WRESTLING’S FRESHEST FITS: SXSW PANEL EXPLORES FASHION, STYLE & STORYTELLING
Words: Mimi aka #TheWrestlingChic
Wrestling and fashion have always walked the same runway, just with a little more body along the way. This year at SXSW in Austin, TX, the crossover between style and suplexes takes center stage with a "Fashion & Wardrobe Design/Styling in Professional Wrestling" panel. The panel, hosted by Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s resident columnist and industry expert Candace Cordelia Smith, will be a must-see discussion that pops off on March 9 at 4:00 PM CST at the Austin Convention Center.
Style is the Gimmick, Drip is the Legacy
In pro wrestling, one would say, you’re only as memorable as your gimmick. Think about it: when you hear names like "Macho Man" Randy Savage, Bianca Belair, Charlotte Flair, and Darius Carter, you don’t just remember the elbow drop or 360 Splash; you picture the fringed robes, diamonds and gems and regal threads. Ric Flair? Dripped out in designer robes with gold trims and a Rolex in tow. The Rock? Hard bottoms and Versace silk shirts became as iconic as the raised eyebrow. Fashion isn't just a side act in wrestling; it’s part of the main event.
This SXSW panel will break down why and how style matters. From indie wrestlers carving out their visual identity to major superstars setting trends inside and outside the ring, it’s all about aesthetic power moves.
Meet the Architects of Wrestling’s Flyest Looks
This lineup is stacked with fashion undisputed Champs who have put their stamp on fashion in the pro wrestling industry:
- King Troi – A stylist whose work touches not just wrestling, but the entertainment space at large. When stars like, Woody the Greatest McClain and WWE Superstar couple duo Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins need next-level presentation, he's the go-to;
- Sarath “Mikaze” Ton – As a costume designer and seamstress, he’s been behind some of the most legendary wrestling gear of the modern era;
- Yolanda The Designer – A powerhouse in wrestling fashion, she's designed for WWE, AEW and TNA, shaping the visual legacies of some of the game’s biggest names.
Together, they’ll unpack the process of crafting iconic wrestling looks, the future of fashion in sports entertainment and how styling and costume inspirations influence storytelling.
"Wrestling has always been about making a statement, and that extends far beyond the moves in the ring” says Cordelia, “The way these athletes present themselves visually is just as crucial to their storytelling. With King Troi, Sarath Ton, and Yolanda the Designer on deck, this SXSW panel will spotlight the creative minds shaping the industry's most unforgettable looks."
Whether you’re a die-hard wrestling fan, a fashion junkie, or just someone who loves seeing worlds collide in cool ways, this panel is for you! SXSW has always been about pushing culture forward and this year, wrestling is making a power move into the fashion conversation.
Expect an engaging discussion that goes beyond the ring. Don’t miss this unique SXSW experience, where fashion meets the squared circle!
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Catch Mimi, also known as #TheWrestlingChic, co-hosting #TheBuckle: #TurnbuckleTalk, every Tuesday at 6:35PM ET on X Spaces and Thursday at 8:35PM ET w/the rest of the crew on The Black Rasslin' Podcast on YouTube.
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