From Faith to Fashion: Christian Henderson Lends ‘Testimony’ to Fashion Show

April 14, 2026

For most fashion designers, threading a needle is a mundane task. For Christian Henderson, it was once a mountain he wasn't sure he could climb.

Each year, Dallas College holds its Future of Fashion show to highlight student designs while providing a real-world, immersive experience. A live runway show is paired with pop-up and retail exhibits.

Henderson is one of the Fashion Design Program seniors who will show a full collection at Astoria Event Venue on April 23. His nine-garment collection marks the pinnacle of a challenging journey.

Henderson began taking art classes at El Centro Campus toward the end of the pandemic, unsure of what he really wanted for his career.  When he discovered Dallas College offered a fashion design program, he decided to take a chance.

“It was a huge learning curve as I had no experience,” he said.

Plus, Henderson lives with a visual impairment called nystagmus. The condition causes rapid, uncontrollable eye movements. It makes the close-up work of sewing a challenge, and it has also affected his self-confidence over the years.

“I have adapted and I work on it every day. When I first got here, I couldn’t see to thread the needle. My friend had to help me,” said Henderson, who wears special headgear that allows him to better focus on the stitches.

A turning point arrived about mid-way through the program with a garment he titled ‘testimony.’ For Henderson, the piece was more than a grade; it was a physical representation of the faith that had carried him through his darkest moments.

Now, he’s learned to view nystagmus not as a hindrance, but as a guide. Not only has it made him appreciate the vision he does have and cherish every sunrise, but he realizes it brought him to this moment.

“I think if I didn’t have this visual impairment, I wouldn’t be where I am right now; I wouldn’t have met the people I know,” he said.

He credits those people for their support and Dallas College for pushing him to be better at his craft.

“At Dallas College, they keep us on tight deadlines and push us to grow and work together as a community. We learn how to work with others despite our differences in taste and style,” said Henderson. “From the first class to ready to wear, all the way up to collections, the program prepares and propels us toward real world experiences in the industry.”

Henderson served as president of the fashion club during his time at El Centro, alongside vice president Angelica Villamil.

“I truly could not have asked for a better partner. We were able to create a safe space for my fellow classmates to grow and thrive,” he said, adding that he dearly loves the students of El Centro.

This is especially true when it comes to the annual Future of Fashion show. Fashion Design Department Lead Professor Emmanuel Tobias is ultimately in charge, but the students manage all aspects of the production. As a senior, Henderson has taken on more of an advisory role this year as he focuses on showing his own collection.

Henderson’s designs are influenced by the Bible and his love for anime.

“I design from what I believe, not just what I see. Every piece is meant to remind people of strength, purpose and identity. I stay away from the typical silhouettes and focus on fullness rather than fit,” he said, adding that they are designed to be unisex and can be worn by any size or shape.

Even this early in his career, Henderson has already had a taste of success. Together with one of his classmates, Marcus “Meechie” Johnson, they created looks for the R&B group Total for their 2025 tour. Henderson also created a custom removable cape for a wedding client and completed an internship with Dallas-based clothing brand Levenity.

“I’m not the same kid who first came here. I was socially awkward and didn't talk at all. It really has changed me,” he said.

After graduation in May, Henderson will focus on strengthening his faith and growing his brand. Eventually, he would like to start his own studio where he will act as a fashion design consultant and also provide an open lab for Dallas College students.

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