Rice University recently sponsored inThread’s second annual fashion event, which celebrated the organization’s objective of practicing sustainable design while also highlighting the development of local talent. The group is Rice University’s student fashion and sewing club. The runway exhibition featured designers across Houston, including students from Houston Community College’s well-regarded fashion design program.
Perforations, this year’s theme, combined fashion with other artistic disciplines to create a singular, immersive experience. It was presented in conjunction with an Archi-Arts show. By challenging the ethical and environmental realities of fashion production, the topic aimed to investigate the concept of discovering “what lies beneath.” To highlight materiality, designers used techniques like tearing, ripping, and cutting, further celebrating the actual skill of clothing production.
“Our fashion show highlights eco-friendly garment creation, sparking conversations about sustainability in the fashion industry,” show organizer and Hanszen College senior Sharon Low said. “We believe fashion should be both an artistic expression and a force for environmental change. Through this platform, we aim to raise awareness of fashion’s impact and encourage conscious consumer choices for a more sustainable future.
“This year’s show featured upcycled garments and designs made from scrap fabric, proving that sustainability can be both innovative and beautiful. More importantly, we hope to inspire our audience — especially those new to fashion — by showing that creativity and sustainability are accessible to everyone. Fashion can be a powerful tool for both self-expression and positive change.”
One noteworthy aspect, according to Low, was the partnership with Archi-Arts, the Rice Architecture Society’s yearly art show.
“This partnership brought an architectural installation to the runway, merging fashion and structural design in a unique, engaging way,” she said. “The result was an innovative, multidisciplinary showcase by Chris Kwon and Jeff Xia that deepened the artistic and conceptual impact of the show.”
Low attributed the success of inThread to her coworkers on the executive team. Alice Bian, Ralphie Xu, Addy Choi, Anwuli Chukwumah, Hugo Gerbich Pais, Alex Jamu, and Jayden Yan concluded the team.
