The Gallatin School of Individualized Study showcased their annual fashion show, with the theme “Canvas to Couture,” at the Jerry H. Labowitz Theater for the Performing Arts on Feb. 28. The show’s theme revolved around the interaction of art and fashion from various time periods and artistic styles. A total of 15 students, alumni and faculty participated in the making of the show, each designer contributing their own unique interpretation of the given theme.
Prior to the show, Brooklyn-based artist Gabriel Specter took the stage and discussed his artwork and recent collaboration with Prada for their Spring/Summer 2014 collection. Specter is well-known for his public graffiti artwork in major cities around the world, which caught the attention of Miuccia Prada herself, who invited him to create a mural for the runway. Specter explained that he wanted to portray the concept of strength in women through the mural, and his creation was also reprinted on Prada’s garments and accessories.
Other collections were inspired by movements including the Baroque style and the concept of “Muse in Art,” demonstrating Gallatin’s endless talent and creativity.
Gallatin sophomore Rachel Wang’s collection “Sagrada Familia Alucinante” drew heavily from characteristics of the Sagrada Familia chapel in Barcelona, and was influenced by artists of the neo-Gothic era of the turn of the century, such as Antoni Gaudí. Wang’s standout piece was a blue silk mini dress with translucent vinyl accents on the neckline and sides of the dress, mirroring the architecture of the chapel.
Tori Holbrook, a Gallatin sophomore, presented a collection titled “AMUSE,” which concentrated more on the inspirations for artists — the muse. Along with a fashion video made by Holbrook, the collection consisted of delicate lingerie-like pieces conveying the outward confidence of the muse in contrast to an artist’s vulnerability due to public evaluation.
The fashion show also exhibited a number of original art pieces, ranging from a Yayoi Kusama-inspired headwear collection to sculptural installations. Recent alumna Chloe Byrne’s fashion film caught the attention of many audience members with its “Where the Sun Hits Your Cheeks” music video, which featured sculptural accessories influenced by the honeybee. The pieces mimicked physical features of a bee, using gold metal and honeycomb patterns to construct the pieces.
CAS senior Pria Shah was impressed by the theme of the event.
“The designers did a great job of highlighting the symbiosis of fashion and art,” Shah said. “I really enjoyed seeing how the designer’s aesthetics contrasted one another under this common theme.”
This year’s Gallatin fashion show displayed numerous interpretations of art in fashion. All collections and art pieces demonstrated high craftsmanship and originality. Overall, the show was outstanding, so be sure to check out next year’s show and experience it for yourself.
A version of this article appeared in the Monday, March 3 print edition. Yujin Ryeo is a contributing writer. Email her at [email protected].