‘Beyond the Seams’ Podcast Explores the Stories Behind Texas Style

What can a pair of boots, a custom cowboy hat or a mariachi suit tell us about Texas?

Those are the kinds of questions explored in Beyond the Seams, a podcast hosted by TCU Fashion Merchandising senior instructor Stephanie Bailey that examines the people, traditions and industries behind some of the state's most recognizable styles.

The podcast grew from a desire to share the TCU Historic Costume Collection with a broader audience and use fashion to document the history of Fort Worth and Texas.

Supported by a grant from Humanities Texas, the project transforms garments and objects into entry points for exploring the people, businesses, traditions and communities that have defined Texas style.

“Many people here at TCU and in the community do not know about the collection, so we thought this would be a good way to reach out to the community and catalogue the history while illustrating the vital role fashion plays in society,” Bailey said.

Through conversations with craftspeople, industry professionals and other experts, Bailey takes listeners beyond the finished product to explore the history, materials and craftsmanship that shape fashion and dress.

Current episodes explore Texas style from a range of perspectives. The Fabric of Texas traces denim from cotton production to custom garment construction, while Ten Gallons of Texas Hats features Brad Peters of Peters Brothers Hats and the tradition of custom hat making. Other episodes examine the cultural significance and craftsmanship of mariachi dress, the history and future of leather and the role Fort Worth's Stockyards have played in shaping Western boot culture. 
 
More Than What We Wear
Through the interviews, Bailey has found a common thread among the people preserving and advancing these traditions.

“Texans are proud of their state and proud of their craft,” she said. “The people I've interviewed have either developed an industry or are carrying on a Texas tradition through dress. They are deeply invested, and it reflects in the quality of the work.” 
For Bailey, those stories also offer an opportunity to challenge the idea that fashion is simply decorative or frivolous.

“Fashion impacts how each of us interacts on a daily basis,” Bailey said. “It affects how you see people and how they see you, how you feel about yourself and how you relate to others. Dress is the first nonverbal communicator in all societies.”

With six episodes already available on major podcast platforms, Bailey plans to continue exploring the people, history and craftsmanship behind what Texans wear with six new episodes this academic year.