Fashion Without Fabric

By now, most people in Art and Design are familiar with “Fashion Without Fabric,” the annual, one-of-a-kind artistic event that takes place each spring. Many students have already experienced the challenge of putting together a wearable, functional piece that also dazzles. For anyone who hasn’t, we’ve got the inside scoop. Megan Kallevig, from Daniel Atyim’s 3D class, is one of the many students who took part on Saturday, April 13.

With a partner, Kallevig constructed a costume made with VHS tape, wire, hot glue and more than 2,000 googly eyes. The project took an estimated 60 hours to complete.

Kallevig said that the hardest part was in the planning stages when trying to come up with workable ideas.  The best part was when the piece was completed, “where you see what you made – and see that what you made works. It all pays off in the end.” From the experience, she said that she learned how to plan better and to be realistic, especially when working in three dimensions.

Students in 3D Design courses got to choose what they made as long as their creation fit with the theme. They consulted with their instructors to get suggestions on obstacles and challenges they might face with their designs.  Students had two weeks to construct their pieces.

The show featured nearly 80 different costumes, most of which were made by teams of two or three students. Many different types of materials were used including tarps, tablecloths, molded plastic, cardboard, paper, wire and, of course, duct tape. Most materials were provided, but specialty items –  such as the googly eyes Kallevig used – were purchased by the students.

After two weeks of construction, students took their creations through a dress rehearsal on the Thursday before the show. On the day of the event, they came early to have photos taken of each of the costumes. The show itself involved waiting backstage until it was their model’s turn to go, and then waiting for the judges to make a decision. Afterwards, the audience, creators, and models mingled at a packed reception in the Fireside Room.

For Kallevig, the experience was a positive one. Although she would have liked more time for construction, she said the process was fun and that she “would do it again. Differently.”

More than 700 people attended the event.

The event was even covered by Volume One magazine. To see their article, follow this link: http://volumeone.org/photos/sets/2013/04/15/1509_fashion_without_fabric_2013-1

-hdm