AUSTIN, Texas — Fashionistas, get ready to strut your stuff as Austin Fashion Week kicks off today, promising a stylish celebration with pop-up shops, runway shows, and more. This year marks a milestone with the first fully sustainable fashion show in the event’s history.
Matt Swinney, CEO of Austin Fashion Week, shared some basics about the event, highlighting its unique offerings and the excitement surrounding this year’s lineup.
“We have over 100 designers showing this year. It’s by far our largest line up ever,” Swinney said, adding in their 17th year Austin Fashion Week is the longest running fashion show in Texas.
Swinney explained, this year they’ve added a new show, Sustain, in partnership with Goodwill Central Texas. In this show, the materials are sourced from the Goodwill warehouse and upcycled into high-fashion looks.
Designer Melanie San Roman, who is participating in the runway show, discussed her design style and her enthusiasm for being part of this sustainable fashion showcase.
“I’m a born-and-raised Texan. I design a lot based off the the Texas landscape –mostly florals– so when I saw a way to pay homage back to that through sustainability it was a very full circle moment for me,” San Roman said.
Models took to the stage to show off some of San Roman’s designs, giving attendees a sneak peek at the innovative and sustainable looks that will be featured.
CBS Austin anchor Allison Miller will also be hitting the runway, dressed by San Roman herself.
“I shopped at the Goodwill when I was younger. I was the youngest of five siblings, so to be able to design something that’s high fashion and sustainable –and also I incorporated some florals, of course– has just been a truly incredible experience,” said San Roman.
Austin Fashion Week is happening now through Saturday at The Domain with five huge fashion shows people can attend.
“We try to make it super accessible for everybody. I know fashion shows can sometimes be daunting for some, but really it’s just art on a moving body and that’s really what we’re trying to show people,” Swinney said.
Fashion enthusiasts eager to attend can find more information on this can’t-miss celebration of style by visiting the Austin Fashion Week website.
