Bridal Fashion Show: Say Yes to the Dress, or Pants?

Creations by students in the Texas Tech's Department of Apparel Design and Manufacturing serve as evidence that the fashion industry is moving away from the traditional wedding dress.

At the Texas Tech Bridal Fashion Show, beginning at 3 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 19) at the Texas Tech Museum, attendees will see a variety of wedding gowns, including a pair of pants designed by Cynthia Olivares.

Olivares, a senior apparel design and manufacturing major, said the pants were inspired from an image she came across on weddinginspirasi.com.

“At first, I wasn’t sure what fabric or colors I was going to choose, but after looking at fabric choices with the help of Ms. Anderson, I decided on turquoise and gold,” Olivares said. “These colors and the designs of my fabric made me think of Bollywood and Indian brides.”

Rachel Anderson, an apparel design instructor, said Olivares’ creative mix of design and colorful illustrations are always a joy to see.

“Cynthia’s dress exhibits an eclectic mix of traditional bridal styling and international cultural influences,” Anderson said. 

Olivares said she envisions a nontraditional bride wearing her design.

“She could be someone who is uncomfortable with dresses or just wants something that will stand out and be comfortable to wear,” Olivares said.

With plans for her model’s makeup to mimic the theme of romantic Indian brides, Olivares fully embraces the Bollywood image.

“I am also wanting to have a bridal bindi placed over her eyebrows,” Olivares said. “I wanted to keep the accessories simple, just of a couple of bangles on her wrists.  I am also making her headpiece, which is a turban headband, out of the same fabric as the pants.”

In mere months, Olivares’ graduation will mark the beginning of a career in the industry. She said it now seems a bit silly when she thinks about the reasons she chose apparel design.

“In grade school, I remember drawing lots of figures, and my female classmates would say they would wear what I had drawn if it was real,” Olivares said. “During the last semester of my senior year, I took an apparel design class and ended up loving it.”

As a high school student, Olivares, who grew up in Slaton, was involved with Texas Tech Upward Bound. Spending Saturdays on campus and several summer sessions in the dorms made her feel very comfortable becoming a Red Raider.

On Saturday (Nov. 19), AnJulie Hira, Olivares’ model, will wear the outfit and walk the runway with other dresses and designs by students in the Department of Apparel Design and Manufacturing.

Admission is free, and a reception will follow the show.