University of North Texas 
Michael W. Faircloth
Advancement Board
Advancement Board Member and Alumnus
Owner, Michael Faircloth Designs, Dallas
CVAD Alum: 1983, B.F.A. in Art with a concentration in Fashion Design
Namesake of the CVAD Michael W. Faircloth Fashion Design Program
About
Michael W. Faircloth (b. Sept. 4, 1959) is a native Texan and Dallas-based fashion designer who understands and appreciates the mystique surrounding Texas women and their fashion enthusiasm. Raised in Eastland and Yoakum, Texas, he began attending then-North Texas State University in Denton, Texas, in 1978.
Ballgown of gold silk duchess satin and silk by Michael W. Faircloth in 2006. Sweetheart
neck with center point and four-inch straps. Center panel of bodice is ivory silk
with heavy hand beading of gold, crystal, and silver sequins mixed with embroidery
in white in ornate floral pattern.
While earning his B.F.A., Faircloth jokes that he earned his "second degree" by working at Dallas' renowned Neiman Marcus. He credits both his academic and professional experiences for shaping his career — one devoted to designing to flatter the feminine form, instill confidence and enhance the beauty of the wearer.
After graduating in 1983, Faircloth established his first couture salon in Dallas — with a singular client. Today, his international clientele, drawn to his refined aesthetic and meticulous eye for detail, number in the thousands. In 1984, while continuing to work for Neiman Marcus, Faircloth established his custom fashion design company with designer Donna Smith. One of their first clients was Dallasite Faye Gould, who quickly became a long-term client.
Faircloth received local and national fashion design awards and recognition for work completed in his academic courses. During this time, he met high-profile designers including Karl Lagerfeld, Oscar de la Renta, Zandra Rhodes, Geoffrey Bean, Bob Mackie, and James Galanos. Early in his career, Faircloth also collaborated with local fabrics supplier Richard Brooks, Victor Costa’s custom clothing design, and Lilly and Bill Dodson as their in-house designer at Lilly Dodson in Highland Park, Texas, where he met Laura Bush.
Former First Lady Laura Bush catapulted Faircloth's name and talents into the forefront of the fashion arena when she chose him to design her 2001 Inauguration ballgown. The gown is now on permanent display in the “First Ladies Gown Collection” at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. Faircloth has enjoyed a long and convivial relationship with the Bush family, having designed for several of the family members during their decades-long association. Also in 2001, Faircloth received the Dallas Fashion Award from Fashion Group International at the Dallas Market Center.
In 2003, Faircloth received the Distinguished Alumni Award from UNT for career achievements, and his numerous contributions to the university and the Fashion Design program. He currently serves on the Advancement Board for the UNT College of Visual Arts and Design, and sponsors an annual student scholarship. In 2013, he established an in-house mentoring program to help emerging fashion designers build and maintain their own businesses.
Continuing to seek inspiration worldwide, Faircloth travels extensively to source the finest fabrics and hand embellishments. From his Dallas studio, he and his dedicated team — many of whom have been with him for over three decades — create bespoke garments for a distinguished clientele.