Artist transforms Whataburger packaging into a retro dress 

Heather Smith, an artist in Denton, Texas, knows how to make a fashion statement. One of her latest creations—a 1950s-inspired dress made entirely from Whataburger packaging—proved that orange is always in style. 

Ahead of the 2025 Texas State Fair, Smith chose to celebrate Whataburger’s 75th anniversary in a unique way. So she set out to design a dress that harkened back to the company's early days, using paper and plastic bags, apple pie boxes, and even styrofoam cups. 

This summer, Smith reached out to a location in Denton, Texas, to collect materials, promising the team she’d return to flaunt the finished product. 

When the look was complete, she surprised the team by showing up with her model—hair, makeup, and dress all perfectly styled to fit the retro theme. Tying the whole look together was a “Flying W” belt and an era-appropriate, diner-style paper hat. 

Operating Partner Breeana Seelig and her crew, who supplied the Whataburger packaging, were amazed by the transformation. 

“This is honestly what Whataburger is all about,” Seelig said. “It’s about connection, creativity, and celebrating the joy our brand brings to people’s lives. We were so honored to be part of her vision.”