Austin may not be known as the fashion mecca of the world (yet), but the designers coming out of The University of Texas could certainly give us a chance!

They are turning out some incredible talent there, as evidenced by Matrix, the senior design students’ annual fashion show.

Every spring, the graduating designers finish their years of study with a fashion show organized by the University Fashion Group. UFG serves as the premier professional fashion organization at The University of Texas at Austin under the College of Natural Sciences. The task they undertake is enormous, and sets the impressive stage for the designers to showcase a year’s worth of hard work.

This past April, 28 design graduates from around the world collectively sent a whopping 140 looks down the runway in a show so very ably directed by Ockhee Bego, an Assistant Professor in UT Austin’s Division of Textiles and Apparel. Each designer contributed a three-piece collection, a couture piece, a RTW (ready to wear) Longhorn theme garment that is functional and comfortable, and a sustainable wear garment which could waste no fabric. Yes, that’s right, zero fabric!

A matrix symbolizes an environment in which something develops, such as patterns, series or rhythms. It is parts coming together to make a whole. That is exactly what each of the designers did. It’s said that art is a reflection of the artist, that the artist has a story to tell and they do so with their creations. Each of the garments presented had a story of its own, developed via the design and construction from the story of the student designing it.

Once again, the seniors this year did not disappoint. The show was an impressive kaleidoscope of art, well received by the audience in the Frank Erwin Center.

The designers also competed for 16 awards handed out after the show. Drumroll…! The Matrix 2019 award winners are:

Sustainable Wear, Honorable Mention: Aidan Beni

Sustainable Wear, Best Design: Carlie Roberson

Wearable Art, Honorable Mention: Lindsay Butler

Wearable Art, Best Design: Christopher Johnson

Mido Watches; Evening Wear Honorable Mention: Hunter Tanem

Mido Watches; Best Evening Wear: Aidan Beni

Austin-American Statesman; Bridal Wear Honorable Mention: John Goodman

Austin-American Statesman; Best Bridal Wear: Rawan Al-Qarqaz

The University Cooperative Society; Best Technical Collection Honorable Mention: Hunter Tanem & Donna Silverio

The University Cooperative Society; Best Technical Collection: Mitchell Kerbow

Most Innovative Collection Honorable Mention: Gunner Lewis & Nicholas Mojica

Most Innovative Collection: Carlie Roberson

The University Cooperative Society; Most Marketable Collection Honorable Mention: Sarah Kelly, Carol Lara & Ilana Wayne

The University Cooperative Society; Most Marketable Collection: Lindsay Butler

The University Cooperative Society; Best Collection 2019 Honorable Mention: Carlie Roberson

The University Cooperative Society; Best Collection 2019: Mitchell Kerbow

Cover photo Ralph Arvesen

Edith “Edie” Henry is one of Austin’s leading stylists and has spent the last 20 years honing her skills in fashion and design.