Triumph over tragedy: Houston fashion designer releases survivor collection in wake of Hurricane Harvey

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A Houston fashion designer is celebrating triumph over tragedy with his latest collection.

O'Rhonde' Chapman has released the "Survivor Collection," described as three, elegant, high-fashion looks. Chapman says it was created as an inspiration for those who have survived tragedies around the world in 2017, including one that hits close to home: Hurricane Harvey.

Chapman says he lived in the Memorial area at the time and walked through chest-high water. He lost his car, clothes and home, but that loss is also what motivated him.

"In that moment, I realized you have a choice. You have a choice to shut down and mope or you can pick up your fragments and pieces and create," Chapman said.

The colors in the collection are dark, which Chapman explains was done on purpose to represent the "devastation that we go through in life that work together to beautify us & mold us into the masterpieces we were created to be."

Along with dedicating the collection to Hurricane Harvey victims, Chapman is also using it to honor those who have survived other major events such as Hurricanes Irma and Maria, the Las Vegas shooting, the Sutherland Springs shooting, and the California wildfires.

"I wanted to be that voice for everybody here and show that we can come together and overcome things despite tragedy," Chapman said.

Chapman used a printed micro-suede stretch material, black satin and layered netting throughout the three dresses in the collection.

Watch the video above to see all of the looks.

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