UA Fashion Week mixes creativity and clothing

The University of Arizona's student-run UA Fashion Week presented student-made designs, including upcycled and DIY pieces, in a show inspired by downtown music festivals.

UA Fashion Week held its ninth annual student-run show on Saturday night with a theme inspired by downtown music festivals. The event was organized by the TREND Fashion Event Board, a group of about 35 students from a range of majors. Students said fashion has been under-represented in Tucson's arts scene and that the show provides a platform for local design. The presentation included student brands, DIY and upcycled pieces, and was the first UA Fashion Week held at the Mercado District. Key details: - The show marked the ninth annual UA Fashion Week and took place on Saturday night. - The TREND Fashion Event Board organized the event and includes roughly 35 students selected through an application process. - The theme drew on local music festivals such as DUSK and the Bear Down Music Festival. - Student designers showcased brands including Ari Everyday Wear by Elias Sitzmann, who learned to sew and began making activewear. - Several designers used thrifted or upcycled materials, and some are selling their pieces locally. - The Mercado District hosted the event for the first time to make the show more accessible to the wider community. Summary: The show highlighted student creativity and offered a public outlet for campus designers while drawing attention to fashion as part of Tucson's arts landscape. Organizers said they are exploring printed copies of Catwalk Magazine; other future plans were not detailed.