Texas State University opens “The Selena Effect” exhibit celebrating Selena’s life and career, featuring rare photos and fashion items until December 2026.
SAN MARCOS, Texas — It’s been more than three decades since the death of Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla Perez, but her fans are in as great a number as ever.
Texas State University’s Wittliff Collections has opened a special exhibit celebrating her life and career. “The Selena Effect” features photos from her former publicist Ramon Hernandez, renowned photographers Al Rendon, John Dyer, Scott Newton and Sylvia Reyes; art pieces by David Zamora Casas, Marc Burckhardt and Sara Hickman.
In addition to being a gifted singer, Selena was also a proficient fashion designer. She designed many of her own outfits herself, as well as worked closely with those in the fashion industry. The Texas State exhibit also features original Selena fashion sketches, outfits, fashion accessories and a diary from her close friend and fashion designer Martin Gomez.
The university says many of the items are on display for the first time. They will be at the museum until December of 2026. The museum is planning a special event Sept. 25 with Martin Gomez.
The Queen of Tejano’s career was just taking off in the mid-90’s when she was murdered by the president of her fan club, Yolanda Saldivar. Since then, Selena has been celebrated as a pop culture icon and a groundbreaking artist in the Tejano music world. Several films and TV series and documentaries have explored her life.
Saldivar is currently serving a life sentence for murder after being denied parole in March of 2025.