Dressed to Impress: How a UNT grad built his fashion brand and designed for Cher and the First Lady

Fashion designer and University of North Texas (UNT) alumnus Michael Faircloth shares insights into the bespoke couture process and his transition from aspiring lawyer to high-end designer. Operating from his Dallas studio, Faircloth emphasizes the importance of "double education," combining technical skills learned at UNT with retail experience gained at Neiman Marcus. His career highlights include dressing celebrities like Cher during his student years and designing the inaugural gown for First Lady Laura Bush, a garment now permanently housed in the Smithsonian’s First Lady’s Collection. The design process involves translating initial sketches into muslins tailored to a client's specific proportions to ensure both confidence and comfort. Success in custom design relies on a designer's ability to observe a client’s movements and emotional responses to a garment, prioritizing the creative fulfillment of making individuals feel beautiful over traditional professional paths.