Beyond Borders: Redefining Fashion in the Heart of Texas
By Jules Aldaz
A model walks at an FGI runway event
San Antonio, long known for its rich culture and colorful traditions, is stepping into a new identity—one stitched in creativity, diversity, and international design. At the heart of this evolution are four powerhouse visionaries: Saige Thomas, Rosa Isela, GeedaJ Fikes, and Max Musas. Together, they are transforming the Alamo City into a global fashion hub—one runway, one collection, one conversation at a time.
This isn’t just a fashion moment. It’s a cultural shift—and it’s happening now.
WEARABLE ART WITH A MESSAGE
“San Antonio is unstoppable. We’re building with soul, talent, and purpose—and there’s no turning back.” – Rosa Isela
Rosa Isela is a Mexican-American milliner whose couture hats are more than accessories—they’re storytelling vessels. With every piece she creates, she honors her roots and invites others to do the same.
As the Regional Director of Fashion Group International for San Antonio and Austin, Rosa is not only elevating her own brand—she’s opening doors for others. “My brand carries soul,” she says. “Each hat connects cultures and empowers women.” To her, international fashion means freedom: the freedom to discover herself through other cultures and the courage to create with authenticity.
“Fashion is not just something you see—it’s something you feel,” Rosa shares. “Being yourself is your greatest luxury.” Her commitment to mentoring others, fostering collaboration, and bringing global conversation to local talent is why she’s one of the most respected figures shaping the region’s future.
THE ARCHITECT OF EXCELLENCE
“My work is about bridging cultural and creative visions with impeccable execution.” – Max Musas
Max Musas, founder of Musas Runway International, brings global elegance to San Antonio’s runways. With production experience spanning the U.S., Mexico, and Europe, Max understands the craftsmanship behind luxury fashion—and how to deliver it at the highest level.
His productions combine Milanese structure with Texan flair, elevating the standard for what fashion shows can be in the region. “Couture is not just about the clothing—it’s about the entire experience,” he explains. Max’s events reflect his commitment to precision, inclusivity, and luxury. From call sheets to casting, every detail is handled with care.
He believes San Antonio is on the brink of transformation. “There’s a hunger here,” Max says. “Designers, stylists, and producers are ready to rise—we just need to give them the right stage.”
ISLAND TRADITION, WORLDLY DESIGN
“My goal is always to remind people of nature’s beauty—and to show them they can wear it.” – Geeda J. Fikes
GeedaJ Fikes, creator of Geeda J Fashions, brings her Caribbean heritage to life with every stitch. From fishing-net-inspired rope dresses to woven straw gowns seen at Texas Fashion Week, her designs merge natural elegance with avant-garde edge.
Raised in the village of La Plaine, Dominica, Geedaj grew up surrounded by vibrant wildlife and ocean landscapes, which still inspire her work. “I grew up watching fishermen mend nets and women braid straw. Those textures and stories live in my collections,” she says.
Her custom design process is intimate and intentional. “They’re not just wearing a dress; they’re wearing a story,” she says. Her fashion classes at the San Antonio Public Library further her mission to inspire and educate the next generation of designers, proving that couture doesn’t have to come from Paris to be powerful.
THE VISION: CULTURE MEETS COUTURE
“We aren’t just playing dress-up. We’re performing a full triage of the fashion entrepreneur.” – Saige Thomas
For Saige Thomas, President and Executive Producer of the Texas Fashion Industry Initiative (TFII), global fashion begins with community and purpose. “Why wouldn’t we want to share San Antonio’s beauty with the rest of the world?” she asks. Her journey—from producing NYFW shows for Mumbai’s Archana Kochhar to launching culturally rich runway experiences here in Texas—proves that international fashion and regional identity don’t have to compete. They can collaborate.
Through TFII, Saige is setting a new standard: one that supports designers from all backgrounds with education, contracts, transparency, and opportunity. “We include dietary preferences on our model forms because everyone deserves to feel seen and respected,” she says. Her attention to detail reflects a deeper mission—to create a sustainable, inclusive, and globally aware fashion ecosystem in San Antonio. ■
