A bustling crowd dressed in formal attire, lively jazz melodies from a four-piece band and models presenting designer looks curated the vibrant atmosphere in the Contemporary Art Museum of Raleigh for the Threads Fashion Gala 2024.
For student designers presenting at the show, the gala celebrates four years of hard work and long studio hours. Seniors in the fashion development and product management (FDPM) concentration of the fashion and textile management major can choose to take Threads, an elective course that covers the entire design process from concept to showcase. Designers participate in three critiques throughout the semester and exhibit their final collections at the Threads Fashion Gala.
“Threads is a great way to show that you have the whole gamut of skills that you need in product development, including pattern making, computer-aided design, fittings, alterations, construction and sourcing,” says Emily Law, assistant teaching professor and Threads instructor. “It also sets students apart because they have a great portfolio at the end. It’s a really impactful learning and growing experience.”
Expanding skills and techniques
In comparison to a traditional runway show, the final gala encourages guests to engage with designers and their collections. Each student is assigned a section of the museum to present their collection, direct models and connect with visitors.
This semester, 13 students participated in the course. The professional-quality collections drew inspiration from a variety of themes spanning everything from theater architecture to the fictional city of Atlantis.
[CIV-MIL], designed by Owen James, is a collection based on the term “civilian-military relationship” which examines the dynamic between civil society and the military.
“I’ve always been interested in history, past wars and the military. I’ve always appreciated the design used in old military uniforms, specifically the colors and the fabrics.”
The looks, which James describes as a “clash of streetwear and uniform,” utilize classic elements of military gear while prioritizing comfort and functionality for everyday wear.
“I’m basing a lot of my patterns and silhouettes off of old military uniforms and then adding my own spin on things. My idea of functionality is a lot of pockets, velcro and zippers. I wanted to add them where they can be used without taking away from the design or the silhouette.”
Because of the collection’s emphasis on clean and functional construction, James spent the summer practicing techniques to bring his collection to life.
“When I showed Dr. Law my plans during the spring semester, she told me to continue to hone my skills, practice and know that I’m able to do it. In my past four years of classes in FDPM, I learned the basics. From last summer to now, I’ve learned more than I could have ever imagined.”
Exploring creativity and craftsmanship
Though students face many challenges in learning to manage such a multifaceted project, their dedication and creativity are reflected in the high-quality work presented at the gala.
“The most rewarding part is the showcase, because the students get this real-time interaction with their audience. For me, it’s also really rewarding to help the students bring a vision to life because for a lot of them making a collection is something they’ve always wanted to do,” Law says.
Lexi Cunningham found inspiration in architectural theater design. Her collection “Proscenium” is named after the distinct arch that frames the stage and separates the performers from the audience.
“I grew up doing ballet for about 10 years and I also studied abroad in Florence. I saw a couple of older theaters and I loved the craftsmanship, so that’s really what inspired me,” Cunningham says.
Emma Johnson’s collection “Atlantis” leaned on the ethereal nature of the underwater world. She incorporated elements inspired by the movement of water, the mythology of mermaids and the intricacy of shells. She reflects on her design process and how ideas evolved throughout the semester.
“Sometimes you picture things in your head and you have to pivot, but that’s turned into the most exciting aspect, seeing how ideas fluctuate from start to end,” Johnson says. “It’s been a great joy going through the Threads program and so inspiring working with other designers. I hope everyone in the FDPM program gets the chance to do it.”
- Categories:
