Fashion Glitter: The Walking Art - models acted what they wear

The Department of Art, Art History, and Design at Michigan State University held its 2014 Annual Apparel and Textile Design Student Fashion Show on Saturday, March 15, 2014 in the Pasant Theatre at the Wharton Center.

The evening was a cutting edge fashion show featuring the creative explorations of emerging designers studying Apparel & Textile Design in the Department of Art, Art History, and Design within the College of Arts and Letters at Michigan State University.

Held annually, this juried runway show was a culmination of creative explorations ranging from classic to avant garde fashion. Before the runway premier, the students were actively engaged in the design and construction process for several months. Outside the studio these designers worked with faculty to plan the show from A to Z. From model casting calls to the designer jury process, the show represents a significant professional development opportunity for these future fashion designers.

The Michigan State University Apparel and Textile Design program emphasizes creativity and experimentation that mingles design with art. Students combine fine art, couture, and technical design to create original garments, which reflect an understanding of global issues such as sustainability and cultural dress.

MSU’s 2014 Annual ATD Fashion Show was an exquisite display of what is called, walking art. Designed by students in MSU’s Apparel & Textile Design program, the show was impressively organized, even including choreographed models who “acted out” how their looks were to be portrayed to the audience.

Everyone was in awe, anxiously awaiting the next piece of art to snap. It was amazing to see such great talent being displayed in an atmosphere filled with open- minded onlookers and true admirers of art, freedom of expression and fashion.

Awards were presented at the end of the runway show. The judging panel includes: Michigan State University alumna Karen Rasmussen (Design Director for Target), Alisa Henriquez (Associate Professor of Painting at Michigan State University), Michelle Word (Teaching Specialist and Outreach / Programming Coordinator at Michigan State University), and Candace Keller (Assistant Professor of Art History and Visual Culture at Michigan State University).

An exciting addition to the show was the inclusion of designs displayed in the lobby and an Accessories Exhibition.

From the 42 designers who had pieces on the runway as well as off, in the lobby on display, to the makeup artists, hair stylists, stylists, the 80 models who strutted their stuff throughout the evening, to the set up staff, and the directors and organizers of the entire event, it was definitely a show to remember.