Fashion And Grappling Are Poised To Cross Over At This Year’s SXSW Festival
Whether it’s the groundbreaking aesthetic of Gorgeous George, the peacockery of “Macho Man” Randy Savage, or the outrageous attires of Seth Rollins, fashion has always played a huge role in professional wrestling. On March 9, a new light will shine on that side of the industry as PWI’s own Candace Cordelia will be hosting a fashion and wrestling-themed panel at the famous SXSW festival in Austin, Texas.
“Over the past several years I’ve noticed an uptick in interest in what people within the wrestling industry were wearing both inside and outside the ring,” Cordelia says. “Over time, I’ve kept a watchful eye on style and gear design in the industry. It really became a thing for me after seeing how many fans began to positively respond to the styles of so many wrestlers.”
The diverse and first-of-its-kind panel will be called “Fashion & Wardrobe Design/Styling In Professional Wrestling,” and is set to feature some of the top outfitters and experts in wrestling style. Already announced for the panel are Troi Haynes (King Troi), Sarath Ton (Mikaze), and Yolanda Jernigan (Yolanda The Designer), all of whom have extensive experience designing in- and out-of- ring gear for some of the top names in wrestling.
With resumes like theirs, it’s unsurprising that Cordelia is effusive in her praise of the guest speakers.
“All three panelists, King Troi, Sarath Ton, and Yolanda The Designer, have years upon years of experience across major and independent wrestling promotions when it comes to design and styling,” she says. “Between all three, they’ve worked with a sizeable number of wrestlers, and their work continues to be seen on an international level. They also work outside of the wrestling industry, which should also be celebrated. Fashion, costume, and gear design, along with fashion styling, appear as glamorous pursuits, and they are. But it’s also extremely hard work … and they’ve logged in hundreds of hours to make the wrestlers we know and love shine in the squared circle, on red carpets, and beyond.”
Pro wrestling has always been a highly visual medium. And throughout the years, more and more grapplers have found the importance in expressing themselves through their attires. The SXSW panel will be a great opportunity to find out more about this artistic side of the sport, while also hearing first-hand accounts of just exactly what inspired some of the famous garb grapplers wear.
“People should check out the panel for many reasons,” Cordelia enthuses. “It’s the only panel of its kind at this year’s SXSW, and I don’t believe a panel such as this has ever been presented there in general. It’s also a diverse panel, and now, more than ever, it’s important to showcase diversity in its many forms. We are going to talk about each panelist’s career journey, the work they are proud of, and what we can expect in the future of wrestling style, fashion, and design. I’m sure there will also be tips on how someone interested in becoming a fashion stylist or designer in wrestling could get started in the field!”
More information on the panel can be found at the below link:
SXSW 2025 Schedule | Fashion & Wardrobe Design/Styling in Professional Wrestling
You can follow Candace Cordelia on X at @candacecordelia
King Troi can be found on Instagram at instagram.com/kingtroi
Sarath Ton can be found on Instagram here
Yolanda The Designer can be found on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/gimicks247
