Heather Javech had no doubt she wanted to go into fashion from age 15. When she came to the University of Texas to study corporate communication studies as well as textiles and apparel, she eagerly formed her career trajectory around her passion and joined Hook’d Magazine to get any experience she could.
Now, in the spring semester of her freshman year, Javech stood backstage waiting alongside other models. She was jittering with excitement but knew she had to keep her composure when it was time to walk the runway. As she grew more nervous, she wished she were earlier in line. On the other side of the curtain, guests filed into every seat and lined the walls.
When she strutted out in her black platform boots and skull crochet vest in her runway debut, Javech instantly felt in her element. As the audience attentively observed the details of her garments and cameras flashed at her every movement, she remained locked in and focused. “I killed it,” she thought to herself, jumping around with confidence the second she walked behind the wall.
“I remember thinking I want to do this for the rest of my life, and it was kind of an emotional moment for me,” Javech said. “I was always very ambitious and knew what I wanted to do but it was all very conceptual, so this was a moment of realizing that I was right about my future and what my passion is in life.”
Hook’d Magazine hosted its third annual fashion show on April 13 at Dottiewood Studios, giving students the opportunity to emerge into a creative space and bring their dreams and visions to life. After the show, Hook’d members revealed the cover of the spring magazine issue, “Sanctum.” The event exhibited the two most meaningful projects in one night for Hook’d, which is completely run by students and launched in fall 2020.
“It was beautiful, seeing this moment mean something unique to each individual and everyone able to still come together and support each other through a shared interest,” Javech said.
Ava Richards, principal events coordinator for the publication, began working on the fashion show plans in December 2023. For months, Richards and the Hook’d executive team sorted through an influx of designer, model, and hair and makeup applications and managed the tryout rounds. Weeks leading up to the show they held meetings with designers and frequent workshops where models practiced perfecting their walks.
“Hook’d is founded on accepting creatives of all levels and backgrounds,” Richards, a second-year advertising student, said. “It’s a good experience if you’re interested in building your portfolio or just to have fun, create an event, be part of a showcase and have your friends come see it all happen.”
When the Hook’d members pulled up to the venue in a Fetii at 4 p.m., there were only two hours until guests would be impatiently waiting at the door. It was all hands on deck to transform an empty warehouse into a vibrant creative scene.
Guests walked in the door at 6 p.m. as the DJ mixed some groovy pop hits. Members poured champagne at the bar, jewelry vendors lined the walls, and rows of white chairs formed a fashion runway that dominated the center of the room.
“It’s a very overwhelming process, but as things get together and work itself out, I definitely get less stressed and start enjoying the event a little bit more,” Richards said. “It’s such a rewarding process to see everything come together from start to finish and see all your hard work pay off.”
The designers have a vision for their collections, and everyone works to create that for the show. From bohemian beachwear and floral patterns to fierce smokey makeup and industrial streetwear, six versatile collections by six student designers captivated the audience.
After rediscovering her love for crocheting over the pandemic, UT student Natalia Guerrero never thought she would be unveiling her personalized clothing collection at a fashion show or walking down a runway herself. With the encouragement from Hook’d members, she brought her collection to life and followed her models onto the runway in a fitted black dress layered over a white blouse.
“It was a really cool experience because I never thought I would be able to do something like this, especially in college,” said Guerrero, who studies race, indigeneity, migration, and Mexican American studies. “It was just like a big relief, like oh my gosh, I did it and it’s crazy it’s going to be over now.”
When the show came to a close, the audience began to buzz with excitement and conversation. Lines for the cocktail bar got longer and music filled the room. As hugs were exchanged, gifts and florals were shared.
But guests scurried back to the runway as Hook’d members carried out the magazine issue cover, concealed in a black sheet. Hook’d model Josemanuel Vazquez casually leaned against a wall, clueless that in a few moments he would be revealed as the cover model. The audience chanted, “Five, four, three, two, one” as the editor-in-chief unveiled the design, and all heads turned to Vazquez, shocked as he walked down the runway.
“The spotlight’s on me for a few moments. That’s never really happened,” Vazquez said. “I just felt the love and support from everyone. It was just such a nice feeling.”
Gearing up to be a civil engineer is nothing like working in the fashion industry, but Vazquez has passion for both. Creative projects with Hook’d continue to bring Vazquez new opportunities from Austin photographers and UT students wanting to shoot and film with him.
“It’s a beautiful feeling, creating artistic content,” Vazquez said. “I wanted to encourage anyone who’s wanting to go into anything artistic to just go for it. Don’t let anyone stop you.”
Hook’d attempts to recruit new members at the event by showing them what the publication is all about. Richards said they’re dedicated to keeping a classy image by creating an inclusive and welcoming environment.
“(We) make sure everyone leaves (the show) with an experience, something they learned, or gained (an) interest in joining the Hook’d community,” Richards said.