2008 Woodie Awards
Fashion as art: Fashion a la Mode provides student a chance to showcase skills
Jeff Sistrunk
Issue date: 4/21/08 Section: Life & Style
UA apparel studies students Mersey Fulper-Smith and Summer Daniel want to pursue careers in the world of fashion. On Thursday, April 24, they, along with other aspiring designers, will have the opportunity to show off their cutting-edge designs.
The Fashion a la Mode Runway Show, sponsored by the University Programs Anne Kittrell Art Gallery, is the brainchild of gallery coordinator Zachary Mosley and his friend and associate Betsy Kordsmeier.
"The concept for this show started with the idea that fashion is an art medium that is underrepresented," Mosley said.
After several meetings with Kordsmeier, the foundation for what would become Fashion a la Mode was laid down, Mosley said.
Unlike many similar events, Fashion a la Mode will not be a competition.
"We want to present this as more of an exhibit than a contest," Mosley said. "I want it to represent clothing designs without limitations."
The event is open to all students who wish to exhibit their designs. All apparel mediums are acceptable and will be given an equal chance to be displayed.
"[Everything] from original hand-crafted pieces to modifications of existing pieces of clothing will be accepted," Mosley said. "We definitely hope to see a wide variety of student ideas and expressions. It will be like a study in clothing as art."
More than two-dozen students have signed up to participate, and there is no limit for those wanting to be involved. Participation was confirmed on March 5 and a work-in-progress was presented on April 9.
The event has captured the imagination of many students, both experienced and inexperienced.
"My plan is to design two vintage-style dresses," said Daniel, a senior. "But if school gets too insane, I'll only design one."
Daniel had previously submitted designs for two other fashion shows, one at Scarpino's in late December and the other at George's Majestic Lounge on January 26.
For others such as freshman Fulper-Smith, Fashion a la Mode will be an introduction into the ins and outs of runway shows.
"I signed up for Fashion a la Mode because I saw it as a great opportunity to practice exactly what I want to do for a living," she said. "I had not sewn on a machine before this semester, but I figured that entering a piece in the fashion show would be the perfect goal to pursue."
In addition to providing a public setting for the designers to display their wares, Fashion a la Mode will allow those interested in fashion to network and interact. There will be a social event between April 9 and April 24 for the participants to meet and share their ideas, Mosley said.
Fashion a la Mode will take place during lunch hours Thursday, April 24, in the Union Connections Lounge. Prior to the runway show, there will be music and several local apparel shops will have booths set up for promotion.
The Fashion a la Mode Runway Show, sponsored by the University Programs Anne Kittrell Art Gallery, is the brainchild of gallery coordinator Zachary Mosley and his friend and associate Betsy Kordsmeier.
"The concept for this show started with the idea that fashion is an art medium that is underrepresented," Mosley said.
After several meetings with Kordsmeier, the foundation for what would become Fashion a la Mode was laid down, Mosley said.
Unlike many similar events, Fashion a la Mode will not be a competition.
"We want to present this as more of an exhibit than a contest," Mosley said. "I want it to represent clothing designs without limitations."
The event is open to all students who wish to exhibit their designs. All apparel mediums are acceptable and will be given an equal chance to be displayed.
"[Everything] from original hand-crafted pieces to modifications of existing pieces of clothing will be accepted," Mosley said. "We definitely hope to see a wide variety of student ideas and expressions. It will be like a study in clothing as art."
More than two-dozen students have signed up to participate, and there is no limit for those wanting to be involved. Participation was confirmed on March 5 and a work-in-progress was presented on April 9.
The event has captured the imagination of many students, both experienced and inexperienced.
"My plan is to design two vintage-style dresses," said Daniel, a senior. "But if school gets too insane, I'll only design one."
Daniel had previously submitted designs for two other fashion shows, one at Scarpino's in late December and the other at George's Majestic Lounge on January 26.
For others such as freshman Fulper-Smith, Fashion a la Mode will be an introduction into the ins and outs of runway shows.
"I signed up for Fashion a la Mode because I saw it as a great opportunity to practice exactly what I want to do for a living," she said. "I had not sewn on a machine before this semester, but I figured that entering a piece in the fashion show would be the perfect goal to pursue."
In addition to providing a public setting for the designers to display their wares, Fashion a la Mode will allow those interested in fashion to network and interact. There will be a social event between April 9 and April 24 for the participants to meet and share their ideas, Mosley said.
Fashion a la Mode will take place during lunch hours Thursday, April 24, in the Union Connections Lounge. Prior to the runway show, there will be music and several local apparel shops will have booths set up for promotion.
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