Fall 2023!

Fall 2023 brought some of the most well-known names in the industry to join SFF’s second annual fall festival. Designers and Models traveled from Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Houston to share in our vision for a more sustainable future.

The New Weekend Agenda:

Friday Night

Partner Up with Saloon

We opened the weekend with a community-building activation hosted in partnership with Saloon, a platform focused on intentional social connection. This speed-friending session gave attendees a chance to meet fellow festival-goers, network with like-minded creatives, and form new connections before diving into the weekend’s events. Designed to support inclusivity and accessibility, this mixer created a warm and welcoming atmosphere for solo attendees and returning guests alike.

Throughout the weekend, guests engaged with a range of immersive and community-driven experiences:

  • The Living Closet (in partnership with GOOD Group ATX, 5–9 PM): A curated, borrowable closet featuring high-quality secondhand garments for styling and exploration.

  • Art Gallery Exhibition: A curated show featuring local artists whose work explores themes of textile waste, memory, and material storytelling.

  • Sustainable Vendor Marketplace: A diverse lineup of independent designers, vintage curators, and upcycling artists, all committed to ethical production and circular fashion.

  • Complimentary Beverage Stations: Featuring local beverage sponsors, keeping guests refreshed and energized throughout the event.

Opening Panel Discussion:

Mastering Secondhand Style

This engaging conversation brought together leaders from Austin’s vintage and thrift community to discuss the evolving role of secondhand fashion in sustainability, culture, and personal identity. Panelists shared insights on shopping secondhand, styling with intention, and the broader impact of circular fashion practices.

Featured Panelists:

  • Dominique Kirven – Founder, Thrifted Feels

  • Terrika Mitchell – Owner, LUVINTAGE Boutique

  • Taylor Dominique – Model Coach & Creative Director

Attendees walked away with both practical tips and a deeper understanding of how secondhand fashion can drive meaningful change.

The Fall 2023 edition of Slow Fashion Festival launched with a high-impact Friday evening designed to foster community, showcase sustainable style, and introduce our new interactive workshops: hands-on experiences where guests could learn directly from experts in modeling, photography, and vintage fashion.

Vintage Style-a-Thon

& Photo Workshop

This interactive session blended live fashion styling, movement education, and photography, creating a fully immersive learning and creative experience for participants.

Styling Team:

  • Dominique KirvenThrifted Feels

  • Terrika MitchellLUVINTAGE Boutique

  • Elizabeth AguilarSister-2-Sister Vintage

  • Nicole NystulPoor Baby Vintage

Pose & Movement Workshop:
Led by Taylor Dominique, this model coaching session empowered attendees to embody confidence and creativity in front of the camera.

Photography Support:
Precision Camera provided hands-on instruction, backdrops, and technical tips for photographing slow fashion looks with intention and artistry.

Set Design:
The space was transformed by Ashley Martin of Very Cherry Vintage, creating an editorial backdrop for styling and photography.

This activation was capped at 20 participants to ensure an intimate and impactful experience.

Panel Highlights:

Real Talk from Industry Changemakers

  • Moderator Emily Fenves (@thelanderline) led a dynamic conversation with Patricia Chourio of The World’s Corner and Ileana Del Risco of Modi on the evolving impact of the fashion industry. The panel explored how sustainability, cultural preservation, technology, and consumer behavior have continued to reshape fashion. Emily spoke about making ethical fashion more approachable through secondhand shopping, mending, and embracing imperfection. Patricia shared insights from her work with artisan communities and highlighted the power of digital storytelling in building ethical fashion platforms. Ileana discussed how Modi’s data-driven tools have helped brands improve fit and inclusivity through virtual sizing technology. Together, the speakers unpacked fashion’s current influence and envisioned a more conscious, community-driven future.

  • Moderated by Leah Bury, this panel explores how collaboration fuels innovation, sustainability, and longevity in fashion. Panelists include stylist and regenerative fashion advocate Jillian Carey Colin, designer and Inspired 2 Modify founder Destini Cooks, and Taylor Henderson, founder of Flavors Studio. Together, they’ll discuss how partnerships—across disciplines and identities—drive creativity, reduce burnout, and create more inclusive, sustainable fashion systems.

  • (Sponsored by PACT)

    This panel, moderated by Reza Cristián, explored what sustainability looks like across fashion and design today. Camille of WearEmOut Tees and SaSha Rachel of Aomih shared insights on circularity, ethical sourcing, and building sustainable brand identities.

    Camille highlighted the need to reduce overproduction and embrace slower fashion. SaSha emphasized designing for longevity, working with ethical manufacturers, and avoiding greenwashing. Together, they discussed how businesses can integrate sustainability at every level, from supply chain to consumer engagement.

    The panel ended with a live audience Q&A, and attendees received a 15% discount code from PACT to support their next sustainable purchase.

Saturday

Guests were welcomed back into a space transformed for a day of reflection, education, and community connection. With fresh programming and new vendor offerings, attendees could explore the Living Closet by GOOD Group ATX, shop from sustainable designers, and take in a curated gallery show highlighting textile art and environmental storytelling.

11Designers!

This time from far & wide

Fall 2023 brought some of the most well-known names to join the Slow Fashion Festival runway. Designers traveled in from Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Houston to share their visions for a more sustainable future through fashion.

Notably, Psychic Outlaw, one of the original upcycling pioneers, debuted ten fresh looks that celebrated their signature craftsmanship and textile storytelling. Joanne Sunny K also revealed a stunning new collection, blending intricate design with bold, expressive silhouettes.

A surprise moment of the evening came when Gabbriette, the model, musician and Brat, walked the runway for Formula S7, turning heads and electrifying the crowd.

  • Eesa Rani Style is a bespoke size inclusive apparel and accessory brand specializing in upcycling reclaimed global textiles and uplifting the art of dressing beyond boundaries. I founded the brand around three guiding principles:textile should never go waste, there is no such thing as too much color (or bling), always bring the sparkle.
    Eesa Rani is my heart. I've been making clothes since I was a little girl "borrowing" my mom's dish towels to make dresses for my dolls. Every piece I make has piece of my soul, with a dash of shimmer and sass, and a whole lot of love.
    Eesa Rani's mission is to make the world a little brighter one unique creation at a time. Life's short, bring the sparkle.

  • Formula S7 emerged from curiosity and rebellion (in 2020 - but has been a lifelong passion turned into reality) against the existing norms of fashion industry and society. How can one express themselves through their style without harm to the environment? How can clothes become a personal reflection of one’s mind projected into the outside world? Is it possible to navigate fashion and its rules while staying true to oneself? Formula S7 tries to answer these questions through exploration of possibilities that open up with the rise of circular economy. For the brand designer - Anastasia fabrics become canvas for putting chaotic, often contradicting thoughts into the world, playing with them and using them as a tool to challenge the industry norms with more inclusive, eco-conscious approach that still puts personal style and freedom of expression as priorities. Moral messages hidden in the clothes reflect the need to uplift and bring carefree fun to the wardrobes of bold individuals who dare to make a bigger impact starting with their own closets. The brand challenges the notion that being sustainable require sacrifices and instead gives a fresh new twist to the vision of sustainable fashion and its meaning.

    Formula S7 creates a range of clothing that fits into different styles and budgets that are made with full compassion towards environmental issues and fashion’s impact. Customers can choose from different ranges of clothing - from eco-conscious basics, through one of a kind hand-made, daring pieces to totally custom designs that the brand offers on request. Combining sustainability, authenticity and expressive designs make Formula S7 a perfect fashion choice for individuals demanding more from their clothes. Formula S7 shows that sustainable fashion doesn’t have to be boring and constraining. The brand inspires and educates to express yourself through your style without compromising on the environment.

  • SHOPEARTHGURL is a fun, handmade crochet and jewelry brand that focuses on creating pieces with fit and quality in mind. SHOPEARTHGURL uses a slow approach to creating to ensure a unique and sustainable experience.

  • This is an introduction to the new collection that would be unveiled at the fashion show.

    Introducing "Roar in Style" – a Spring-Summer collection that celebrates individuality and utterly stylish clothing, inspired by traditional Indian motifs beautifully incorporating the color of the year: Viva Magenta! Crafted with 100% modal satin fabrics, these ensembles offer a silky smooth, lightweight, and luxurious fluidity that gives you the freedom to explore the world while reinventing yourself.

    At its core, "Roar in Style" draws inspiration from "The Tree of Life," symbolizing the source and diversity of life itself. Just as this force connects and binds all lives together, irrespective of cultures, religions, genders, races, and nations, the collection embodies inclusivity and self-expression. Each vibrant and beautiful piece is designed to empower your inner voice, urging you to be bold and act upon your desires. Clothes hold incredible potential to shape our minds, and with "Roar in Style," you can embrace not only stunning fashion but also a renewed sense of confidence and liberation. Step into a world where judgments fade away, leaving space for the vibrant and beautiful persona that is uniquely YOU!

  • In 2019, Psychic Outlaw was born out of Creator & Owner Rebecca Wright’s lifelong obsession with buying and creating unique clothing. Homed in Austin, TX, Psychic Outlaw has quickly blossomed into a small team of creatives dedicated to creating sustainable, happy, handmade clothing using recycled, vintage and antique textiles.

  • Honey Fatale is a brand that hopes to embody soft feminity. Everything is handmade and completely customizable to any body shape or size.

  • Created in 2021 Artists Richesart and Dadrophet combined they're brands to create Rich Prophet. Inspired by always being covered in paint and the art of upcycling. We strive to create custom contemporary street looks inspired by vintage high fashion. Our brand is here to inspire with nostalgia.

  • Flavors Creative Group started in Austin, Tx in 2017, providing essential streetwear with a community focused message.

    After a couple of years, FCG became known as an Austin staple brand, providing insight to sustainable design and creating seasonal garment collections for streetwear enthusiasts, with a sustainable and up cycling approach.

    FCG continues its legacy through providing clothing and transparent practices to our community and beyond, partnering with artists along the way to gain exposure to a scene so neat and dear to the Flavors brand.

  • CiscoSews is an upcycler and slow-fashion creator based in Phoenix, AZ. They create gender free fashion made from 100% second-hand materials. We believe in preservation through transformation - reusing what is old to meet the needs of today and into tomorrow.

  • Hi my name is Elly Abels and I am a fashion designer for my brand, Elly Abels Designs. I focus on bringing retro and recycled art to fashion in a sustainable way. By using thrifted or recycled materials, I love to make one-of-a-kind fashion, heavily inspired by vintage silhouttes. I am inspired by 60s & 70s big colorful fashion, as well as all the fun details from flowing sleeves to bell bottoms to even the shoulder pads of the 80s. I want to make people happy with fashion by bringing a splash of color to their lives and to be completely honest & transparent with them. Sustainability & honesty are the 2 biggest values to my brand that I aim to honor throughout my career. I am from Austin, Texas and I plan to keep things weird here in Austin :)

  • Ex fashion industry worker of 12 years turned independent designer made her passion for making clothing into a carefully curated brand that celebrates the beauty of vintage materials.

    She believes in sustainable fashion practices by creating one of a kind and made to order items so we are not overproducing. We are committed to quality craftsmanship making sure that every garment is made with the utmost care and attention to detail, ensuring each piece will withstand the test of time.

    Her designs are vintage inspired, rich in bold colors, and infused with modern sensibility creating garments that radiate joy and self-expression. Every piece tells a story and every outfit is an expression of your own unique spirit.

72 Models walked in the 2023 Fall Show

Ajouk Otto – Amarys Dejai – Anthony Leon – Anthony Williams – Ari – Ariee Silverstein – Ash – Bianca Xoyamayagua-Galvan – Blanche – Brizza Booker – Chapin Patel – Ci Ci – Clarissa Jane – Dailani Barton – Danielle Pierce – Davin Pham – Deborah Willson – Dominique Ruffin – Divya Rao – Divya Roa – Ethan Espinoza – Fulani – Gabbriette – Griffin Rans – Hannah Katherine – Joey Navarro – Jordan – Joseph Daniels – Justin Moss – Kassandra – Keelin Saunders – Khammila Shimray – Kyla Daley – LaClea Miles – Landon Merrell – Lauryn – Lexi – Lily Longmire – Lilly Wylde – Logan Lasiter – Maliabo – Marc-Rene Baharanyi – Mar Beltran – Mimo Gorman – Misha Pahl – Monica Rose – Monte Coleman – Moria Smalls – Naajah – Nani Melendez – Natalia Vargas – Niyahnee Thomas – Noelle Lewis – Peter Hutchinson – Ruth Wolfryd – Sarah Miah Silva – Sarah Silva – Savanna Harsh – Savannah Marie – Simi Gilani – Sophia Bachand – Sydney Isik – Terae Collins – Temi Idowu – Taylor Dominique – Tim Phillips – Victoria Sueiro – Vineeth – Yanett Heredia – Yuki – Zoe Sibrenne

Sunday

Our mission has always been to showcase every link in the chain!

Our mission has always been to showcase every link in the chain!

Sunday Reflections:

Community in Action

Sunday invited attendees to slow down, reflect, and reimagine what fashion can be. The day began with doors opening to the Slow Maker’s Market and an intimate grounding session led by Rabia Meghani of Inbodied Collective, setting an intentional tone for the day.

From there, panelists dove into urgent conversations: "Enough is Enough" challenged the capitalist structures suppressing community-driven solutions, while "How Slow Fashion Opens the Door to Inclusivity" highlighted the power of sustainability to create space for broader representation in fashion.

Throughout the day, guests explored the Living Closet by GOOD Group ATX, viewed local artwork, shopped consciously from our vendor lineup, and enjoyed drinks from our generous sponsors.

Slow Fashion Maker's Market

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Slow Fashion Maker's Market -

  • Sunday began with a calming, intentional session led by Rabia Meghani, founder of Inbodied Collective. Through gentle movement, breathwork, and reflective journaling, participants grounded themselves before a full day of panels and programming. This accessible practice invited attendees to slow down, connect inward, and carry mindfulness into the rest of the festival.

  • This panel explored the intersections of fashion, capitalism, and community care. Experts unpacked how traditional systems suppress collective solutions and highlighted the power of the share economy to challenge overproduction, build trust, and foster resilience through collaboration.

  • This powerful panel explored how slow fashion challenges industry norms by centering people over profit. Speakers discussed how intentional, sustainable practices create space for diverse identities, body types, and stories—shifting fashion from exclusive to inclusive. Through slow fashion, we reimagine style as a tool for representation, accessibility, and justice.

Thank you to our 2023 Vendors!

Poorbaby Fashion – Ugly Kid – Thee Junkyard Dog – Endless Red – Sunshine Dimension – Sappy Go Lucky – Opal Dreams Jewelry – Lumika by Faye – Kosh-a – Shop Soul Rebel – Gaytes Crochet – Mary C Snyder Art – Ashdel – Whole Grayn – Sister 2 Sister Vintage – Sweater Porn – Disfray – QMRK – The Porcelain Pigeon – Picnic Party – Very Cherry Vintage – Truffles 4 Transformation – Pa Pe Studio

Fall 2024 Look Book

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Fall 2024 Look Book ~

Photos by Jacob @colorsxj

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Photos by Jacob @colorsxj ~

2022 Look Book

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2022 Look Book ~

Photos by MadisonDee / @Madison._.Dee

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Photos by MadisonDee / @Madison._.Dee ~

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