Schieffer alumnus John VanBeber ‘18 is turning his passion for fashion into a growing luxury streetwear and jewelry brand. VanBeber, who grew up in Arlington and graduated from TCU, co-founded Aethera alongside fellow North Texas native Lane Hitt after the pair connected in New York’s modeling industry.
The brand was recently featured at ATX Fashion Week’s pop-up market in Austin and has grown from a 19-piece jewelry collection into a broader apparel and accessories line inspired by both New York fashion culture and Texas roots.
In a recent Fort Worth Report feature, VanBeber reflected on his journey from TCU to New York, the challenges of pursuing fashion in Texas and the vision behind Aethera.
Read more in the Fort Worth Report: https://fortworthreport.org/2026/05/15/two-dfw-natives-bring-their-luxury-streetwear-brand-back-to-texas/