Keep Fashion Weird

KFW Issue 1: Fashion forward university students talk self-expression and resistance. "Punk is a fashion expression, and personal expression has always been political."

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Writer + Editor- in-Chief Clarissa Jasso Photographers Nathan Bendeck Texas Fashion for Students Members and leaders A love for fashion that goes beyond just fabric. I’m talking about fashion that influences culture, tells stories, builds community and challenges the status quo. For those craving a different conversation around the clothes we wear, Welcome to Keep Fashion Weird.

I’ve always been a punk. From my insubordinate and argumentative teenage years (as my family often describes) to my stubbornness as an adult, I’ve never been able to take “no” for an answer. That’s probably why after being rejected by every magazine job in my city, I said “fuck it, I’ll make my own.” Besides my bachelor’s degree in journalism and 3 years of professional experience as a freelance writer, I have a deep love for fashion and a “how-hard-could-it-be” mentality, so I’m obviously more than qualified to start a fashion zine from scratch. I’d like to thank Texas Fashion for Students for allowing me to cover their fashion show, the members and leaders willing to talk to me and everyone reading this for giving a punk like me a chance. Sincerly, Clarissa JassoFROM THE EDITOR

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UT organization, Fashion for Students (FFS) hosted their first ever fall semester showcase last year: a post-punk revival fashion show with outfits styled by student members. Alternative styles often emerged as retaliation against mainstream trends, societal norms or political pressures. Punk emerged in the 70s and 80s as a rebuttal to corporate, radio-friendly rock, taking clothing inspiration from working class movements and youth cultures like skinheads and greasers in the 60s. FFS embodies that culture, founded in 2023 to create a safe space for students to express themselves through fashion and individual style. FFS hosts group thrifting events, photo shoots and general meetings allowing members to share and present different aesthetics and fashion history. Their fall showcase features looks from these events, often using clothing from the thrifting trips to put together sustainable and affordable looks fit for the runway. As fashion becomes fads and trends turn monotonous, punk makes a loud return to the runway for these gen-z students.

Joining in 2023 during its creations and moving up the ranks from style committee member to lead, UT senior Vivian Mutty became president of FFS in 2025. “We wanted to host something where people knew there wouldn’t be judgement,” Mutty said. “People can wear whatever they want, we just want people to feel confident.” With a majority of the members being on the alternative side of fashion, punk became the central theme for the show. Mutty said it was a versatile genre that people could interpret in their own way, allowing members to branch out to different subgenres and styles. “Punk is a fashion expression, and personal expression has always been political,” Mutty said. “It has a lot of underlying themes of resistance and counterculture, especially in a time when people might not feel like they have the freedom to express themselves and feel safe.”

MINDSET” “PUNK IS Tapping into punk history and themes of resistance, student stylist Trey Rodriguez worked on four different outfits for the runway. He took heavy inspiration from iconic punk designers like Vivienne Westwood and her looks for The Sex Pistols and The Clash while adding his own gothic twist to modern day silhouettes A

His pieces feature gothic white makeup, black studded suits, silver chains and spiked leather jewelry reminiscent of the military goth styles of the 80’s. “Punk is a culture, a mindset, a look; it is a mix of everything about counterculturing a majority idea,” Rodriguez said. “It’s about being yourself and individuality.”

“IT GOES BEYOND JUST THE FASHION”

The punk theme served as a way for students to expand their understanding of fashion and expression. Sophomore committee member Millicent Doerfler’s style is usually streetwear, but loves the unique symbolism of the punk scene. Millicent’s look took inspiration from British punk, embellishing business and formal attire with silver and leather. Her model stunned in an oversized black blazer finely detailed with safety pins across the lapel over a red tartan skirt. “Streetwear connects to a sense of culture rather than a movement, but punk is about the movement and a way you view life,” Doefler said. “It goes beyond just the fashion.” “I’ve been trying to grow and learn more about different aesthetics rather than just sticking to one,” Doefler said, “and I love this outfit, I’m really enjoying learning about new aesthetics and branching out of my comfort zone.”

“FINDING FFS GAVE ME A COMMUNITY” Fashion for Students has served as a welcoming and safe space for members of all backgrounds and aesthetics. The organization is always accepting new members, and with no formal application required and affordable dues ($20 per semester or $30 for the year,) they remain committed to their central mission of accessibility and acceptance of all people and styles: punks, trendsetters and the like. “I definitely felt scared to be at a big school where I didn’t know anyone, but finding FFS gave me a community,” Mutty said. “Punk to me is embracing yourself and others and just being yourself.”