MFAH’s art-inspired fashion show lights up the runway

By Charlie Cruz     2/4/25 11:00pm

Asian art and contemporary fashion collided at the 2025 Museum of Fine Arts Houston’s Fashion Fusion show Jan. 30, drawing both admiration and critique from event attendees.

In collaboration with Houston Community College’s award-winning fashion design program, the event challenged students and alumni to craft original garments inspired by the museum’s Arts of Asia collection. With the runway framed by the museum’s grand galleries, designers incorporated motifs and aesthetics from Chinese porcelain, Indian textiles, Japanese nature prints and Korean ceramics. 

HCC professor Alex Chapman said the event was a creative deep dive for his students. 

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“It’s a privilege to have this relationship with the MFAH,” Chapman said. “Our students can express themselves and channel the cultural significance of the art they’re inspired by.”  

Among the pieces showcased at the MFAH’s Fashion Fusion show were designs that demonstrated both artistic intricacy and cultural homage.

Estefania Espindola’s “Golden Core” dazzled with opulent gold accents and a structured, voluminous skirt, evoking the refined craftsmanship of Korean celadon pottery. Maria Dyevre’s “A Dream of Nature” featured a green palette with delicate pressed flowers, inspired by Japanese nature aesthetics and traditional screens and creating a dreamlike harmony between organic and artistic forms. Kuteka Hill’s “Dragon Sky” reimagined Chinese mythological dragons with flowing, cloud-like textures in cool blues and whites, capturing a celestial, otherworldly presence on the runway.

These designs, along with others, highlighted the transformative power of fashion as a medium for artistic and cultural expression. 

Though the designs earned praise, some attendees raised concerns about representation. Michelle Lin, an event attendee, expressed disappointment over the absence of diversity among the models. 

“There were very few Asian models,” Lin said. “The designers worked hard, but there was this ‘quirky Asian girl’ stereotype with the hair and makeup that felt disconnected from authentic representation.”

Despite these critiques, the designers were proud of their accomplishments. Many described the creative process as both challenging and rewarding. Dyevre, whose design emphasized the importance of drawing from a broad range of artistic influences. 

“Fashion is for anyone who wants to learn about it,” Dyevre said. “It’s also all about the references you surround yourself with. Music, literature, movies, art — if you immerse yourself in those, you can’t go wrong.”  

Dyevre said the project deepened her admiration for Japanese art. 

“I love how they express nature’s beauty and fragility,” Dyevre said. “That really spoke to me during this creative process.”

Andrea Neal, whose vibrant design “First Night of Fiesta” drew cheers from the audience, spoke about overcoming stage fright. 

“At first, I was intimidated by the challenge of transforming ancient art into fashion,” Neal said. “But in the end, it was so much fun. It felt natural — like I was right where I needed to be.” 

Neal’s advice for aspiring designers was straightforward. 

“Practice,” Neal said. “Find what inspires you and have fun with it.”

The evening’s top honor went to Hill for her design, “Dragon Sky.” Accepting the Best in Show award, Hill expressed her gratitude. 

“This experience has been incredible,” Hill said. “Collaborating with the MFAH has opened new creative possibilities for me.” 

First-place winners, including Hill, earned scholarships to the Glassell School of Art, emphasizing the event’s commitment to fostering emerging creative talent through educational support.

Emily Stein, MFAH’s senior director of development, said that the event reinforced fashion’s status as a serious, research-driven art form. 

“It’s not just about clothes,” Stein said. “It’s about storytelling, identity, and cultural connection. This show lets the public see that fashion is a powerful creative force.”

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