of fashion waste and the beauty of sustainable couture.
NIKITA KALYANA: AVANT GROCER
We want to wear Kalyana’s entire “Avant Grocer” collection to Whole Foods. Where should we start with this collection? The miniature embroidered houses, the vinyl dress, or the adorable grocery buckets? Inspired by vintage supermarkets and all things kitsch, Kalyana makes something as mundane as a trip to the store avant-garde, and we’re here for it.
MARNIE MATTHEWS: ESCAPISM
Matthews’ “Escapism” collection pushes boundaries — in fashion and in life. Drawing from collective LGBTQ+ trauma and escapist tendencies, her designs take you to new dimensions. Her detailed draping and pastel colors are fluid, creating a vision of fantasy and mystery — whatever “dreaming big” means to you. Matthews’ childlike wonder permeates the collection and leaves the runway with a little more hope and light.
JEANNELLE ROMERO: CALO
Romero’s “Calo” collection is an ode to the evolution of women suiting. Inspired by the Pachuco styling of the Mexican American youth in the 1930s, Romero’s garments emulate chic androgyny with a hint of femininity. The pairing of an intricate corset with fairytale-like tulle is a daydream to the eyes, and Romero’s expert tailoring makes her dresses all the more impressive.
NOELLE CAMPOS: EPILOGUE
Campos’ “Epilogue” collection was beautifully designed with incredible attention to detail. One of the dresses blends blue denim and purple sheer material. The silhouette hems out at the waist and the shoulders ruffles at the top with patterns translated through the designs. Inspired by powerful women, Campos’ couture explores the intersection of feminine and masculine ideals. This dress represents women trying to break into masculine spaces. Another garment worth noting is her breathtaking white two-piece set. Laced with gorgeous ruffles, the top and pant set looked regal. Campos’ collection elicits both elegance and sophistication.
KELSEY CRAWFORD: BLOOM IN CHAOS
Crawford’s “Bloom is Chaos” collection was fun, funky, and fresh. Crawford translates shapes and structures onto the physical couture. Her vibrant colors project a vision of summer, leaving you feeling energized. A memorable part of her collection was her two-piece set. The model wore a pair of flowy green satin pants and a flower top, embodying her title “Bloom in Chaos.” Within the chaos of colors, the beauty of nature emerges through her collection.
APRIL CASTELLANOS: SIEMPRE
Castellanos’ “Siempre” collection was extremely distinctive, centering on a dark shift dress with thick grey tubes that resembled a human rib cage. The rib cage on the dress conceals the model’s arms, restricting her movement. This dress tells a coming-of-age narrative, the pain and struggles of growing up. Manifested through the rib cage motif, Castellanos’ designs amplify just how suffocating growing up can feel.
Words by: Amber Weir and Eunice Bao
