Since 1997, UT Austin Textiles and Apparel students have showcased their creativity in the annual UT Fashion Show, presented by the University Co-op, at the Frank Erwin Center. The University Fashion Group students organize the full-fledged fashion show, which “attracts an audience of 5,000 fashion lovers at the Frank Erwin Center and is also broadcast live on the Longhorn Network to 25M across the United States,” according to their website. On the whole, apparel design students have treated the Erwin Center to years of incredible and innovative designs.

We took a look back through our photo archives and gathered some of our favorite shots of the show over the years. Keep scrolling to check out looks from 2005 and on, as well as some eye-catching wedding outfits and UT-themed designs!

UT Fashion Show: 2015 – 2019

The UT Fashion Show, which is free and open to the public, is the nation’s largest student-run fashion show. Audiences have, without a doubt, seen extraordinary talent over the years centered around a common concept. Apparel Design students present more than 120 original runway designs using a mix of textures and techniques.

UT Fashion Show: 2010 – 2014

Textile and Apparel students showcase their original designs on the runway, as well as participate in the production process. Consequently, they gain real-world experience to organize a range of industry events, including professional-quality fashion shows.

UT Fashion Show: 2005 – 2009

Before the models take the runway, the event opens with an exhibition in the Lone Star Room at the Erwin Center. Work from all aspects of the textiles and apparel program is on display for attendees, such as computer-aided design, retail merchandising, visual merchandising and historical textiles.

Best Of: Wedding Wear

The Texas-sized fashion show generally includes students’ unique take on wedding designs. From the graceful to the edgy, these wedding ensembles could undoubtedly have come straight out of a high-end bridal shop. To demonstrate, we’re featuring some of our favorite fashion show wedding looks from over the years!

Best Of: Longhorn Styles

Last but not least, it wouldn’t be a University of Texas fashion show without Longhorn-themed apparel! Throughout the history of the fashion show overall, the Erwin Center has seen a wide variety of designs featuring the burnt orange and white: sportswear, evening wear, casual clothing and more.

UT Austin’s Textile and Apparel students study a broad range of subjects at the university, such as science, business and design. In brief, they gain the full spectrum of skills for a career in the fashion industry. In fact, some of the most well-known names in fashion have employed graduates of the program, including: Ralph Lauren, Marc Jacobs, Alexander Wang, Adidas, Loft, Vera Wang, Zac Posen, Under Armour, Brooks Brothers, Fossil, Alexander McQueen in London and Macy’s.

Throughout its 40-year history, the Frank Erwin Center has seen the evolution of some incredible events; for example, the Harlem Globetrotters, iHeartCountry Festival and the UT Fashion Show, among others. We can’t wait to get back into the arena to continue bringing the best live entertainment to you!