The Houston-based fashion house Petra Stellam introduced its second runway collection during an engaging event, highlighting the creative process and themes of the collection.
The Houston-based fashion house Petra Stellam introduced its second runway collection, “A Romantic Hypothesis,” during an event hosted by The Dress Code Club on Thursday, February 27, at the Student Center Theatre. The evening featured a screening of a video showcasing the 35 looks from the collection, followed by a panel discussion with key figures from the fashion house.
The panel included designer and co-creative director Luis Ruiz, known as Lu, co-creative director Krusein Allen, referred to as K, and social media intern coordinator Madisyn Silva. The discussion provided insights into the brand’s creative process, as students expressed their interest in understanding the intent and stylistic choices behind the collection.
English senior Eliza Viriegas shared her enthusiasm for the event, stating, “I have seen this show online and I really wanted to know the thought process behind the collection. What it was they envisioned, what they wanted to encapture and their overall ideas behind this collection.” Similarly, communications sophomore Rodrigo Toledo remarked on the artistic inspiration, noting, “Even though I’m not super familiar with fashion, and this being my first exposure to the brand, it was interesting to see how the designers and collaborators brought the collection to life.”
During the panel, the team discussed how “A Romantic Hypothesis” aimed to push boundaries within the fashion industry by challenging traditional expectations through innovative use of materials and presentation. Allen emphasized this goal, stating, “We wanted to challenge perceptions. Black garments aren’t just black, they can be made in different colors, fabrics or concepts.”
Ruiz elaborated on the brand’s mission to showcase the various roles involved in the design, creation, and execution of a runway show. He specifically highlighted the critical yet often overlooked role of the pattern maker, explaining that every piece of clothing begins with a pattern, making the process of bringing a design to life as significant as the final product. “People wear clothes without always knowing where they come from, but everything starts with the pattern,” Ruiz said, describing the transformative moment when a pattern is translated into a garment.
Inspiration for the collection centered around themes of purity and creation. Allen articulated the metaphorical connection between pattern paper and various stages of growth, asserting that “Pattern paper has a sense of purity and youthful innocence, while dirt holds endless potential. You can plant fields in dirt, build structures and create worlds.” The designs were intended to visually represent the growth from pattern paper—symbolizing seeds—into fully formed garments, akin to flowers blossoming.
The evening concluded with Ruiz reflecting on the team effort required for the runway show’s success. He also teased insights about their upcoming collection, encapsulated succinctly in the phrase, “What makes you fitted?”
Source: Noah Wire Services
