Come as Thou Art' fashion show graces the stage at Brooks Museum
Event poster for "Come As Thou Art: Shakespearean Masquerade"
at the Memphis
Brooks Museum of Art.
Photo Credits: Cameran Crutcher.
By Cameran Crutcher
Oct. 3, 2025
Memphis designer and University of Memphis professor Ramona Sonin transformed the Brooks Museum into a place of fantasy, Sep. 26, as her “Come as Thou Art” fashion show returned for its second year.
This year's event was Shakespearean themed, while the runway show showcased fairies, faes, or sprites. Alongside Sonins' designs, five Memphis-based designers competed for a spot in Memphis Art and Fashion Week’s 2026 runway.
“Tonight truly felt magical,” said Ramona Sonin. “ Each collection brought its own energy to the runway. I always say every show is special, but this one really was.”
Designer Ramona Sonin adjusts final details backstage before the
"Come As Thou Art"
show begins. Photo Credit: Cameran Crutcher.
Each designer interpreted the Shakespearean fairy tale theme through their own lens.Mia Williamson presented a handcrafted crochet fairy piece layered with moss. Lucia Hall, a costume designer, debuted her first original piece, taking on a regal fairy inspired by scarabs. Moxie Macabre drew from the yew tree’s rich mythology, while “Pedro” Base, a recent refugee to Memphis, wove Middle Eastern influences into his dark, exotic fairy design.
Rapper and designer BreZay fused streetwear with fantasy, a look she said symbolized growth and self-expression. “Streetwear can grow into art,” she said.
Designers Mia Williamson, Pedro Base, BreZay, Moxie Macabre, and Lucia Hall showcase their Shakespearean-inspired fairy designs during the “Come As Thou Art” fashion show at the Brooks Museum. Photo by Cameran Crutcher.
After the designers, Sonin unveiled her collection of four pieces crafted by her own hands. Each is named after Shakespearean characters such as Ophelia, Cressida, a Siren, and Puck.
Designer Ramona Sonin poses with two models wearing her handmade Shakespearean-inspired looks, including pieces named Ophelia and Puck, during the “Come As Thou Art” show. Photo by Cameran Crutcher.
The event also included a costume contest featuring the following categories: Best Villain, Best Witch, Best Mask, Best Paramour, Best Betrayer, and Best Fool. University of Memphis fashion design student Givanny Gorostieta walked away with the Best Paramour, earning tickets to Macbeth.
University of Memphis fashion design student Givanny Gorostieta
wins the Best Paramour category during the costume contest at the
“Come As Thou Art” show.
Photo courtesy of Givanny.
The night concluded with the announcement of winners. Lucia Hall and BreZay were announced as the winners, securing their place in next year’s Memphis Art and Fashion Week.
Designers wait onstage as BreZay and Lucia Hall are announced as the winners of the 2025 “Come As Thou Art” fashion show at the Memphis Brooks Museum. Photo by Cameran Crutcher.
“They should be here next year, and if you weren't here this year, you missed out because we've had something you've never seen before,” said Joshua Nichols, the runway and backstage coordinator.
Contact Cameran Crutcher at cameranbcrutcher@yahoo.com