Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Washington.
Hi Michelle, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Fashion has been the common thread throughout my career, but over time my focus evolved from building brands to telling the stories behind them.
After years of working across different areas of the fashion industry and appearing as a fashion expert on television, I recognized that Texas is home to an incredible community of designers, manufacturers, retailers, educators, and entrepreneurs whose stories often go untold. While fashion capitals like New York, Paris, and Milan receive most of the attention, there is a thriving fashion ecosystem right here in Texas that deserves a spotlight.
That realization inspired me to create Behind the SEAMS®, an award-winning television series that takes viewers behind the scenes of the Texas fashion industry. Each episode highlights the people, businesses, and creative professionals who are shaping the industry (their success and failures) while giving audiences an inside look at the work that happens beyond the runway.
Today, my mission is to use television as a platform to educate, connect, and celebrate the Texas fashion community. By showcasing local talent and industry leaders, I hope to inspire the next generation of creatives while helping audiences discover the people and businesses that make Austin and Texas such vibrant places for fashion.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Producing an independent television series requires wearing many hats—from researching and booking guests to coordinating production, marketing each episode, and building an audience. Behind the SEAMS® is a passion project fueled by a genuine belief that the Texas fashion industry deserves greater visibility.
One of the biggest challenges has been helping people understand that fashion is much more than clothing. It’s an ecosystem of designers, manufacturers, textile suppliers, retailers, educators, stylists, and entrepreneurs who all contribute to our local economy. Those stories deserve to be documented and shared.
Like many independent productions, securing financial support has also been an ongoing challenge. Community sponsorships and underwriting play an important role in making it possible to continue producing high-quality episodes that shine a spotlight on Texas fashion businesses and the creative professionals behind them.
Despite those challenges, every episode reminds me why this work matters. Hearing guests share their journeys, introducing viewers to businesses they never knew existed, and helping elevate the visibility of our local fashion community makes every obstacle worthwhile.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work is centered on shining a spotlight on the Texas fashion industry through meaningful storytelling. I believe fashion is much more than what people see on a runway or in a retail store—it’s an entire ecosystem of designers, manufacturers, patternmakers, educators, retailers, stylists, and entrepreneurs whose work often goes unnoticed. My passion is giving those individuals a platform to share their expertise, celebrate their accomplishments, and inspire others who want to pursue careers in fashion.
What I’m most proud of is creating a platform that didn’t exist before. The series has received a proclamation from the City of Austin as well as national recognition (The Award of Excellence at the Communicator Awards), but what means even more to me is hearing guests say they finally feel seen and that their stories matter. Every episode helps preserve the history of Texas fashion while introducing audiences to the remarkable talent in our own backyard.
I believe what sets me apart is my commitment to serving the industry rather than simply covering it. I’m not just interviewing guests—I’m building a lasting archive of the people, businesses, and ideas that are shaping the future of fashion in Texas. My goal is for Behind the SEAMS® to become the definitive television destination for discovering the creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship that make our state’s fashion community so unique.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I’m naturally curious, so I consume information from a variety of sources rather than relying on a single book or podcast. I regularly read fashion and business news to stay informed about industry trends and emerging companies, but I also learn a great deal by having conversations with the guests who appear on Behind the SEAMS®. Every interview gives me a chance to see the industry through someone else’s perspective, whether they’re a designer, manufacturer, retailer, educator, or entrepreneur.
I also believe in learning by doing. Producing a television series has taught me lessons that no textbook could—from storytelling and production to marketing and audience engagement. Every season makes me a better interviewer, producer, and communicator.
If I had to share one resource that has had the greatest impact on my work, it would simply be the people willing to share their knowledge and experiences. Their stories continually challenge me to think differently, ask better questions, and keep learning.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.stylistmichellewashington.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindtheseamstvshow/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TVStyleExpertMichelle
- Other: https://www.stylistmichellewashington.com/behindtheseamstvshow
