HCC Students Create 'Splendid' Fashions Based on Hapsburg Dynasty

In conjunction with the opening of the Hapsburg Splendor: Masterpieces from Vienna’s Imperial Collections, a selection of fashion design students from Houston Community College were chosen to design an outfit or two based on this era. The Hapsburg Dynasty began in Austria in the late Middle Ages and concluded in the early 20th Century. Houston’s Museum of Fine Arts is currently housing more than 90 works of art, including arms and armor, sculpture, Greek and Roman antiquities, court costumes, carriages, decorative-art objects, and paintings by Caravaggio, Correggio, Giorgione, Rubens, Tintoretto, Titian, and Velázquez.

The evening’s fashion presentation- “Fashion Fusion”- was where 20 garments went down the runway, blending edgy, yet contemporary views taken from the costumes and fabrics from the exhibition. The show was styled by Tamara Klosz Bonar, while the mile-high Marie Antoinette-inspired updos were fashioned by the talented Edward Sanchez and make-up was provided by Tre Spa.

Christian Le, Teresa Rangel, Samira Craig, Alfredo Saucedo, Judi Hallenback, Violet Navarro, Bridget Fizer were among the chosen designers to showcase their ‘splendid’ designs, ranging from ‘Gothic-esque Royalty’ to ‘a day at the races à la Ralph Lauren’ and ending with a magnificent finale of ball gowns.

The panel of judges, which included Fady Armanious, creative fashion director of Tootsies; Helga Aurisch, curator of European art; and Clifford Pugh, editor-in-chief of CultureMap unanimously crowned Christian Le 1st and 3rd place, while Teresa Rangel took home 2nd place.

Habsburg Splendor: Masterpieces from Vienna’s Imperial Collections exhibition will continue to be around until September 13th. For tickets and more information, go HERE.