ERIN SIMMONS studio

My Spring Highlights from Backstage and Beyond

Most people don’t realize Austin actually has a pretty vibrant fashion scene. Sure, it’s not New York or Paris—but there’s something special happening here, and I do my best to stay involved in as much of it as I can. This spring, I wanted to bring you along for a peek behind the scenes.

Catch the video here.

Austin Fashion Week

From Front-of-House to Backstage Magic

I’ve been participating in Austin Fashion Week in various ways since the fall of 2022. That first year, I volunteered front-of-house, helping with runway seating setup, checking tickets, and post-show cleanup. It was a great entry point—but by spring of 2023, I realized I wanted to be closer to the heart of the action. I started working backstage, and aside from modeling in the fall 2023 show, I’ve stayed there ever since.

Since then, I’ve been volunteering backstage (or BOH, as we say), and I honestly wouldn’t have it any other way.

Back-of-house is chaotic, creative, and alive.
My favorite job? Quick-changing models.

If you’ve ever watched a runway show and wondered how one model appears in two completely different outfits within minutes—there’s a whole crew making that magic happen. I get to be one of those people! Helping models switch looks in record time, keeping everything on schedule, making sure designers have what they need, steaming last-minute wrinkles, coordinating timing and flow—it’s all hands on deck, and I love it.

Building Community + Creative Fuel

What makes it even more special is the community. I’ve built connections with incredible designers whose work continues to inspire me, and I’ve formed real friendships with models and photographers I’ve now been seeing show after show.

Every time I leave, I feel creatively recharged and more determined to keep building my own skill set and vision.

What I Wore Backstage

Comfort meets style, all day long

This year, Austin Fashion Week ran from May 8–10, 2025. I was once again honored to be part of the backstage team. Volunteering means long hours on my feet—15-hour days, to be exact—so comfort is key when it comes to my outfit.

Here’s a photo of what I wore on Saturday to survive the hustle while still feeling like me:

Black cropped pants I upcycled from a pair of thrifted skinnies, paired with an oversized COS button-up. I belted it with a studded belt I found on Poshmark for cheap—adds just the right edge. Chunky silver hoops for some shine, and my Naturalizer flats that I hacked with elastic lacing because the original straps wouldn’t stay on. Comfortable, functional, and put together without trying too hard.

The shoes…

Before I fixed ’em

After I fixed ’em

Behind the Curtain

Why I don’t take much backstage content

I don’t capture a lot of backstage content, for a couple of reasons:

1. There’s a lot of nudity in these spaces, and I deeply respect the privacy of the models.
   
2. The pace backstage is fast. I need to be ready to pivot at a moment’s notice, and there’s just not time to have my phone in hand.
   

But I did manage to grab a few quick clips and you can find them here.

Slow Fashion Fest

A Day of Sustainable Style + Community

Another highlight of the season was Slow Fashion Fest, which took place on April 26, 2025.

This event was originally launched in the fall of 2022 by Leah Bury, Reza Cristián, and Mikaela Friedman as a three-day celebration of sustainable style—complete with panels, a fashion show, marketplace, and art gallery.

This year’s version was more streamlined, condensed into a single powerful day, but it still featured a beautiful array of designers championing sustainability and creativity.

What I Wore to Slow Fashion Fest

Reconstructed and reimagined.

For events like this, I wear something upcycled or handmade by me from sustainable materials.

This year’s outfit? The top was made from a Topshop mini skirt I thrifted. It didn’t fit my hips and booty (we’ve all been there), but I loved the fabric—so I deconstructed it, reshaped it, added the vintage pink rickrack, and voilà: something new, something more me.

Final Thoughts

Spring in Austin has been a whirlwind of community, creativity, and couture—and I’m so grateful to be part of it.

Whether I’m behind the scenes at Fashion Week, designing one-of-a-kind pieces, or guiding clients as a style coach, moments like these remind me why I do what I do.

Thanks for following along—I’ve got more stories, style, and slow fashion to share with you soon.
💫 Erin