MacArthur High School Fashion Design Students Bring Holiday Magic to the Stage

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MacArthur High School’s Fashion Design III students brought their skills from the classroom to center stage in December, debuting custom-designed costume jackets for a production ofThe Nutcracker. The Houston Repertoire Ballet commissioned the advanced students to design the white soldiers’ jackets for their beloved holiday production. 

Led by Fashion Design instructor Ebony McCan, third-year students spent their fall semester designing, constructing, and perfecting garments under the same expectations and standards as the professional costume industry. The experience challenged students to apply advanced tailoring, pattern modification, embellishment, and garment construction techniques.

“Let’s celebrate our 3rd-year Fashion Design students here at MacArthur! They created the white soldier jackets that will be worn in The Nutcracker this December,” said McCan. 

Recognizing their craftsmanship, the Houston Repertoire Ballet invited MacArthur students to attend the performance as honored guests — a rare opportunity to see their work live and appreciated by Houston audiences. 

Senior Guadalupe Crispin reflected on the excitement of having her fashion designs showcased at such a prestigious event, calling it “an amazing feeling.”

“Seeing my work on stage is truly exhilarating,” Crispin said. “To witness my designs come to life for such a significant event is incredibly validating and inspires me to explore new areas of creativity.”

The project showcased the practical experiences offered by Aldine ISD’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, preparing students with technical skills and real-world opportunities. Dr. Kathyanne Sheffield, CTE Director, expressed enthusiasm for  MacArthur High School’s participation in the production, and the strength of its Fashion Design program under Ebony McCan.

“Being trusted by the Houston Repertoire Ballet to embark upon this project demonstrates that students are developing industry-level skills and are prepared to meet real-world expectations,” said Sheffield. 

“This opportunity reflects the overall goals of Aldine ISD’s CTE programs—providing hands-on, authentic learning experiences that connect classroom instruction to careers. Through projects like this, students gain practical experience, build professional confidence, and see the real impact of their work, preparing them for future success in college and the workforce.”

From classroom to stage — join us in celebrating the creativity, talent, and hard work of MacArthur’s Fashion Design students!