Amanda Solis to Perform in Recreated Selena Costumes for UT Austin Thesis Event Honoring the Icon’s Legacy

AUSTIN, Texas — Tejano and Latin pop singer Amanda Solis will soon bring three recreated costumes inspired by Selena Quintanilla-Pérez to life on stage as part of a special thesis presentation at The University of Texas at Austin, celebrating the enduring influence of the Queen of Tejano on March 12, 2026.

The event, titled “Fabricating an Icon: Technologies of Historic Costume Recreation in Selena Quintanilla-Pérez’s Legacy,” is the Master of Fine Arts thesis project of costume technology student Matthew Smith. Developed through the university’s Theatre and Dance Department in the Live Design and Production M.F.A. program, the performance lecture will explore the art, technology, and collaboration behind recreating three of Selena’s most recognizable stage outfits.

Smith’s project combines historical research, textile experimentation, and costume engineering to recreate the legendary singer’s iconic purple jumpsuit, ruffled stage ensemble, and distinctive green “penguin tail” outfit. The work is informed by direct conversations with Martín Gómez, the designer responsible for many of Selena’s original stage looks, offering insight into the creative partnership that helped shape the singer’s visual identity.

For Solis, a Houston-based Tejano and Latin pop artist known for her heartfelt Selena tribute performances, the collaboration has been both meaningful and inspiring.

“These are not just outfits you go buy at a store,” Solis explained in a recent social media video documenting the process. “He is custom making everything from scratch. This is couture, and this is his master’s degree — the beginning of the rest of his life. I feel so honored to be part of that.”

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The presentation will trace Smith’s practice-based research process, highlighting the often unseen craftsmanship behind costume design and construction. Using modern costume technology and custom-developed textiles, Smith has recreated materials that are no longer commercially available, dyeing fabrics and engineering details to closely match Selena’s originals.

The 60-minute performance lecture will culminate in a live musical segment featuring Solis, who will perform one Selena song in each recreated look. By wearing the garments in motion on stage, the project moves beyond museum-style display and emphasizes costume as a living, embodied art form.

“I told him these outfits need to be seen worn,” Solis shared. “So I’ll be performing in them while he’s being tested for his master’s degree. That’s incredible.”

A question-and-answer session with Smith and Solis will follow the presentation.

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Smith, a third-year Costume Technology M.F.A. candidate born and raised in Texas, says his fascination with Selena began early. He first encountered her legacy at age five after watching the Selena biopic and later visiting the Selena Museum growing up. Today, his professional costume work spans productions across the United States, including Off-Broadway and regional L.O.R.T. theatres, as well as collaborations with organizations such as the Houston Ballet, Baltimore Center Stage, Everyman Theatre, and the Santa Fe Opera.

The event will take place at the Lab Theatre on the UT Austin campus and is free to attend, though seating is limited.

Beyond her tribute performances, Solis continues building her own career in music and film. The Houston-based artist released her debut album Space Vaquera in 2024, expanding her presence in the Tejano and Latin pop scene while continuing to honor the artist who inspired her journey.

“Of course there’s only one Selena,” Solis said. “Nobody could ever fill her shoes. I’m just grateful to celebrate her legacy in such a unique way.”

Event Details:
Fabricating an Icon: Thesis Performance Lecture by Matthew Smith
Thursday, March 12, 2026, 7:30 pm
Lab Theatre — The University of Texas at Austin
303 E. 24th St., Austin, TX
Free admission (limited seating)

Tickets can be reserved online through TicketTailor.com.

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