FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – University of Arkansas alumnus Raul Torres, a fashion designer in Dallas, is the featured guest designer for the annual “Metal & Shine AMPD Benefit Fashion Show” on April 20 at the Fayetteville Town Center.

The show benefits the apparel merchandising and product development program in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas. A social hour begins at 6 p.m. followed by the show at 7 p.m.

Jay Plyburn, morning and news anchor for KFSM-TV will emcee the show.

About 40 students in the spring semester Advanced Apparel Production course have made patterns, designed and created garments to be featured in the show.

Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door. U of A student tickets are $10. Tickets can be purchased in Room 205C of the Human Environmental Sciences Building on campus from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. All checks should be made out to the University of Arkansas Foundation.

In addition to tickets, sponsorships for the show are also available. The Haute Couture level is $200, and includes four reserved seats and mention on run of show. The Couture level is $150, and includes two reserved seats and mention on run of show.

Proceeds from the show help fund student study tours in the School of Human Environmental Science’s apparel program.

For more information, call 479-575-5146 or email hesc@uark.edu.

Raul Torres

Torres, who originally studied graphic design, graduated from the Bumpers College apparel program in 2011 and moved to Dallas for an internship with a designer. He is creator and owner of the Rullie Torres Collection, which includes bridal, formal and avant-garde designs.

His interest dates back to watching his mother make dresses and costumes for his sisters, and visiting bridal stores owned by an uncle.

“Being an emerging fashion designer has its challenges, but that’s what I’ve always wanted to do,” said Torres.

He has participated in fashion shows in Dallas, New York City, Northwest Arkansas and Little Rock.

About the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences: Bumpers College provides life-changing opportunities to position and prepare graduates who will be leaders in the businesses associated with foods, family, the environment, agriculture, sustainability and human quality of life; and who will be first-choice candidates of employers looking for leaders, innovators, policy makers and entrepreneurs. The college is named for Dale Bumpers, former Arkansas governor and longtime U.S. senator who made the state prominent in national and international agriculture.

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among only 2 percent of universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.