It all started with the question, “How do you feel about fashion and robots?” A blend of interests between Professors Jason Archer and Mary Cyr formed the theme for the second-ever fashion show on campus, Threading Empathy.
Students and community members will make pieces that blend ideas of empathy and technology. This year’s theme is subject to the designers’ interpretations; they can pursue technology, empathy, or fashion in their own way. The theme’s ambiguity has helped garner more participation in the show. This is the first year that departments outside of the Visual Performing Arts are getting involved; some are even contributing robots for the runway. The local Girl Scout troop will also be participating in the show.
The show will run in McArdle Theatre starting at 7 p.m. on Feb. 13 and 15. There is no dress code; attendees can dress up or wear their everyday clothes.
The runway embraces empathy with its low-to-the-ground design, creating a sense of inclusion for the audience. Elements of technology and fashion are built into the runway. VPA students work to create a powerful sound system with original music. There will be a heavy focus on live projections and video, potentially using the technology to show crowd votes and excitement.
Two students, Tara Estrada and Iain Krull, are creating something unlike anyone has ever seen. They are making the piece out of reusable fabric and recycled plastics. They are looking to show where future fashion could go, arriving at something that is both masculine and feminine, visually defying gravity while creating a unique blend of old-fashioned and futuristic fashion.
The show runs every other spring with hopes of involving more community members in the next one. Anyone is welcome and encouraged to create a piece for the next show. The goal is to make this more of an event than a traditional 15-minute fashion show.