The UA TREND Fashion Club has decided to launch the first annual University of Arizona Fashion Week. It aspires to bring knowledge about sustainable fashion, wearable technology, DIY, vendors and the use of creativity, style and vintage. It is going to feature brands like Fed by Threads, Last Ones Left Apparel, JJ Bikinis, American Monarchy Clothing Co. and Pitaya.

American Monarchy is a lifestyle brand that provides the Salvation Army with 20 percent of their proceeds so they can promote programs for the country’s youth. American Monarchy is run by 21-year-old Austin Shake, who is from Monterey, California and is a junior here at UA studying business management. Last summer he experienced some adversity and did not receive internship opportunities he believed he deserved. Instead of dwelling on this, he decided to dedicate his free time to creating his business. 

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“Through the process, I became more and more obsessed with fashion,” Shake said. “It really is an industry built off details, which I love. Now this summer I will be working for Macy’s buyer program in NYC.”

Shake always had the goal of putting his business degree to work by creating his own business.

“I feel I can relate and represent myself through American culture,” Shake said about the name of his business American Monarchy. “Our logo includes a bull skull to symbolize our American roots and a crown for the sense of newfound royalty we hope to build here.”

The brand makes a variety of streetwear items like shirts, hoodies and hats.

“Our clothing really tries to represent the communities we serve. It’s simplistic so it can be worn with many styles,” Shake said. 

He said his favorite piece of his line is the baseball tees.

“It’s a pretty ordinary item; I just think it represents our style perfectly,” he said.

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With pop-up shops happening up and down Greek Row and in Shake’s hometown in California,  the American Monarchy brand and movement is growing. Shake said American Monarchy is “ecstatic about the opportunity” to participate in UA Fashion Week and “since it’s the first event ever, we want to really steal the show and build a lasting relationship with the school as we continue to grow.”

UA Fashion Week will be held on the UA Mall from April 26-29, where UA will be channeling New York City to let all attendees feel as though they are living a night in New York. Come out and see American Monarchy light up the stage with its new line on April 29. 

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