Fashion Is Art Pre-Showcase

Purple Ribbon garments.

Luminescence of a full moon peered through translucent clouds; a dramatic scene which set the tone for a grandiose event below. In a quiet corner of Georgia Southern’s campus, the Hospitality, Tourism, and Family & Consumer Sciences Building housed the Fashion Is Art Pre- Showcase, which served to exhibit garments masterfully created by designers of the DIMES Fashion Committee.

Malorie Polk,
Purple Garment.

 Models revamped sashays, make-up artists decorated beauties, and designers revised final looks as guests filled the modestly candlelit venue. Spectators occupied tables adorned with centerpieces which paralleled with the various scenes derived from DIMES’ Spring 2012 Fashion Is Art Show.  The show, set to occur in March, highlights the Gothic, Renaissance, Op, Surrealist, and Minimalist art movements through a fashion medium.

Jamina West,
Goth scene.

In addition to the sampling of the Spring show, the Pre-showcase also exposed designs commemorating October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The patient crowd murmured as DIMES scrambled to line up introductory speeches, musical cues, and models.

 A hush spread over the room; concentration was directed towards the door and the show began. A relaxed caravan of models poured in one-by-one, parading slowly enough for onlookers to dissect. Tones of lavender, lilac, and indigo garments mastered by Malorie Polk, Walter Dixon, Ashlea McDaniel, and Kiera Steed served as the appetizer of the night. The variety in hemlines, necklines, shades, and silhouettes gave the eye much to peruse.

Shannon Swan &
Ashlea McDaniel,
Op Art.

 After the chic, purple celebration, it was time to reveal the pre-show looks. Jamina West’s Goth inspired, lace-infused jumpsuit led the trail of looks, and expelled an edgy theme. Shortly afterwards appeared the asymmetrical, mesmerizing dress instigated by the Optical Art movement, concocted by power duo Ashlea McDaniel and Shannon Swan. An air of melodrama emerged as Kenny Olowoyo’s golden Renaissance-stimulated A-line dress made its debut, impeccably paired with a faux-fur coat. Last, but certainly not least, entered Laney Eckles’ crisp interpretation of the Minimalist movement – a polished, 50’s inspired shift.

Laney Eckles,
Minimalism.

Along with demonstrating the talents of the designers of DIMES, the night displayed the teamwork of the additional sectors that DIMES garners. Cosmetology’s innovative make-up techniques, graceful struts from Model Troupe, PR’s charismatic hosting, and Multimedia/Production’s accomplished ambiance were all synchronized to establish a successful event. “It’s a really good thing to see different people from different spectrums of the creative field come together,” commented DIMES Treasurer LeKae Ford. “When you have PR, you have multimedia, and all of the fields of DIMES coming together to produce an event, and it’s a very good look.” 
 

Kenny Olowoyo,
Renaissance.

Post-Show Commentary.
Malorie Polk (Designer): I loved that this DIMES event is more exclusive, private and formal, very much like actual fashion events that we’ll witness post-college.

 Angel Harmon (Public Relations): I think it went pretty well. I was in charge of the introductions speech. This is the second event that we’ve put on for the semester; it’s just the first fashion-related event. The first was the Project Purple Ribbon Domestic Violence Awareness Forum. I loved it, thought the clothes were great, and I can’t wait for the Spring show !

 Marla Rooker (Model, Kenny Olowoyo): The show was fun. I think [Kenny] applied the concept of Renaissance not too literally, but still managed to make it look good.

 Ashlea McDaniel (Designer): We feel very proud, and we’re even more excited for the big show. If you liked what you saw, you’ll see even more in the Spring show. The others designers did very well. Overall, everyone is very talented. It’s nice to see other people’s work.

Kiera Steed,
Surrealism/Purple Garment.

Shannon Swan (Designer): The show was great! All of the designers’ pieces were wonderful, and it was just overall a wonderful and fun atmosphere. We were interested in Op Art because of the black and white prints and the illusions and the designs. And we were just generally inspired by the art of that movement.

Kashia Knight (Productions): I’m very satisfied with the ambiance. We put our creativity into each individual table. I just hope that everyone got the feel of the whole experience.

Lauren Reid (Productions): I think it went well considering what we had to work with. It was last minute, but I think we put it together quite well. I just hope that it served its purpose and got everyone excited about the actual show in March. I’m really excited about the designers, and I was happy to see the clothing which was very well put together.

- Myleah "Marley" Allsop