A wrestler's gear or outfit for a segment is an important part of a wrestler's character. While we mostly see it in the ring, it's also important for public appearances like the "RAW on Netflix" premiere. For the first time ever at SXSW, wrestling and fashion will be showcased.
Hosted by Candace Smith of Pro Wrestling Illustrated, the panel features LA-based fashion stylist King Troi, seamster and costume designer Sarath Ton, and fashion/wrestling designer Yolanda The Designer. Collectively, their creative work spans most major wrestling promotions, including WWE, All Elite Wrestling, and TNA, on red carpets for movie and television premieres, and more.
“Over the years, I’ve witnessed a surge in interest not just for professional wrestling, but also in the fashionable looks seen on the wrestlers themselves both in and out of the ring,” says Candace Cordelia. “My panel at SXSW will shine a spotlight on three key industry players — King Troi, Sarath Ton, and Yolanda The Designer — whose enduring work in wrestling, entertainment, and fashion continue to help bring the visual identities of many celebrated athletes to life, while also exploring the broader cultural impact of fashion, design, and style in wrestling and beyond.”
Sarath Ton
Sarath Ton may be the most recognizable name on the panel. He has been a designer and seamster for WWE for years. He has created memorable gear for a who's who in the company, including newly crowned WWE Women's Champion IYO SKY, 2025 Royal Rumble winner "Main Event" Jey Uso, and WWE Women's Intercontinental Champion Lyra Valkyria,
This year, he co-created CM Punk's pink and black gear for the Royal Rumble. He also created gear for Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens, and Finn Balor, among others, for WrestleMania 40.
Yolanda the Designer
Yolanda The Designer wears many different hats, from fashion and wrestling gear designer to professor and public speaker. She designed Cody Rhodes's iconic gear from WrestleMania 39. This gear is even featured on his cover of WWE 2K24 (and the cover photo for this article). She's also created gear for the former Maximum Male Models and for Kip Sabian.
King Troi
LA-based fashion stylist is the person behind the iconic looks of Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins. Most of the outfits you've seen them in have been styled by Troi. He even styled them and their daughter, Roux, for the Moana 2 premiere.
When RAW debuted on Netflix, it was a star-studded affair. We got to see wrestlers glammed up outside of the ring, including Bayley, Ludwig Kaiser, and SmackDown Women's Champion, Tiffany Stratton.
When you're debuting in a new company, you have to look good. This is especially true when you're a former multi-time champion. King Troi knew exactly how to style Bobby Lashley for his AEW debut last year.
The Fashion and Wardrobe Design/Styling in Professional Wrestling panel is at 4 PM CT on March 9 at the Austin Convention Center. SXSW attendees can RSVP for tickets on their website.